Credit cards with airport lounge access in New Zealand

Some credit cards offer more than just points — they open the door to quieter spaces, free food, and faster Wi-Fi. If you’re a New Zealand resident who travels often, a credit card with complimentary airport lounge access can add serious value to your trips.

Credit cards that offer lounge access in NZ

American Express Airpoints Platinum Card

The American Express Airpoints Platinum Card includes two complimentary Priority Pass lounge visits each year, which can be used by the cardholder or shared with a guest. The card also offers 2 additional passes to Amex Centurion Lounges located in Sydney and Melbourne — a useful perk for trans-Tasman travellers.

While the lounge access is more limited compared to the Westpac World Mastercard, this card comes with a lower annual fee and still includes a strong range of benefits such as travel insurance, a concierge service, and the ability to earn Airpoints Dollars on eligible spend.

This card suits travellers who take a handful of international flights each year and want occasional lounge access as part of a broader package of benefits.

Learn more in our review.

Key features:

• 2 complimentary Priority Pass visits per year
• 2 complimentary passes to the Centurion Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne
• Earns Airpoints Dollars ($70 spend equals 1 Airpoints Dollar)
• 300 Bonus Airpoints
• Travel insurance and concierge service included
• Koru Lounge discount.
• Annual fee: $195

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Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard

The Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard includes Priority Pass lounge visits for the primary cardholder, along with complimentary access for one guest per visit. In addition to this, joining fee for the Air New Zealand Koru membership is waived, and there is a $145 discount off a 12-month individual membership.

This card also earns Airpoints Dollars on everyday spending and includes travel insurance and other premium card features. It carries a very high annual fee but may represent good value for frequent flyers.

Key features:

• Unlimited Priority Pass lounge access (cardholder + 1 guest)
• Earns Airpoints Dollars ($95 spend earns 1 Airpoints Dollar).
• International travel insurance included
• Annual fee: $390

How airport lounge access works

Credit cards that include lounge access typically do so through partnerships with third-party lounge providers or airlines. In New Zealand, the two main programmes you’ll encounter are Priority Pass and Air New Zealand’s Koru Club, with some cards also offering access to Centurion Lounges in Australia.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass is one of the world’s largest independent lounge networks, offering access to more than 1,300 airport lounges across the globe. Some premium credit cards, like the Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard and Amex Airpoints Platinum, include a Priority Pass membership, but this is not active by default. Cardholders must enrol for the benefit, typically through their card issuer’s portal or customer service.

Once enrolled, you’ll receive a digital or physical Priority Pass card, which is used to check into participating lounges. The number of free visits you receive varies by card. For example, Amex offers two visits per year, while Westpac provides unlimited access for the cardholder and one guest.

Centurion Lounges

Centurion Lounges are operated by American Express and are generally considered more premium than many third-party lounges. These lounges feature better food, quieter spaces, and improved amenities. The Amex Airpoints Platinum Card grants access to Centurion Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, but not other locations.

Koru Club

Koru Club is Air New Zealand’s own lounge network, with lounges in major NZ airports and some overseas partner lounges. Lounge access via Koru is usually reserved for elite status holders or paid members.

Keep in mind that lounge availability may vary by airport, and access can sometimes be denied during peak hours if lounges are full.

Choosing the right lounge-access card

When deciding which card, if any, is worth applying for, it’s important to match the card’s benefits to your actual travel habits.

If you’re travelling internationally several times a year, especially through major airports like Auckland, Sydney or Melbourne, you’ll likely benefit from having lounge access. In this case, the Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard is a strong option thanks to its unlimited Priority Pass access. Frequent flyers with a strong Air NZ or Star Alliance travel pattern will find particular value here.

On the other hand, if you only travel occasionally and don’t need unlimited access, the Amex Airpoints Platinum Card may suit better. With 2 Priority Pass visits included per year and access to Centurion Lounges in Australia, it offers lounge perks without the high annual fee of the Westpac card.

Be honest about how often you travel, where you fly from, and whether guest access matters to you. If you travel with a partner or for business, having guest access (included with Westpac) might be a key consideration.

Also factor in what else the card offers, such as travel insurance, Airpoints earning potential, or concierge services, to ensure you’re getting full value from the annual fee.

Is lounge access worth it?

That depends on your expectations and how frequently you travel.
Lounge access can transform the airport experience. Instead of waiting at the gate or fighting for a seat at a crowded café, you can enjoy:

• Comfortable seating
• Complimentary food and drinks (often including alcohol)
• Showers and clean restrooms
• Wi-Fi and charging points
• Quiet space to work or relax

If you fly regularly, particularly long-haul, these perks can make a real difference. Even if you only use lounges a few times a year, the value can exceed the card’s annual fee. For instance, lounge visits typically cost NZD $60–$90 per person when purchased individually.

That said, not all lounges are created equal. As shared in Reddit threads and frequent flyer forums, many Priority Pass lounges, especially in NZ and Australia, are overcrowded, small, or closed during off-peak hours. Centurion Lounges are generally better but limited to a handful of cities.

Ultimately, lounge access is worth it if:

• You travel 3+ times per year internationally
• You want a more comfortable travel experience
• You can take advantage of other card perks (e.g. insurance, Airpoints, concierge)
• You use a lounge programme that covers the airports you frequent

Frequently asked questions

Which NZ credit cards include lounge access?

Currently, only a couple of credit cards available to New Zealand residents include complimentary airport lounge access. They are:

• American Express Airpoints Platinum Card – Two Priority Pass visits annually and Centurion Lounge access (Sydney, Melbourne)
• Westpac Airpoints World Mastercard – Unlimited Priority Pass access and free Koru Club membership

These cards are positioned at the premium end of the market and come with relatively high annual fees but offer strong value if used regularly.

Do I need to enrol in Priority Pass?

Yes. Even if your credit card offers complimentary Priority Pass membership, you must enrol manually through your bank or credit card provider’s online portal or customer service.

Once enrolled, you’ll receive either a digital or physical Priority Pass card which is required to enter most lounges. Without activation, you won’t be able to access this benefit, even if your card is eligible.

How can I access lounges without a credit card?

You can still access many airport lounges without a credit card by:

• Purchasing a one-time entry at the lounge (often $60–$90 NZD)
• Signing up for a paid Priority Pass membership
• Earning frequent flyer status
• Joining a paid airline lounge programme like Koru Club or Qantas Club

However, these methods usually involve upfront or recurring costs. Credit cards with lounge access can be a better value if you travel regularly.