Virgin Australia's new lounge at Wellington Airport is now open to the airline's business class passengers and Velocity Platinum and Gold frequent flyers, along with Virgin Australia Lounge members.

It's a decidedly cosy space, with room for just 32 passengers – hence why Virgin is describing the lounge as a 'boutique' offering.

The lounge will be open to passengers only 90 minutes prior to the departure of each Virgin Australia-operated flight, and due to limited capacity there's no use of lounge passes (issued to Velocity Silver members plus through partner credit cards of American Express, Virgin Money, ANZ and Westpac) and no guesting from international airline partners.

However, as is the case with other Virgin Australia lounges, there's guesting for one adult and two children for Velocity Platinum and Gold card-holders and Virgin Australia Lounge members.

Virgin's Wellington Airport lounge is located in the international departures area above gate 48, beyond customs and security, with views across the tarmac.

Those passengers who do get through the door will enjoy free WiFi, a buffet (with catering operated by the Rydges Wellington Airport Hotel) with a rotating menu of hot food for breakfast, lunch and dinner; and a selection of self-serve beer plus red, white and sparkling wine, Nespresso coffee and Madam Flavour Tea.

Also worth noting: the lounge lacks bathrooms, so passengers needing to spend a penny will need to pop back into the terminal to use the airport's own facilities.