One passenger says water was being handed out to those experiencing the long delays through the terminal departure area, and also using motorised trolleys to rush people to waiting planes.
They say an employee told them it was the worst queues they had ever seen, and was the result of rain affecting arriving flights.
Auckland Airport says there was a short period of congestion, and airport staff assisted passengers and worked with other airport team to keep passenger flows moving smoothly.
Air New Zealand says a flight to Samoa was delayed due to the congestion.