Top Travel Spots

Wellington Airport and the pensioners at Auckland Airport feature in this year’s ‘Monocle Travel Top 50’ list. Wellington International Airport sits at No 14 as the ‘Best New Air Terminal’. “Gehry-esque in ambition and stature”, ‘The Rock’, designed by Studio Pacific and Warren & Mahoney, has “triangle-panelled ceilings” which are “as impressive as its exterior.” At No 34, the pensioners are named ‘Most Gracious Guides’: “In an era when many airports have turned to frustrating interactive digital display boards to ‘help’ with questions, directions and connections, Auckland airport needs to be applauded for its teams of well groomed pensioners who are on standby throughout to guide, counsel and console. With their dignified attire (no T-shirts or dopey sweatshirts), they make a lasting impression.”