Manaia Lounge in Queenstown?

[Harthagan]

Flying out from queestown tomorrow (on Virgin) and wondering if anyone that has been recently could recommend it's worth getting in a bit early for the Manaia lounge?

We have priority pass but would rather just have the extra hour at the hotel if it's not worth visiting.

 

[TomVexille]

If it's anything like the one at CHC, it'll be a perfectly fine place to wait for your flight but nothing worth getting there early for

 

[SYD]

It’s surprisingly pleasant but I wouldn’t rush there if you have better options.

 

[Harthagan]

Cheers! Will aim to check it out but won't be going in extra early for it.

 

[Human]

I really like the Manaia lounge. The food selection, though limited, is tasty, the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is great, there are different seating options, and the tarmac and mountain views are of course spectacular. However, if my last experience flying out of Queenstown on Virgin (admittedly a while ago — January 2020) is anything to go by, the check-in counters will only open two hours before the flight and it may well take a little while after that to get through security. So even if you wanted to, you wouldn’t be able to spend more than an hour or so in the lounge.

 

[Harthagan]

I really like the Manaia lounge. The food selection, though limited, is tasty, the staff are friendly, the atmosphere is great, there are different seating options, and the tarmac and mountain views are of course spectacular. However, if my last experience flying out of Queenstown on Virgin (admittedly a while ago — January 2020) is anything to go by, the check-in counters will only open two hours before the flight and it may well take a little while after that to get through security. So even if you wanted to, you wouldn’t be able to spend more than an hour or so in the lounge.

Yes the check-in doesn't open till 2 hours before boarding time, which is still plenty of time. The issue we had today was they wouldn't let us join the security screening queue until about an hour before boarding time so as a result it will be about a 40 minute visit in the lounge, glad we didn't come to the airport earlier (even though when you attempt to check-in online it still tells you to arrive 3 hours early haha)

 

[SYD]

Yes the check-in doesn't open till 2 hours before boarding time, which is still plenty of time. The issue we had today was they wouldn't let us join the security screening queue until about an hour before boarding time so as a result it will be about a 40 minute visit in the lounge, glad we didn't come to the airport earlier (even though when you attempt to check-in online it still tells you to arrive 3 hours early haha)

I flew out on QF back in December. Pretty sure we had quite a bit of time in the lounge (possibly because we were on the later of 2x QF flights to SYD).

 

[Harthagan]

 

[Harthagan]

Was definitely better than I was expecting for a 40 minute visit. Food very basic but totally acceptable for what it is. Drinks was good to see it is self-serve spirits including Woodford Reserve bourbon

 

[Human]

I used the lounge several times pre-COVID (haven't been back since) and it's exactly as I remember it -- limited and basic, as you say, but fresh and tasty. Given there's no barista coffee, the coffee from the machine is pretty good too.

 

[Harthagan]

I used the lounge several times pre-COVID (haven't been back since) and it's exactly as I remember it -- limited and basic, as you say, but fresh and tasty. Given there's no barista coffee, the coffee from the machine is pretty good too.

Yeah well we were returning home and I said to my partner that it wouldn't be the end of the world if our flight was slightly delayed haha. I'd never have said that it we were en-route to our holiday destination but still it's a compliment all the same.

 

[kevviek]

I was there this week on Virgin and the lounge was not accessible, the lady at the front desk said Virgin did not renew their agreements at any International lounges.

 

[kevviek]

I was there this week on Virgin and the lounge was not accessible, the lady at the front desk said Virgin did not renew their agreements at any International lounges.

pretty pi$$ed about it actually, there is no food available in the terminal and I don’t really feel like a $12 toasted cheese and ham sandwich on the dinner time flight. If I had known I would not have thrown my snacks in the bin at the entry to the airport…flying with wife and 2 kids, they are none too pleased.

 

[Harthagan]

pretty pi$$ed about it actually, there is no food available in the terminal and I don’t really feel like a $12 toasted cheese and ham sandwich on the dinner time flight. If I had known I would not have thrown my snacks in the bin at the entry to the airport…flying with wife and 2 kids, they are none too pleased.

You need to have an Amex card or a Priority Pass membership to have access to this lounge.

I agree with you that's it's a pathetic situation with virgin on international flights offering nothing in the way of lounge access, even for J class or platinum members.

 

[Human]

So who does have access to the Manaia lounge now? Qantas business class, QFF Gold & Platinum, Priority Pass… anyone else? Can you pay to enter?

 

[kevviek]

pretty pi$$ed about it actually, there is no food available in the terminal and I don’t really feel like a $12 toasted cheese and ham sandwich on the dinner time flight. If I had known I would not have thrown my snacks in the bin at the entry to the airport…flying with wife and 2 kids, they are none too pleased.

and to top it off…no window for 9A on this plane!

 

[kevviek]

So who does have access to the Manaia lounge now? Qantas business class, QFF Gold & Platinum, Priority Pass… anyone else? Can you pay to enter?

Yes Qantas and Jetstar still have access, or $65 if you want to pay

 

[Human]

Yes Qantas and Jetstar still have access, or $65 if you want to pay

It’s a lovely lounge but not worth $65, especially given that they won’t let you through security until quite soon before the flight.

 

[pippen_2k]

Why is there no food available in the terminal ?

 

[kevviek]

Why is there no food available in the terminal ?

Dunno. You can eat before going through customs, but after that is just the lounge.