Flights from London, United Kingdom to Auckland, New Zealand

Known locally as The City of Sails, Auckland is set beside two busy harbors and wherever you are, the sea is only 30 minutes away. The coast is dotted with idyllic islands, while inland scenic hiking trails take you toward dormant volcanoes, endless sandy dunes or lush green fields. On the water, kite surfing, jet skiing, and windsurfing are popular with sports-loving visitors, or you can explore beneath the waves on a shark experience or dolphin swim. To unwind completely, sit back on a harbor cruise for a spectacular view of the city and surrounding coastline.

Flying to Auckland

1. Which airports serve London to Auckland?

You will depart London from either London Heathrow, which is 24km west of the city, or London Gatwick, which is 40km south. Both of these airports are extremely busy, serving international and domestic departures. Arriving into Auckland Airport, the busiest in New Zealand, and a hub for international or domestic flights, you’ll be 21km from the city center.

2. Which airlines operate flights from London to Auckland?

Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Malaysia Airlines all provide daily flights from London Heathrow to Auckland with one stopover. Emirates serves the same route, flying from London Heathrow and London Gatwick, these flights stop midway in Dubai.

3. How long is the flight?

Due to the various stopovers involved, flights on this route can last between 24 hours and 31 hours 40 minutes. Auckland is 11 hours ahead of London, so remember to factor this into your arrangements when planning a trip.

4. Climate changes between London and Auckland

The weather in London is highly seasonal, with springs and summers which tend to be drier and much warmer. Winters can be harsh with occasional icy conditions and plenty of rain. In Auckland, rain falls throughout the year, but the weather is generally temperate with sultry summers and cooler winters between June and August.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

In Auckland, the currency is the New Zealand Dollar which is easy to obtain from banks or cash machines. Credit cards are widely used, but Visa and MasterCard are the most common. You can stay in New Zealand for six months without a visa, but proof of onward travel is needed.

Auckland Information

Compared to London, Auckland is tropical, humid and lush, although regular rains are a part of life in both cities. London is a huge metropolis, home to 8.6 million people, while the coastal city of Auckland is far smaller, with just 1.5 million inhabitants. Public transport of all kinds is readily available so getting around is not a problem.

Down at the harbor in Auckland is where you’ll find some of the best restaurants. As part of the thriving foodie scene, fish dishes, New Zealand lamb and spicy sushi are all popular, along with a delicious New World wine. You can find out how the first Polynesians arrived from across the sea at the New Zealand Maritime Museum, then head to Auckland Museum to learn more about Maori history. The southern hemisphere has a very different night sky to that in London, so don’t miss the opportunity to view it in the city’s Stardome Observatory.