New Zealand's first Costco warehouse
Costco Auckland, located at 2 Gunton Drive in Westgate, made history when it opened on 28 September 2022 as the first Costco Wholesale warehouse in New Zealand.
The American retail giant's arrival marked a significant shift in the country's retail landscape, offering Aucklanders access to the same bulk-buying model that has attracted more than 120 million cardholders worldwide.
The Westgate warehouse spans approximately 14,000 square metres — roughly the size of two rugby fields — and stocks thousands of products across groceries, electronics, clothing, homewares, and more.
Unlike traditional supermarkets, Costco operates on a membership model where annual fees help keep product margins razor-thin, typically around 11 to 15 per cent.
What you will find inside
The Auckland warehouse carries Costco's signature Kirkland Signature brand alongside major international and local brands. The grocery section features bulk quantities of pantry staples, fresh produce, meat, seafood, and a popular bakery turning out oversized muffins, croissants, and the famous Costco rotisserie chicken.
Beyond groceries, the warehouse stocks electronics, furniture, appliances, clothing, toys, books, and seasonal items. Many shoppers are drawn by the electronics department, which regularly offers competitive pricing on televisions, laptops, and home appliances.
Fuel station and services
One of Costco Auckland's biggest drawcards is its fuel station, consistently offering some of the lowest petrol and diesel prices in the region. The station operates extended hours from 6:00 am on weekdays and is open to all Costco members. It offers Unleaded 91, Premium 95, and diesel.
The warehouse also houses a full-service pharmacy, optical centre with eye examinations, a hearing aid centre, and a tyre centre offering fitting and balancing services. Each department operates independently with dedicated staff and phone lines.
Food court
The Costco food court, located near the warehouse entrance, has become a destination in its own right. It serves the iconic $2.99 hot dog and drink combo, along with pizza slices, chicken bakes, açaí bowls, and soft-serve ice cream. No membership is required to use the food court at the Auckland location.
Membership and pricing
A standard Gold Star membership costs $60 per year and includes one free household card. The Executive membership, at $120 per year, offers a 2 per cent annual reward on qualifying purchases (capped at $1,000). Membership cards can be purchased online or at the membership desk inside the warehouse.
Business members can access the warehouse during trade hours and may qualify for additional benefits on business-related purchases. All memberships are valid at any Costco warehouse worldwide.
Getting to Costco Westgate
The warehouse is situated in the Westgate Town Centre precinct in northwest Auckland, easily accessible from the Northwestern Motorway (SH16) via the Westgate interchange. The large free car park accommodates over 1,000 vehicles, though parking can be competitive during weekends and public holidays.
Public transport options include bus services to the Westgate Town Centre. Auckland Transport provides several routes connecting Westgate to the wider Auckland network. Cyclists can access the site via shared paths along Fred Taylor Drive.
Opening hours
The warehouse is open Monday to Friday from 10:00 am to 8:30 pm, Saturday from 9:30 am to 6:30 pm, and Sunday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. The fuel station opens earlier at 6:00 am on weekdays and 7:00 am on Sundays. Holiday hours vary and are posted on the Costco website.
Why Aucklanders love Costco
Since opening, Costco Auckland has consistently drawn large crowds.
The combination of bulk pricing, quality Kirkland Signature products, cheap fuel, and the novelty of the American warehouse shopping experience has resonated strongly with Auckland families.
The food court alone generates steady foot traffic, with the hot dog combo widely regarded as the best value meal in Auckland.
For families doing weekly or fortnightly shops, the savings on bulk staples like toilet paper, laundry detergent, and pantry items can quickly offset the annual membership fee. The optical and pharmacy departments also offer competitive pricing compared to standalone providers.
