Flights to Auckland

The Best Time to Visit

For cheap flights to Auckland and great deals on accommodation, plan your trip for travel between March and May. The weather is perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, and there's also plenty of festivals that take place in Auckland over these months. If you're booking your flights to Auckland in May, be sure to bring a warm jacket and a raincoat as it's the city's wettest and coldest month.

December to February is Auckland's busiest travel season. People flock to the city from all over New Zealand and around the world for the end of year holidays. If you want to save money, make sure you buy your return flights to Auckland well in advance and secure your hotel reservation as soon as possible. Another affordable time of year to visit Auckland is during the city's winter months.

From June to August, the strong winds and chilly temperatures keep most travellers away. But if you don't mind bundling up in warm layers, you'll have the city's top attractions all to yourself, and there will be excellent deals on airfare to Auckland. If you want to avoid the winter temperatures, buy your tickets to Auckland between September and November. You'll avoid the summer crowds, and get to experience the city's main foodie event - Taste of Auckland. Plus, you won’t have a hard time finding deals on flights to Auckland!

Top Things to Do and See

Auckland Sky Tower

Auckland Sky Tower is the city's main landmark. It stands at 328 metres high, making it the tallest building in New Zealand. Head to the top and enjoy the dizzying views by walking along the Sky Walk platform. If you want more of an adrenaline rush, you can also do a base-jump off the platform.

Auckland Art Gallery

The Auckland Art Gallery houses New Zealand's most extensive art collection with more than 15,000 pieces of art. It includes artworks from Maori and Pacific Island artists as well as pieces from Europe that date back to the 14th century.

Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a popular day trip among travellers who buy flights to Auckland. It boasts beautiful white sand beaches, a thriving cafe scene and trendy art galleries. Spend your day hiking the challenging Church Bay Circut or learning about the island's history at the Stony Batter Historic Reserve. You can catch a ferry from Princes Wharf in Auckland, and it will take 35 minutes to reach Waiheke.

Public Transport and How to Get Around

Bus

Once your flights to Auckland have landed and you’re ready to start exploring, the city’s buses are one of the best ways to get around the city. There are three lines to choose from that run between the city's central business district and Auckland's inner suburbs. Fares start from $1 NZD ($0.96 AUD), and you can also buy a day pass for $18 NZD ($17.29 AUD) that will give you unlimited rides on buses, trains and inner harbour ferries for 24-hours.

SkyBus

The SkyBus is an affordable public transportation option from Auckland Airport (AKL). It runs from the arrivals terminal to Auckland City and North Harbour 365 days a year. The trip takes 40 to 60 minutes, and you can buy tickets at the airport kiosks once your flights to Auckland have landed and you've collected your baggage.

Ferry

If you're planning a day trip to Waiheke Island or you want to visit neighbourhoods like Half Moon Bay, the best way to get there is with Auckland's ferry service. You can buy your tickets the ferry terminal, and one-way tickets cost as little as $6.90 NZD ($6.63 AUD).

Taxi

There are metered taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Zoomy that operate in Auckland. If you don't want to take public transportation from Auckland Airport (AKL) after your flights to Auckland have arrived, hailing a taxi is the best way to get to your hotel. If you don't have data to request an Uber, you'll find metered taxis outside of Auckland's CBD hotels, shopping centres and top attractions.

Car

Once your flights to Auckland land, you can rent a car from Auckland Airport (AKL) or one of the outlets in the city. Hiring a car isn't a cheap option, but if you're planning a few day trips and you want more freedom getting around, it's worth the splurge.

Major Events and Festivals

Auckland Pride Festival

Auckland Pride Festivals takes place every year in February. The two-week celebration includes a variety of events ranging from theatre, cabaret, visual arts and art installations. If you want to attend, make sure you book your flights to Auckland and accommodation well in advance to lock in cheaper rates.

Auckland Arts Festival

Auckland Arts Festival is a 19-day event that celebrates the city's artists and cultural diversity. You can expect tons of theatre products, live music performances and visual art exhibitions.

New Zealand International Film Festival

If you're a movie buff, book your flights to Auckland around the New Zealand International Film Festival. The event usually includes over 150 features and attracts audiences from all over the world.