Flights and Travel Guide to Auckland

The place once known as the land of Gods, at times, called as the country of clouds, the ultimate winner of travel and tourism awards year after year …this is New Zealand. And what is the best of the best in New Zealand is the heart of the country “Auckland”.

Auckland is the ultimate gateway, the first and primary tourist stop and a lot more than just that. In other words it gives the introduction of the country for first time travelers. Long known for its scenic views and heavenly landscapes, the Auckland of 21st century is a city laced with all the amenities of a modern cosmopolitan attraction yet managing to keep one of the world’s greenest atmospheres. Auckland is warm, welcoming, pleasant and as safe as home.

Geography – Auckland on the Map

Auckland has the official name of Auckland Metropolitan Area and is located in the North Island of New Zealand. It is the most populous urban area of the country and straddles the Auckland Volcanic Field hitherto, cones, old volcanic saves, salt and fresh water lakes, lagoons, depressions; valleys and islands are part of the scenery.

Climate / Weather in Auckland

The climate in Auckland is warm and humid, the city can be well defined as an Oceanic Climate where days are warm and humid, often cool sea breeze is blowing and nights are considerably warmer. Winters in Auckland are damp and mild. Summers are warm, humid and sunny.

When to Travel

Auckland is not only the most populous city but also the warmest part of New Zealand. It gets the sunniest days New Zealand has. Although climate varies between one part of the city to other but on an average, any time is a good time to visit Auckland. Besides that, as New Zealand is at the southern hemisphere the colder months are from May to October and warmer months are from December to April.

July is the wettest month in Auckland and January is the driest.

Getting in the city – Auckland

Getting in Auckland is possible by Sea, Land or Air. However, flights to Auckland are most feasible if booked well in advance. Also another notable thing is that if you are flying from UK or any of the airports including Dublin, Christchurch, Manchester, Birmingham, Heathrow, Gatwick, Glasgow or Edinburg it’s better to have a mid way stop over to relax and stretch your legs a bit. Most direct, indirect airline go via a mid way short stop over and there is no ‘nonstop’ flight to Auckland so far. The direct flights are the ones that do not require a plane switchover while the indirect flights also require shifting from one plane to another new one that can be operated by a code share airline or the same carrier.

Airlines to Auckland:

The airlines to Auckland are many but only limiting to the top ones, will leave us with Air New Zealand that offers cheap flights to Auckland. It is the national flagship carrier of New Zealand and its Business class is the most exquisite.

In our ranking the second airline we recommend is Qantas. The Australian flagship carrier offers flights via Australia and offer outstanding flight services. Besides that, with Qantas you can also have a stopover in Sydney to make your holiday multicentre. Afterwards, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Emirates airline and Korean Airline lead the scene.

Lastly, the cheap flights to Auckland New Zealand are best available with Singapore Airline’s connecting routes, or via Hong Kong. Also flights with Air New Zealand, Finn air, Royal Brunei, KLM, Air France and Etihad are worth considering.

Getting around in Auckland

Rental transport, domestic flights, car hire, chartered flights, public transport and radio cab are some of the many options. Like any cosmopolitan attraction, Auckland enjoys a satisfactory rail and road network and appraised infrastructure. An extensive train network runs through central and south Auckland.

Also, do give ferry ride a try as ferries make the most of Auckland’s harbourside location. For a more independent travelling, go biking or cycling in Auckland and enjoy the sceneries this beautiful city is spreading

Accommodations in Auckland

When it comes to staying in Auckland, there are more than many options ranging from free camping to billion dollar hotels, the city has it all. It you are on a budget trip, go for a hostel accommodation in Auckland and stay with the youth that will teach you more of the new and rising city. However, for honeymooners and holiday makers’ boutique or luxury retreats are a sure.

Also there are many motels, some international chain of hotels as well as budget hostels in Auckland. The location of the accommodation, for instance in city centre or towards the residence or commercial areas makes a difference to the cost. It’s recommended to have a stay somewhere close to the major attractions as it will save you a lot on the transportation cost.

A List of Top Attractions – Places to See

The country is promoted for its scenic locations and heavenly landscapes however; it has some awe inspiring architectural wonders and is laced with all that a 21st century metropolis should have. What you should see in Auckland includes:

• For an introduction to Auckland Wines and scenery go for bush walks at Awhitu.
• For out of this world beach ecstasy, head to Waiheke Island and indulge in the great offering of Hauraki Gulf islands with picturesque farmlands, lush forest, scenic vineyards and olive groves, found only in the heart of Auckland.
• Visit Motutapu Island for enter the historic Maori life.
• Visit the valley in Clevedon Auckland and go hiking or trekking at the lush green hills. Before coming back don’t forget to taste the local wines at the wine yards.
• For a day at the rainforest, get amused by the wonderful wildlife in Auckland at the Hunua Ranges Regional Park.
• Waitakere Ranges offer relaxing and serene walking tracks in the surrounding of native flora and fauna of the region.
• Get amazed by the Volcanic cones, saves and amazing scenery at Mangere
• Explore the black and white waters of the Waitakere beaches.
• Take a long drive to Kapera River and do some kayaking.
• Go harbor cruising at Helensville or get more skills at fishing, golf, horse riding or skydiving.
• To sneak a peek in the Auckland history, visit a Maori settlement at Mangere.
• Go for trekking at Mangere Mountain, which is the largest and least modified of the volcanic cones; tickle your taste buds with the taste of Villa Maria Estate wines.
• For a day out with family, head to Manukau and let adrenaline pump at the exciting theme park adventures, meet the interesting animal friends at the animal park and take some shots at Butterfly Creek.

A List of Top Activities – Things to Do

Where there is so much to see, there is so much to do as well

• Go Kayaking at the river Kapera
• Try hiking at the Mangere Mountain
• Why not experience skydiving at Helensville
• Try horse riding, trekking, bush walking or camping at the Waitakere Ranges
• Go golfing at Helensville
• Go for a swim at Waiheke Island
• How about beach lazing at Hauraki Gulf islands
• Take a jet flight over the city for a bird eye view
• Explore what is underneath the ocean by diving
• Try paratrooping or paragliding at the countryside
• Go for Bungee jumping at the harbor

Year Round Festival / Event Calendar

Here are the festivals and events that you must attend in Auckland:

• Auckland lantern festival
• Live at the islands Festivals.
• Urupukapuka island Festivals.
• Movies in parks Festivals.
• Auckland anniversary weekend
• Music in parks Festivals.
• Super city holiday experience
• New Zealand festival of motor racing
• Headland sculpture on the gulf
• Auckland seafood festival

Food and Shopping

Though there are many options where you can shop from or dine in Auckland, but we recommend:

• For shopping and a look into the inner Auckland day to day life, visit Queens Arcade.
• An evening at the Viaduct Harbor, beer at the local bars and dinning in the waterfront restaurants can promise a relaxing trip.
• Head to Whitford Auckland and get some of your best buys or go for a walk in one of the beautiful bird gardens.
• The best food in Auckland is seafood; also there is a lot of French food and wines that are a part of the culture now.
• There are a number of souvenir shops on Queen Street and at the Victoria Park Markets
• Bargaining is not a good option though but try to shop from less crowded local markets and malls.
• Hit a SALE or company outlet for better prices at branded garments.

Expert Travel Advice

Here is what you should know before you pack your bags and rush to get the flights to Auckland, New Zealand.

• July is the wettest of months
• Carry your passport in hand when arriving in New Zealand
• Read the custom laws in details
• Please note buying selling or importing / exporting of living things can cause a penalty please check the national laws for prohibited items.
• Keep navigation maps at all times
• Put alarms / reminders at your phone to pick up the hand luggage when riding a train to avoid missing anything you are carrying.
• Though many of the Auckland beaches are suitable for swimming, rips can pose a danger.
• It’s better to swim or surf at crowded areas or with someone.
• Do not swim or dive after drinking alcohol.
• If a beach is patrolled by lifeguards, swim between the yellow and red flags and take notice of warning signs.
• Book all your passes and entry tickets in advance as some places can be crowded or full
• Take weather warnings seriously.