New Zealand: Getting There

Airports Auckland (AKL) and Wellington (WLG) have the main international airports on the North Island, although some flights head directly to Hamilton (HLZ). Christchurch (CHC) is the South Island's busiest airport, although Queenstown (ZQN) and Dunedin (DUD) also service international routes.

Airlines Most major airlines fly into Auckland or piggyback off partner airlines from Asia or North America. Only Air New Zealand, Qantas, Freedom Air, and Pacific Blue fly to Wellington. Christchurch and Queenstown receive international flights from a number of providers, including Air New Zealand and Qantas. U.S. travelers must transit through Auckland for South Island destinations.

Flight Times 12-13 hours from Los Angeles; 9 hours from Honolulu; 3-4 hours from the east coat of Australia; 12 hours from Santiago; 11 hours from Hong Kong, Tokyo and Bangkok.