



Client:
Qantas Airways Limited
Location:
Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Completion:
Opened December 2025
Size:
1700sqm
Collaborators
Caon Design Office, Simon James Design, Akin Atelier
Photographer
Brent Winstone
Contact:
Céili Murphy
The design concept for the Qantas International Lounge at Auckland Airport embodies local qualities of optimism, warmth, authenticity and restraint.
These elements are brought to life through the design ethos of the airline, resulting in a unique, welcoming space that offers passengers a rewarding and relaxing experience.
The outcome incorporates multiple distinct zones such as a space for dining, quiet retreats, a kids’ zone, and a bar lounge anchored by a feature green wall of herbs used in the cocktail menu.
The footprint of the new lounge is 60% larger than the previous space, with room for more than 370 customers across dedicated zones for dining, relaxing and working.
Materials with a sense of place
Rich, natural and tactile materials speak to both the Qantas brand language and the local area’s spirit of place. Together, they invite passengers to take a moment of rest and relaxation before the journey ahead.
Our material selections demonstrate a commitment to locally designed and sustainably sourced elements:
-The materials embody the country’s landscape along with its sense of optimism, warmth, authenticity and restraint.
-Globally sourced materials were crafted in partnership with New Zealand suppliers following sustainable practices.
-The custom carpet in a New Zealand wool blend brings provides both natural warmth and acoustic comfort.
-Local artisans crafted the unique, hand-blown glass elements in the feature walls and lighting.
-Inspired by native fauna, planters throughout promote a sense of wellbeing and connection through biophilia.
Bespoke design and art
Caon Design Office worked closely with local brand Simon James to craft a series of bespoke furniture pieces including a new lounge chair upholstered in wool and leather.
Additional furniture from the Simon James catalogue features across the lounge, elevating the connection to local craft and design.
The façade of the new lounge features a rendered wall, perforated with illuminated portholes referencing the design language of other Qantas spaces while offering glimpses into the lounge from the concourse.
The porthole concept is reinterpreted in the interiors via a green wall of live, native flora and herbal plants in homage to the iconic garden wall found in the Sydney First Class lounge.
Unique arts works commissioned from an Australian artist will showcase striking Aotearoa landscapes.
Photography: Brent Winstone




Client:
Qantas Airways Limited
Location:
Auckland, New Zealand (Aotearoa)
Completion:
Opened December 2025
Size:
1700sqm
Collaborators
Caon Design Office, Simon James Design, Akin Atelier
Photographer
Brent Winstone
Contact:
Céili Murphy