What is the best route to fly to Europe from NZ?
Thursday, 8 February 2024
Being at the bottom of the world, getting to Europe is not the most straightforward endeavour.
There are no direct flights to London, the main gateway to the continent, so choosing a route is an important decision that impacts the length of your trip, the price and whether you can get two destinations for one.
More than 20 different airlines fly from Auckland to Heathrow Airport, with almost as many connecting cities, though there are three other London airports to fly into, which may also impact on cost.
South Islanders can also fly to London from Christchurch with Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Emirates, United Airlines and Qantas.
Flight Centre New Zealand managing director Victoria Courtney said London is its most popular destination as Kiwi travellers plan ahead and book their Europe trips.
“In January, London was Flight Centre’s most booked international destination outside of Australia,” Courtney said.
“The most popular route to get there was via Singapore with flights to Singapore up more than 50% month on month.”
Courtney said with the introduction of new routes and carriers, flying via the United States provides customers with the opportunity to create some multi-stop itineraries not previously available.
“We have seen these options growing in popularity with customers, for example; flying direct from Auckland to New York spending a long weekend there on the way to London, or for those leaving from Christchurch the chance to visit San Francisco before heading on to your European destination.”
Courtney said, for deal-seekers, currently the cheapest option to get to Europe is via China.
The routes
North America
The quickest routes are via the US, with the shortest being via Houston at 24 hours 45 minutes, then San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles. You can also fly via Denver or Vancouver.
As more US-based airlines fly to New Zealand, increasing competition on the routes, airfares between the two countries are coming down.
New Zealand is a visa-waiver country in the US but travellers must have a valid Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a flight for the US. It is easy to apply online and costs USD$21 (NZD$34.50).
A downside to flying via the US is you need to collect your bag from the carousel and check it back in for your next flight, and pass through US immigration. This could see you miss your flight if you have a tight connection and face any delays, so make sure to give yourself enough time between flights.
Middle East
Going via Dubai with Emirates allows you to fly on an Airbus A380 on its daily services.
You can also fly to one of London’s four airports with stopovers in Abu Dhabi via Australia with Etihad or Doha with Qatar Airlines.
Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airlines all offer various stopover packages for eligible flights, Qatar’s starting from NZD$23 for one night in a 4-star hotel. Emirates offers a complimentary hotel for layovers longer than eight hours.
However, some passengers choose to avoid travelling through the Middle East due to human rights issues and its traditionally conservative views on unmarried couples and LGBTQIA+ travellers.
Asia
Auckland to London via Shanghai with China Eastern is usually the cheapest route on any day.
A long layover could be a downside for some, but it can be a way to see another city. Some layovers via China are long (20 hours) but the country has a 24-hour visa-free transit policy for New Zealanders.
China Southern Airlines and Air China offer a free one-night stay and transportation between the terminal and the hotel if a layover is longer than six hours.
Transiting through Seoul allows travellers to take advantage of Incheon Airport’s tours to attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace and Sinpo International Market.
For those with a layover in Singapore longer than five-and-a-half hours the airport offers three two-and-a-half hour city tours.
Other routes are via Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Denpasar, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Delhi and Brunei.
Stopping in Taipei is generally the longest way to London, with a total travel time of 35 hours and 25 minutes.
The Islands
Flying via the Pacific Islands, Fiji Airways stops in Nadi before reaching LAX and offers a Fiji stopover package.
Air Tahiti Nui stops in Papeete before flying onward to Los Angeles, but the route is only available on Sundays.
You can also fly Auckland to Melbourne then to Perth to get a 17 hour 35 minute flight to Heathrow with Qantas.
What route do you choose when you fly to Europe? Why? Let us know in the comments.