Compare Cheap Flights from Auckland to Manchester
Manchester is the largest city in the north of England and one of the most popular spots to visit in the UK. With a unique culture, Manchester is often considered to be the cultural capital of the north. The city has an interesting history; during the 1800s, Manchester was made up of factories and textile mills, giving it an industrial reputation. Today, the trendy city of Manchester has completely transformed, but still loves to embrace its past. Old factories have been renovated into stylish bars and apartment buildings, and throughout the city, you’ll notice the worker bee symbol. Manchester is also one of the best cities to go if you are a fan of the arts. There are several art galleries, interesting street art, and lots of opportunities to see live music. Manchester offers a completely different experience than the other popular destinations across the UK, making it a must-visit on a trip around the country. Start off an adventure around the north of England by booking cheap flights from Auckland to Manchester.
Start planning your trip to England’s cultural capital of the north with Webjet’s cheap flights from Auckland to Manchester.
The best time to visit Manchester
Manchester has a mild climate and never experiences weather that is too extreme. Summer is widely considered to be the best time to visit Manchester as it has lots of sunshine and temperatures averaging 20°C. During the summer, there are also a number of events and festivals to keep you busy. Summer can get busy in Manchester, but experiences much smaller crowds than other major UK cities London and Edinburgh. For the best chance at finding deals on hotels and cheap airfares from Auckland to Manchester, it’s best to book early.
While summer is a popular time to visit Manchester, the high season truly begins in autumn. Manchester is a massive football city, home to two of the country’s favourite teams. Manchester gets busy between the months of August and December as football fans flock to the city. Also in December, you can experience Manchester’s Christmas markets and decorations. If you plan to visit Manchester during the football or Christmas seasons, make sure you book as far in advance as you can. Hotel rates increase at this time of year, hitting their high.
During the winter, Manchester gets cold and experiences regular rain. Temperatures average about 7°C during the day, dropping down to 1°C or lower at night. The city gets quiet, and few tourists decide to visit at this time of the year. If you don’t mind a bit of cold, damp weather, you can find some great deals on Manchester hotels during the winter.
Departing From Auckland
Within Auckland, there is one airport to offer international flights to the United Kingdom. Auckland Airport (AKL) is about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of the Auckland CBD.
Flying from Auckland, you have plenty of opportunities to catch a flight to Manchester Airport (MAN). About 800 flights are available from AKL to MAN each week on a variety of major airlines. Some of the airlines to offer cheap airfares from Auckland to Manchester include Air New Zealand, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Qantas, and British Airways. Flights include at least one stopover, which can get you into the United Kingdom in about 26 hours.
Getting to Auckland Airport
Auckland offers a SkyBus for a fast and affordable ride to Auckland Airport. The SkyBus makes several stops within Auckland, including along Queen Street, Dominion Road, Symonds Street, and Mount Eden Road. Departing from the CBD, the SkyBus will get you to the airport in about 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. A one-way ticket on the SkyBus costs $18 NZD, while a return ticket costs $32 NZD.
A taxi or an Uber will get you from the centre of Auckland to the airport in less than a half hour. Taxis can pick up passengers from locations all over the city, offering the most direct ride from your home to Auckland Airport. Average taxi fare from Auckland’s CBD and inner suburbs to the airport comes to about $60 NZD.
Parking at Auckland Airport
For the best rates for parking at Auckland Airport, be sure to book your parking space in advance. Several car parks are available with easy access to the International Terminal.
Where to Park at Auckland Airport
• The cheapest rates are available in Car Park A. Spots are uncovered, and it is a 2-3 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 Manchester
Manchester has one airport, Manchester Airport (MAN), which receives international flights. The airport is located about 14 kilometres (8.5 miles) south of the city. This airport is the third busiest in the UK and is the main airport serving the north of England.
How to Get from Manchester Airport (MAN) to Your Manchester Hotel or Accommodation
Travelling from Manchester Airport (MAN), there are several transport options available to you. A quick and affordable option is to catch the National Rail train from the airport to Manchester Piccadilly Station in the city centre. This train will get you into Manchester in about 20 minutes. If you are travelling during peak times, tickets cost £5.20 ($10.10 NZD). Travel off-peak, and the train ticket will only cost you £3.90 ($7.60 NZD). Trains from the airport to Manchester Piccadilly run every 10 minutes, guaranteeing you’ll be in the city in no time.
Manchester also has a tram that departs from Manchester Airport (MAN). The Route F tram runs every 12 minutes throughout the day, and tickets can be purchased from ticket machines on the tram platform. This tram will get you to Deansgate-Castlefield train station in the centre of Manchester. A single ticket to ride the Metrolink tram costs £4.40 ($8.55 NZD).
If you’re tired from your long-haul flight, you may opt to take a taxi from Manchester Airport (MAN). A taxi will get you into the centre of the city in about 20 minutes for a fare ranging between £30-£35 ($58.30-$68 NZD).
Things to do in Manchester
John Ryland’s Library
Located within the University of Manchester, John Ryland’s Library offers one of the most extensive collections of literature in the United Kingdom. Several books you’ll find within the library date back to medieval times and are extremely rare. The library was built in 1889 in a classic Gothic style. All throughout the library, there is stunning architecture that will have you feeling like you’re in a castle.
National Football Museum
Manchester is one of the football hubs of the United Kingdom. Its two teams, Manchester City and Manchester United, have highly dedicated fan bases. While visiting the city, pay a visit to the free National Football Museum. Throughout the museum, you can learn about the football teams of the UK, see the National Football Hall of Fame, and test out your football skills with the museum’s interactive features.
The Northern Quarter
This Manchester neighbourhood is considered to be the centre of the city’s alternative culture. Throughout the area, you’ll find lots of trendy cafes, vintage shops, and bars. Manchester is known for its live music scene, and every night, plenty of live music venues open their doors in the Northern Quarter where you can see the city’s next big thing.
Chetham’s Library
Chetham’s Library is the oldest public library in the UK. It dates back to 1653 and has a collection with more than 100,000 books, many of which are old and rare. The library is built in a medieval style and has an impressive reading room. Famously, the museum was the research location for Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels while they worked on their Communist Manifesto. The library is connected to a school, and free guided tours are available Monday through Friday.
Museum of Science and Industry
Throughout history, Manchester has been a leader in the fields of science, industry, and technology. This museum focuses on the city’s contributions and notable innovations. Within the Museum of Science and Industry, you can see exhibits about locomotive trains, aircraft, electricity, and textiles. The museum is free to visit and open 7 days a week.
