Air New Zealand reveals new nature-inspired aesthetic for Business Class lounges

There’s a quiet but confident shift happening in the way Air New Zealand approaches premium travel — and the ground product now reflects the recent change to the new aircraft interiors. This week, the airline revealed the first details of its brand-new flagship Koru Lounge at Auckland International Airport, and while the blueprints are impressive in scale, it’s the design philosophy that really marks a new chapter.

Gone is the moody palette of deep purples and blacks that defined the brand’s lounges of the past. In its place comes a warm, contemporary aesthetic rooted in the landscapes, textures and tones of Aotearoa. If Air New Zealand’s lounge design once felt sleek and modern in a global sense, this new space feels unmistakably, unapologetically local — and that’s a good thing.

At nearly double the size of the current facility, this new lounge will span 3,700 square metres and split into two distinct areas: one for Airpoints Gold, Koru members, Star Alliance Gold and Airpoints Silver members, and another, more elevated space reserved for Business Premier passengers and Airpoints Elite customers. It’s a move that mirrors the airline’s onboard segmentation, and also reflects the growing expectations of premium travellers who increasingly value space and exclusivity at every touchpoint.

And space is exactly what’s on offer. When it opens in phases from 2026 to 2027, the lounges will boast a 70% increase in seating capacity compared to the current offering. But rather than just squeezing in more armchairs, the design team has taken a more thoughtful approach — one that reflects how people actually use these spaces.

There’ll be distinct zones tailored for different travel mindsets. Solo travellers on business can retreat into quiet corners with single-seating booths or bookable private workspaces. Families will find a dedicated play area designed to take the pressure off parents before long-haul flights. And those simply looking to unwind will find calm lounge zones where the design is as soothing as the lighting. The barista bar has even been moved closer to the entrance, acknowledging that not everyone has hours to spare — but still deserves a decent flat white before takeoff.

While renderings and final design imagery are still under wraps, we do get a few sneak-peek images. What we do know is that the new lounge interiors are a conscious celebration of New Zealand’s natural beauty. Expect native materials, a richer tonal palette, curated local artwork, and design motifs that nod to the land, sea and sky of Aotearoa. There’s something refreshing about seeing an airline lean into its roots rather than chasing generic luxury. It signals a deeper confidence — that New Zealand’s story, told well, is luxury enough.

This is especially evident in how the lounge zones will connect with the wider airport environment. The premium lounge, which will serve Elite and Business Premier guests, promises sweeping tarmac views and a layout designed for elevated service and comfort. Though full details are still to come, the intention is clear: this isn’t just a waiting room, but a signature space that showcases the best of the brand.

CEO Greg Foran summed it up well when he said the new lounges have been designed “around what our customers told us matters most.” And it shows. The evolution here is less about bells and whistles, and more about intuition — designing for real needs, offering genuine moments of calm or focus, and tying it all together with a coherent visual identity that feels honest to the airline’s heritage.

Construction will begin in early 2026 in two phases. The current lounge will stay open throughout, albeit with reduced capacity, while the Elite and Business Premier section is built. Once that’s complete and operational, work will shift to redeveloping the current space into the main Koru lounge for Gold and Koru members. The entire transformation is expected to wrap by late 2027 — a long runway, but one that allows for a carefully staged rollout without compromising the customer experience during construction.

In the meantime, Air New Zealand is promising continuity for its lounge guests, with temporary spaces set to be announced and detailed via the airline’s app. It’s a smart move, and one that shows the airline understands the premium flier’s mindset — predictability, comfort and communication matter, especially when infrastructure is in flux.

For design enthusiasts, this project is particularly exciting. It represents more than just a footprint expansion; it signals a bolder visual reset, one that speaks to the spirit of place. Too many airline lounges — especially in international hubs — feel detached from their surroundings, ticking the boxes of generic global luxury without ever anchoring the traveller in the destination. But here, Air New Zealand is doing the opposite. It’s grounding the experience in New Zealand’s identity — and that, ultimately, might be the most luxurious move of all.

We’ll be watching closely as more details are released, but already, this feels like a lounge that’s shaping up to be more than just bigger and better. It’s more personal, more intentional, and more connected to the world just outside its windows. And that’s something worth celebrating.

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