New Zealand’s first fully integrated airport hotel opened today (February 12) at Wellington Airport. The four-star Rydges Wellington Airport hotel features 134 rooms, a bar and restaurant. A conference center offering eight meeting rooms with capacity for up to 80 people will also open later in the year.
Steve Sanderson, CEO, Wellington Airport, said, “Tourists, business people and travelers from the wider Wellington region who are flying out early or arriving late will find the hotel an ideal option – they’ll enjoy a great night’s rest and an easy walk to the terminal.”
Chad Johnston, general manager, Rydges Wellington Airport, said, “Having direct access from inside the main terminal level is unique and it’s exciting that Rydges Wellington Airport will be the very first fully integrated airport hotel in New Zealand.
“The hotel has the added benefit of being a plane spotter’s delight – with most rooms having extensive views out to Lyall Bay and directly out over the runway.”
As well as complimentary wi-fi, 24-hour room service and an on-site gym, the hotel will offer day use rates to cater for early morning departures and those who have a long connection between flights, providing a convenient place to rest and relax.
The hotel also features original artwork by prominent New Zealand artists like Peter Hackett exhibited in the hotel’s lobby and entranceway. Each room in the hotel also has a one-of-a-kind commissioned black and white photograph showcasing a different central New Zealand location.
The hotel took 22 months to complete and is part of a wider infrastructure development program currently taking place at Wellington Airport. The program includes a new transportation hub and multi-level parking lot which opened in late 2018 and a NZ$15m (US$10m), 6,000m² (65,000ft²) terminal upgrade taking place over the next 12 months.