Increasingly popular Auckland Airport has teamed up with Tainui Group Holdings to develop a five-star hotel adjacent to the New Zealand airport’s international terminal.
The premium 250-room hotel will be operated by AccorHotels under the Pullman brand, meeting the huge demand for hotel accommodation in the city.
Mark Thomson, Auckland Airport’s general manager, said, “Auckland Airport plays a key role in New Zealand’s growing tourism industry and in connecting Auckland to New Zealand and New Zealand to the world.
“This hotel will provide more choices for travelers looking for high quality accommodation within walking distance of both terminals. Being able to walk to the terminals rather than driving has considerable appeal to hotel patrons and will also help reduce movements on our roads.”
The hotel building will be called Te Arikinui, which is the title that the late Maori Queen Te Atairangikaahu chose when she ascended to the throne.
It will trade as the Pullman Auckland Airport and will be developed in equal partnership with Tainui Group Holdings. As part of this agreement, Auckland Airport has increased its ownership stake in the neighboring Novotel hotel to 50%.
Construction is expected to start by the end of the year, with the hotel scheduled to open by late 2019. By this time, Auckland Airport’s international terminal will have undergone significant expansion and work will be underway on the domestic section of the future combined terminal.
“This is an exciting project that will result in two complementary assets located in an exceptional position at New Zealand’s main gateway,” commented Chris Joblin, chief executive of Tainui Group Holdings.
“This creates tremendous scope to create a unique, authentic New Zealand experience for airport visitors and hotel guests through unique cultural elements incorporated in the design.”
By Kirstie Pickering
