What to expect when you depart New Zealand from Hamilton Airport
Heading overseas from Hamilton Airport? We're dedicated to delivering a safe, seamless, and comfortable experience for every passenger departing New Zealand.
So here's what you need to know before you go. From check-in and security to customs and information about what you can and can't take with you, this page covers the key steps and helpful tips to make your international journey smooth from start to finish.
Don't forget your passport!
Travelling to Australia DOES require a current passport - which must be valid for the duration of your stay.
Visas are not required for New Zealand citizens to enter Australia for business or leisure. Please ensure you have checked the requirements for onward destinations as some may require a longer passport duration or a Visa. For more information on New Zealand passports, click here.
Check-in
Jetstar's check-in counters for international passengers are located on the ground floor of our terminal. They will open three hours before your flight's departure time, and close one hour before. That means you must ensure you leave enough time for arrival and parking at the airport before check-in closes - it's recommended to arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight.
For more information on checking-in with Jetstar, click here.
Ensure you have the following documents available to undergo the check-in process:
Your passport
Your travel documents/information (including your ticket and/or booking reference)
Please ensure you have included all items in your checked-in luggage that cannot be left in your carry-on luggage BEFORE you exit the check-in area.
What you can and can't bring ...
Check this list for the items you can and can't bring with you on the aircraft. Note there are restrictions on the amount of powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels you can take in your carry-on luggage and the list outlines those. There are also prohibited items - you can learn about those here. Travelling with medical items? Click here for information. Click here for simple infographics to help check your luggage is compliant.
Handy tip: If you are unsure about whether or not you can take an item on the plane, please contact your airline for clarification.
International departure area
After you have checked in on the ground floor, you can make your way to the mezzanine floor to enter the international side of the terminal when it opens for processing. See airport maps here.
Departure information is displayed on screens on the ground floor; by Propeller Airport Cafe on the mezzanine floor and in the international departure area - you are advised to check the screens regularly for your flight status.
Handy tip: please ensure you have only allowable items in your carry-on luggage before you head through to international passenger screening.
Aviation security
Help our security team keep you safe by keeping to our safety procedures. Once you have entered the departure area upstairs, you will first pass through our security screening point, which is operated by the Aviation Security Service.
The Aviation Security Service (AvSec) is responsible for screening departing passengers, crew, airport workers, baggage, and cargo for restricted or prohibited items. This supports a safe and secure aviation system, so people are safe, and feel safe, when they fly.
AvSec staff are here to help, so please be patient with our team as we process you through the screening point.
AvSec’s new x-ray machines at Hamilton Airport allow you to leave small liquids, aerosols, and gels (under 100ml/g), or electronics like laptops and tablets, in their carry-on bag during security screening. (There are exemptions if you have a medical condition or you have a baby travelling with you.)
AirPods MUST only travel in your carry-on. This is because the earbuds/AirPods charger is a form of power bank.
If you're travelling with camera film, put it in your checked luggage.
To proceed through security without being delayed:
When asked, make sure you empty your pockets of all items and place into x-ray tray.
Remove footwear above the ankle, steel capped boots, working boots and footwear with a high metal content.
Remove outer clothing such as jackets and place into x-ray tray.
Remove any belts with large buckles that have a high metal content and place into x-ray tray.
Aviation Security screening will include a full body scan using Advanced Imaging Technology. (Read here for more information about how the body scanners work and what happens at the screening point).
There will be highly-trained security and customs dogs at Hamilton Airport.
Customs
Once you have cleared Aviation Security, you will move through to the Customs area, which is operated by the NZ Customs Service.
Before you enter the Customs area, please ensure you have your boarding pass and passport ready. The Customs team will guide you through the process from there. Departure cards are not required.
Duty and tax free purchases
Voyage Duty Free operates a duty and tax-free store in the international terminal once you have cleared the passenger screening area. You can take your purchases with you on the aircraft.
Please note: you will not be able to shop duty-free on arrival back into New Zealand. You can however, purchase via "click and collect" - either online or at the store before you leave - and on arrival back to Hamilton Airport the items you have ordered will be available for collection. You will pass the Click & Collect point on your way to baggage claim.
Shop online from a range of spirits, fragrances, jewellery, skincare, gifts and more here.
Jet Fuel Cafe
Treat yourself to a tasty snack or a refreshing beverage at Jet Fuel Café, our licensed café and bar conveniently located in the international departure area. Jet Fuel's team have stocked the cafe with locally sourced product.
When you arive back in New Zealand
Before you arrive back home to New Zealand, please ensure you complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD). It's FREE, you can do it online and everyone travelling into New Zealand must complete a declaration, including New Zealand passport holders. Your declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive by a border officer.
Helpful resources and information
Here are some helpful resources and information sites:
The New Zealand government's advice on leaving New Zealand at the Safe Travel website.
How to contact Jetstar.
Check your airline's travel requirements - you can find Jetstar's Travel Tips page here.
Get the Jetstar app.
Shop Duty Free here.
Access the NZ Traveller Declaration (for your return)
Check out the Guide to Gold Coast Airport.
Check out the Sydney Airport Guide.
