Flights from Auckland to Dunedin

Compare Cheap Flights from Auckland to Dunedin

In the past, Dunedin has often been overshadowed by its Otago neighbour Queenstown. But the city is starting to get the recognition it deserves as an incredible South Island gem. Throughout Dunedin, you can see examples of beautiful Victorian and Edwardian architecture that looks completely different to anywhere else in New Zealand. It’s also home to the country’s only castle. Surrounding Dunedin, you’ll find lots of stunning nature between the Otago Peninsula and the region’s rugged coastline. Back in the city, Dunedin has art around every corner. There’s colourful street art and plenty of galleries to visit. The city has a surprisingly diverse food and drink scene and a strong Scottish influence to make the city unique. You can’t go wrong with booking cheap flights from Auckland to Dunedin for your next long weekend.

Get ready to experience the beauty of Otago with Webjet’s cheap return flights from Auckland to Dunedin.

The best time to visit Dunedin

Each season in Dunedin offers a unique and exciting experience. Summer is one of the most popular times to visit Dunedin because of its beautiful weather. Summer temperatures hover around 22°C, which is ideal for hiking and participating in water sports. While Dunedin doesn’t experience the same crowds as its neighbour Queenstown, summer is one of the busier times in the city. To get a room at your top choice hotel, be sure to book in advance.

While winter is cold in Dunedin, it’s another popular time for tourists to visit the city. Daytime temperatures are about 9°C on average, and nighttime temperatures often dip down to less than 0°C. Snow is common in winter, resulting in perfect weather conditions for skiing. Several ski resorts are within easy reach of Dunedin. The city can get busy during ski season, so book your hotel in advance to secure the best rate.

For mild weather and a quiet experience in Otago, book cheap flights from Auckland to Dunedin in the spring or autumn. Daytime temperatures are often 14°C during the day, so you can still take advantage of the outdoor activities that the region is known for. Going for hikes during these seasons can be especially scenic, with flowers blooming in the spring and foliage in the autumn. Not many tourists visit Dunedin during these seasons, so they are great times to find good deals on hotels in the city.

Departing From Auckland

There is one airport in Auckland offering flights to Dunedin Airport (DUD). Auckland Airport (AKL) is 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) south of the CBD and offers affordable transport options from the city.

Getting to Auckland Airport

Auckland has a SkyBus that makes regular trips between the city and airport. The SkyBus operates 24 hours a day, with departures from the city every 10 minutes. The main SkyBus stop is at Customs Street East, which is next to the harbour. On the way to the airport, it makes several other stops along Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road. From the CBD, the SkyBus will get you to Auckland Airport in about 45 minutes. Tickets for the SkyBus cost $18 NZD one-way and $32 NZD return.

For a direct journey to the airport, you can catch a taxi or an Uber from locations all over Auckland. From the city centre, a taxi will get you to Auckland Airport in less than a half hour. From the CBD and inner suburbs, a taxi will cost about $60 NZD. Uber offers a slightly lower fare of about $45 NZD.

Parking at Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport offers a variety of parking options that have easy access to the Domestic Terminal. For the best rate, book your parking space in advance.

Where to Park at Auckland Airport

• Park and Ride: This is the most affordable option, starting at $32 NZD per day. A free shuttle travels to the terminal every 15 minutes.

• Car Park O: You can walk from here to the Domestic Terminal in 3 to 5 minutes. Uncovered spots start at $46 NZD.

• Car Park R: This option is a 1- to 2-minute walk to the Domestic Terminal. Covered spots start at $53 NZD per day.

Arriving in Dunedin

Flying into Dunedin, you will arrive to Dunedin Airport (DUD). This is the main airport serving the eastern part of the Otago region. Dunedin Airport (DUD) is located in the neighbouring town of Momona and is 22 kilometres (14 miles) southwest of Dunedin’s CBD.

How to Get from Dunedin Airport (DUD) to Your Dunedin Hotel or Accommodation

For the most affordable trip from Dunedin Airport (DUD) into the city, you can catch a Super Shuttle. Shared shuttles will get you to your hotel in about 45 minutes for the reasonable fare of $20 NZD. Private shuttles are also available if you are travelling with a group of up to 11 people. Private shuttles cost $120 NZD.

There are no public buses from Dunedin Airport (DUD), but you can catch an Intercity bus. There are only three Intercity buses available each day, so you’ll need to check if your flight coincides with the Intercity schedule. Intercity buses will get you from the airport into the CBD in about 30 minutes for a fare of $30 NZD. Intercity buses can sell out, so be sure to book your ticket in advance if this is the transport option you’d like to go for.

For a direct ride to your hotel from Dunedin Airport (DUD), you can catch a taxi. A taxi is a bit pricier with a fare of about $80 NZD, but it is also the quickest option. It will get you to the city centre in about 25 minutes.

Things to do in Dunedin

Spot Wildlife on the Otago Peninsula

To the east of Dunedin, the Otago Peninsula is known as one of the best places in New Zealand for wildlife spotting. Across the peninsula, you’ll have the opportunity to see seals, sea lions, blue penguins, kiwis, and the world’s only mainland royal albatross colony. You can join onto a wildlife tour or walk along one of the peninsula’s many hiking trails where you are sure to see some animals.

St Clair Beach

If you visit Dunedin in the summer, be sure to pay a visit to St Clair Beach, which is south of the CBD. The beach is particularly known for its surfing, but is also a popular place to take a coastal walk, swim in the heated saltwater pool, or grab some dinner.

Hike Up Signal Hill

Signal Hill is located right outside the CBD and is a great place to go for a hike. The hill offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging in difficulty. From the top of the hill, there are amazing views over the city in one direction and the Otago Peninsula in the other. If you are a fan of mountain biking, Signal Hill also offers several mountain bike trails.

Otago Museum

In order to learn more about the Otago region of New Zealand, the Otago Museum in the city centre is worth a visit. It has a variety of exhibits about the natural history of the area. You can learn about native plants and animals, Maori and Polynesian cultures, and the maritime history of Otago. The museum is open every day and is free to visit.

Larnach Castle

Located in the heart of the Otago Peninsula, Larnach Castle is a spectacular place to visit. It was built in 1871 and is known as the only castle in New Zealand. While visiting Larnach Castle, you can explore the interior of the building and walk through the castle’s exquisite gardens. The gardens are just as beautiful as the castle itself and offer views over Otago Harbour.

Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach is a great example of the region’s rugged coastline. It is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is home to caves, arches, and limestone columns. The beach got its name due to a tunnel that you walk through to get to the beach. While walking along Tunnel Beach, people have been known to find fossils that wash up on the shore.