Flights from Auckland to London

The best time to visit London

London gets a reputation as being grey and rainy, but that’s often not the case! While winter is cold and experiences fairly regular rain, you’ll get plenty of sunshine throughout the rest of the year. Between June and August, London experiences beautiful summer weather, with sunshine and average temperatures of 20-23°C. Summer is an amazing time to see London, but it is also the busiest. If you plan to visit London in the summer, be sure to book your hotel far in advance for better rates.

Spring and autumn are idyllic times to visit London, with pleasant weather and smaller crowds. In the spring, London comes alive with blooming flowers and trees, and in autumn the city’s parks are full of vibrant foliage. As these seasons are not very busy, there are plenty of hotel deals available.

If you choose to visit London in the winter, you’ll be able to find great prices on hotels as well as return flights from Auckland to London. Temperatures in the winter average about 9°C during the day and can drop down to about 4°C at night. Even on a cold day, there are plenty of indoor experiences to have around London. Visit at the beginning of winter in December, and you’ll get to experience all of London’s famous Christmas decorations, festivities, and markets. While this season is busy and a bit more expensive in London, it is a magical time to experience the city.

Departing From Auckland

Auckland is home to one major airport that offers international flights to the United Kingdom. Auckland Airport (AKL) is located about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of the city centre and offers several quick and easy ways to reach your flight.

Each day, there are about 70-85 return flights from Auckland to London available. Some of the airlines to offer cheap airfares from Auckland to London include Emirates, Air New Zealand, Qantas, Cathay Pacific, and Singapore Airlines. Flights between Auckland and London Airport include at least one stopover and get you into the UK in about 24 hours.

Getting to Auckland Airport

For a budget-friendly trip to the airport, you can catch the city’s SkyBus. The SkyBus makes the journey from the CBD to Auckland Airport (AKL) in about 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. The bus runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and buses depart every 10 minutes throughout the day. SkyBus stops include Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road. You can purchase a one-way ticket for $18 NZD or a return ticket for $32 NZD.

For the most direct trip to the airport, you can catch a taxi or an Uber from locations all over the city. A taxi will get you to Auckland Airport in less than 30 minutes. A taxi to the airport will cost about $60 NZD from the CBD and central suburbs of Auckland.

Parking at Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport has multiple car parks that are close to the International Terminal. For the best rates, book your parking space in advance.

Where to Park at Auckland Airport

• Car Park A offers the cheapest rates, and you can park here for a week for $75 NZD. The car park is uncovered and is just a 2-3 minute walk from the International Terminal.

• Valet parking is available for the ultimate convenience. Pull up to the terminal and an attendant will park your car for you. Covered valet spots cost $139 NZD for a week, and uncovered valet spots cost $130 for a week.

Arriving in London

As one of the largest hubs in Europe, London is home to several airports. The major airports to receive international flights are London Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick Airport (LGW), and Stansted Airport (STN). Heathrow is the largest airport and is located 24 kilometres (15 miles) west of the city. Gatwick is the city’s secondary airport and is located 43 kilometres (27 miles) south of London. Stansted receives a high volume of international flights as well and is 63 kilometres (39 miles) northeast of the city centre.

How to Get from London Heathrow (LHR) to Your London Hotel or Accommodation

The majority of long-haul flights into London arrive to London Heathrow (LHR). Heathrow is located on London’s Underground system (also known as the Tube), making it easy to reach the city centre. The trip takes about 45 minutes on the Piccadilly Line, which connects to several stations in central London. In London, Tube fare varies based on which station you are travelling to, but a trip from London Heathrow (LHR) to the centre will cost about £6 ($11.70 NZD).

Alternatively, you could catch the Heathrow Express from the airport. This train gets you into Paddington Station in about 15 minutes. Tickets on the Heathrow Express cost £22 ($42.90 NZD). From Paddington, you can catch a variety of Tube lines that will take you to destinations all over the city.

How to Get from Gatwick Airport (LGW) to Your London Hotel or Accommodation

From Gatwick Airport (LGW), you can catch the Thameslink train into the city. Thameslink trains depart every 5-10 minutes, offering northbound trains to London and southbound trains to Brighton. The Thameslink stops at several major stops in central London, including St Pancras station and London Bridge. The Thameslink journey takes about 45 minutes and costs £9.40 ($18.30 NZD). If you have a London Oyster Card, you can use it on the Thameslink train from Gatwick Airport (LGW).

How to Get from Stansted Airport (STN) to Your London Hotel or Accommodation

Stansted Airport (STN) is serviced by the Stansted Express. This train departs from the airport every 15 minutes and takes you to the central station of Liverpool Street in about 45 minutes. From Liverpool Street, you can transfer to a variety of Tube lines to get to the station nearest your hotel. If you purchase your Stansted Express ticket at the airport, it will cost you £17 ($33.15 NZD). But book your ticket in advance and you can get a discounted rate of £7 ($13.65 NZD).

Things to do in London

Visit London’s Palaces

All over the world, people are fascinated by the royal family of England. They have several residences around the United Kingdom, but some of their most famous are located in and around London. Buckingham Palace is the official residence of Queen Elizabeth II. Every other morning, you can witness the Changing of the Guards ceremony, and tours of the palace are available as well. Continue on to Hyde Park where you’ll find Kensington Palace. This smaller palace is just as impressive and is surrounded by some incredible gardens. For a quick day trip from the city, you could head west to Windsor Castle, which is one of the queen’s favourite residences. You can take a tour of the castle, and spend some time in the charming town of Windsor.

Walk Along the River Thames

The River Thames runs through the centre of London and is surrounded by some of the city’s most famous landmarks. Take a walk along the Thames to experience the London Eye, Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament, the Tower Bridge, the Tower of London, the Shard, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. All along the river you’ll get great skyline views, and there are regular events and festivals held on the Southbank of the river.

See a Show on the West End

If you enjoy live theatre, you have come to the right city! London’s iconic West End is considered one of the top places in the world to watch plays and musicals. The West End has many popular long-standing shows including Les Misérables and the Lion King, as well as new shows that debut all the time. For a discount on West End tickets, visit the TKTS office in Leicester Square where you can purchase same-day tickets for extreme discounts.

Go for High Tea

One of the most popular activities for visitors to London is to take part in the traditional High Tea. High Tea takes place in the afternoon and is offered at a variety of hotels and restaurants across London. A traditional High Tea includes a pot of tea, finger sandwiches, pastries, and scones with jam and clotted cream.

Explore London’s Many Museums

All over London, there is a huge variety of museums to visit, each offering something different. Many museums in London are free, making it easy to visit as many as you would like. Some of the top museums to have on your radar when you visit London are the Natural History Museum, the British Museum, the Tate Modern, and the Victoria and Albert Museum.