Cheap Flights from Auckland to Cairo

Compare Cheap Flights from Auckland to Cairo

As one of the oldest civilisations in the world, Egypt is a destination that inspires wonder among everyone who visits. Cairo is the country’s capital and largest city. With easy access to many of Egypt’s top attractions, Cairo is the perfect city to begin your adventure around the country. Most visitors are drawn to Cairo for its ancient Pyramids, which date back thousands of years. While it is still a mystery how the Pyramids were constructed, that enigma adds to their intrigue among visitors today. In addition to the Pyramids, the culture of Egypt is one of the most fascinating in the world. Throughout Cairo, you can experience old architecture, gold, and ancient hieroglyphics. The city centre is bustling with activity and is a great place to explore on foot. Wander the streets of Cairo visiting markets and traditional cafes. While some people may be hesitant to visit Egypt because of the nearby Israeli-Palestinian and Syrian conflicts, Cairo is quite a distance away from all that. Many locals in Cairo speak English and are extremely welcoming to visitors. Note that travellers from New Zealand are required to have a visa to visit Egypt, which can be obtained at the airport when you arrive.

Make your dream of visiting Egypt a reality on your next holiday with Webjet’s cheap flights from Auckland to Cairo.

The best time to visit Cairo

With a location on the edge of the Sahara Desert, daytime temperatures in Cairo are warm all year long. Summer is the warmest time in the city with temperatures of about 34°C during the day.Summer is actually the least popular time to visit Cairo because of the heat. Visitors who travel to the city between June and August won’t have to compete against many other tourists. Hotels also lower their rates during this slow period, so you can find some incredible deals.

Winter is the busiest time to visit Cairo. Temperatures reach a comfortable 20°C during the day, then cool down to about 9°C at night. Although winter experiences the occasional rain shower, the desert climate keeps the city dry for the most part. There’s plenty of sunshine during the winter, which makes it the ideal time for exploring the pyramids and desert near the city. Winter has lots of tourists, and hotels increase their rates to accompany the large crowds.

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn can reward visitors to Cairo with an amazing experience. Temperatures hover around 30°C during the day, which is a comfortable temperature for enjoying the city’s outdoor activities. Outside of the busy winter season, you won’t experience the same swarms of tourists, allowing you to have a more authentic experience in Cairo.

Departing From Auckland

Auckland Airport (AKL) is the busiest in New Zealand and offers regular flights to Egypt. The airport is located 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of the CBD and offers quick and affordable transport.

Each week, you have about 300 opportunities to book cheap flights from Auckland to Cairo International Airport (CAI). Some of the major airlines to fly the AKL to CAI route include Qantas, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Thai Airways, and Oman Air. While there are no direct flights between New Zealand and Egypt, you can book a flight with one stopover, which will get you to Cairo Airport in about 24 hours.

Getting to Auckland Airport

The official mode of transportation to Auckland Airport is the SkyBus. This bus operates 24 hours a day and departs from the CBD to the airport every 10 minutes. The SkyBus originates on Customs Street East, then offers pick-up locations along Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road. Riding the SkyBus will get you from the CBD to the airport in about 45 minutes. A one-way ticket to ride the SkyBus costs $18 NZD, and a return ticket is $32 NZD.

Taxis and Ubers are available all throughout the Auckland region and offer door-to-door service to Auckland Airport. Travelling from the CBD or inner suburbs, a taxi will get you to the airport in less than 30 minutes for a fare of approximately $60 NZD.

Parking at Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport offers several car parks with easy access to the International Terminal. Pre-book your parking space in order to guarantee the best rates.

Where to Park at Auckland Airport

• Car Park A offers the cheapest rates. Spots are uncovered and are a 2 to 3 minute walk from the International Terminal. Weekly rates start at $75 NZD.

• For even more convenience, there is valet parking. Pull up to the terminal, and an attendant will park your car. Covered spots in the valet car park start at $139 NZD per week, and uncovered spots start at $130 NZD for a week.

Arriving in Cairo

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is the arrival point for all flights entering the Egyptian capital. The airport is located 20 kilometres (12.4 miles) east of central Cairo. As you are landing in Egypt, look out the window for stunning views of the Sahara Desert as far as the eye can see.

How to Get from Cairo International Airport (CAI) to Your Cairo Hotel or Accommodation

Public buses are available from Terminal 1 of Cairo Airport. However, the journey into the city takes more than an hour and requires at least one transfer. For a much simpler and comfortable experience, Cairo International Airport (CAI) recently started a shuttle service between the airport and the city. Shuttles are available to many of the major destinations around Cairo, including Downtown Cairo, Giza, and Haram (which is where the pyramids are located). Shuttle buses depart every half hour and arrive to the city in about 45 minutes. A shuttle costs 35 Egyptian pounds ($2.90 NZD) for one person and 70 pounds ($5.80 NZD) to hire the shuttle for private use for a group up to seven people.

Taxis are available from each of the airport terminals. A taxi into central Cairo will get you to your destination in about 35 minutes without traffic. Newer taxis in Cairo operate using a meter. However, there are also some old taxis in service that don’t have a meter, so the price needs to be negotiated in advance. To ensure you aren’t getting overcharged, catch one of the yellow taxis that has a meter as well as air conditioning. Taxi fare from Cairo International Airport (CAI) into Downtown Cairo should come to about 40 pounds ($3.30 NZD).

Things to do in Cairo

The Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The Egyptian Pyramids are the oldest of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There are three different Pyramids, which were built between 2550 and 2490 BC. The Great Pyramid was built as a tomb for Pharaoh Khufu, and the other smaller Pyramids were built by the pharaohs who followed him. It has always been a mystery how the Pyramids were constructed based on the technological advancement at the time. Within the same complex as the Pyramids, you can see the Great Sphinx. It isn’t known exactly when this statue was built, but some archaeologists believe it may be even older than the Pyramids. The sphinx is a mythical creature from Egyptian mythology that has the body of a lion and the head of a human. The Pyramids and the Sphinx are located about 30 minutes from central Cairo on the edge of the desert and are easy to reach by taxi.

Egyptian Museum

Egypt has a fascinating history that spans thousands of years. The best place to learn more about the country and its culture is by visiting the Egyptian Museum. Inside, you can see a wide range of artefacts and exhibits that touch on different aspects of Egyptian life. You’ll see clothing, pottery, ancient statues, royal Mummies, golden chariots, and stories told in Egyptian hieroglyphics. The collection is so vast that you could easily spend a full day wandering through the exhibits.

Cairo Citadel

The Cairo Citadel began construction in 1176 after the Egyptian Sultan Saladin was victorious in war. The building was designed as a monument to this victory and as a way to protect Cairo from crusaders. The Citadel consists of several buildings and is home to several antiquities and artefacts of Ancient Egypt. There are several mosques, the National Military Museum, the National Police Museum, the Carriage Museum, and Al-Gawhara Palace. While visiting the Cairo Citadel, you’ll also be rewarded with stunning views over the city.

Khan el-Khalili

Souks are a major feature of northern African cities, and Khan el-Khalili is the most popular in Cairo. The souk is surrounded by medieval architecture, so you’ll even feel as if you’re taking a step back in time. Wander through the narrow laneways lined with market stalls and cafes. Vendors sell a wide variety of Egyptian items, such as gold antiques, stained glass lamps, spices, handmade carpets, and incense. The restaurants and cafes of the souk are also a great place to try some Egyptian favourites, such as kushari and ta’meya.

Saqqara

While the Pyramids are the most famous tombs in Cairo, Saqqara offers a similar experience on a smaller scale. While the Pyramids date back thousands of years, Saqqara is even older. Within the Saqqara necropolis, there are a variety of tombs, several of which are constructed as pyramids. The most recognisable is the Step Pyramid of Djoser, which is said to have influenced the design of the Pyramids of Giza. The Bent Pyramid and the Red Pyramid are other points of interest to see in Saqqara. Some of the Saqqara pyramids are open to visitors and showcase an interesting display of Egyptian hieroglyphics and ancient artefacts.