New Zealand Flights

Air travel to New Zealand

Getting to New Zealand is easy with a number of major airlines making direct flights to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and other destinations in the ‘land of the long white cloud’. The very reputable Air New Zealand airline as well as Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific and many more can get you there in a matter of hours.

Once you have arrived

New Zealand has a very unique ecosystem with many species of animal and plant found nowhere else on the planet. It has been described as an “ancient life raft” and a hotspot for biodiversity.

To protect this precious biodiversity, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry enforces very strict quarantine requirements with many animal and plant products banned when entering the country.


Play it safe and Declare Everything

You will need to complete a Declaration form when you travel to New Zealand. These are usually handed out during your flight there, but will also be available in the Customs area of the airport. New Zealand adheres to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Be sure to declare any animal or plant items you have or put them in the special bin at the airport. Also remove any dirt and debris from camping equipment, shoes or other belongings. Even accidentally bringing an apple into the country in your carry-on luggage could result in a hefty fine, so take care!


Airport collection and transfers

Your college or university will usually arrange for collection of students at the airport and take you to your accommodation, but otherwise all public transport is clearly sign posted in the terminals. Also well signed Tourism Information booths can provide you with maps and local information.

It can take up to 3 hours to be processed by customs when you arrive at an International terminal so bear this in mind if booking connecting flights elsewhere within New Zealand. You will also need to check in for any domestic flight at least one hour before flight time.

In Auckland the domestic terminal is located about 10 minutes’ walk from the international terminal. Follow the sign-posted walkway. There is also a free inter-terminal bus.


Returning home

The Internet is the cheapest and most efficient way to get air tickets for a return home at the end of your course or a holiday, but be sure to book well ahead during peak times like December and other school holiday periods to ensure a good price and a seat!


Carrying cash

You cannot bring more than NZ$10,000 or the equivalent amount of foreign currency into New Zealand without declaring it on a Border Cash Report to a customs officer. If you do bring in more than NZ$10,000 it is likely you will be penalized and lose a percentage of your money. 

Resource: Flight to New Zealand