Cheap flights to Auckland

When to fly

Peak season:

The peak season is December through March. Book a flight to Auckland during these months and arrive to the warm weather, and the crowd’s peak during summer school holidays (mid-December to late January). January and February have the best beach weather, and December and March can be very warm.

Auckland Cup Week taking place in March is New Zealand’s most glamorous event that displays an array of horse racing, style, fashion and entertainment. The event is perfect for a family day out as it features a great family area including free children’s entertainment such as pony rides, bouncy castles, swing ball and much more. Ticket options vary from the luxurious champagne lawn to a more relaxed environment on the grass so there is something to suit everyone’s taste. Keep in mind that flights to Auckland and accommodation prices can rise dramatically during that season. 

Easter weekend and Labour Day weekend (late October) are busy as are the holiday periods from mid-May to the end of May, the first half of July, and late August to mid-September.

Off season:

Although cooler than the peak season months, November and April are much quieter and hotel rooms and cheap flights to Auckland are easier to find.

Why visit?

Take a cheap flight to Auckland, known for its nautical lifestyle and dubbed the “city of sails”, Auckland has more boats per capita than any other city and the lifestyle here takes place largely on the water. Waitemata Harbour is the focal point of the city; its name is Maori and means “sea of sparkling waters” – a good summary of the backdrop. The America’s Cup was hosted here in 2000 and a major renovation of the area took place. It’s lively not just during the day, for the yachts and watersports, but by night for the popular bars, clubs and restaurants that have sprung up over the last decade.

For such a large city, Auckland’s surroundings are stunning. On a flight to Auckland, travellers see first the sea, then the volcanic hills and lush forests before spotting the city. Situated on a strip of land with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other, the landscape is awe-inspiring and many visitors use Auckland as a base from which to explore the rest of New Zealand. From Stanley Bay, there are more than 100 beaches within an hour’s journey.

Auckland is a shopper’s paradise, from quirky boutiques and antique shops in Parnell to numerous shopping precincts and malls. Outside the city are vineyards and wineries, while those seeking a great night out can head for a casino or nightclub. If you are flying to Auckland with the family, don’t miss the Snowplanet indoor snow centre; an ideal destination for the kids.

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Auckland climate

Auckland has a very moderate climate, with temperatures ranging from around 8°C in the winter (June to August) to 25°C in the summer (December to February). However, be prepared for all weathers when booking your flights to Auckland as rainfall can happen anytime.

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Getting around Auckland

Auckland is easy to get around by foot, bus or ferry. You can also rent a scooter or bicycle for at least half a day. You can get almost anywhere in central Auckland by bus, some of which will take you to tourist attractions for free. The public transport is good enough that you won’t need a car to get around, and you’d struggle to find parking anyway. You may want to rent a car to head out to the suburbs however, and you can also take a ferry to the north shore suburbs and Hauraki Gulf Islands.

Getting downtown from the airport

Flights to Auckland are served by Auckland Airport (AKL) which is located 13 miles from the city. An Airbus bus service leaves regularly (every 20 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night) for the city centre. Shuttle buses also offer cheaper transport between the airport and city or suburbs on a “shared ride” basis. Taxi services are plentiful and can be booked from the arrivals hall. It is also easy to rent a car at the airport and drive via one of the two state highways which allow easy access to the different areas of the city.

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