New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city offers a stunning entry point to the country’s North Island. Blessed by a stunning natural setting, the ‘City of Sails’ is circled by yachts moored in its bays and sheltered by its two harbours.

Fun on the water is never far away, whether it’s the west coast surf beaches or the inviting profusion of islands in the nearby Hauraki Gulf.

As the world’s largest Polynesian city, Auckland also gives visitors the chance to find out more about Maori culture and traditions.

Fancy a visit? Let’s show you how to get cheap flights to Auckland!

When to book cheap flights to Auckland

This means its peak season is December through March, peaking during the Christmas holidays and in March when the Auckland Cup Week takes place.

Although cooler than the peak season months, November and April are much quieter and cheap flights to Auckland are easier to find.

How to find the best flight deals to Auckland

Outside of the peak season there are many cheap flights to Auckland, thanks to the number of competing operators. Regardless of when you book your flights, booking early is the best way to ensure you can get the cheapest airfare.

Expedia makes it easy to track down low-cost flights. You can use our ‘Show flexible dates’ feature to reveal if flights are cheaper around your suggested dates. It is often the case, due to tour operator’s booking policies, that prices on certain days are cheaper than others.

Finally make sure you check to see if other connecting flights offer you significant savings on what is a long flight anyway – and consider booking a stopover en route.

Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport is located 13 miles from the city.

There’s a regular Airbus bus service that leaves all day and all night for the city centre. Shuttle buses also offer cheaper transport options between the airport and city on a "shared fare" basis. Taxi services are plentiful and can be booked from the arrivals hall.

With cheap car hire – and low petrol prices – renting a vehicle is ideal if you are intending to explore the scenic delights of New Zealand on your trip. You can hire a car from the airport terminals.

Which airlines fly to Auckland?

The carriers offering connecting cheap flights to Auckland include:

• Air New Zealand - with daily one-stop flights via Los Angeles.
• Emirates - via Dubai (or Australia with its partner Qantas).
• Singapore Airlines, Thai International, Cathay Pacific, Malaysian and China Southern – all offer one-stop services via the Far East
• United and American Airlines – offer two-stop services via the USA.

How to get around in Auckland

The centre of Auckland is easy enough to get around by foot, and one of its pleasures is to simply stroll through this atmospheric and spacious city.

You can get to all the major attractions by bus and taxis are not in short supply.

The water is what Auckland is all about, though, so take the ferry or book a boat trip out to its north shore suburbs and the myriad Hauraki Gulf islands.

What are the must-sees in Auckland?

Auckland has more boats per capita than any other city – the best place to experience its water-based lifestyle is at the renovated Waitemata Harbour. The action may take place on the water by day but at night it shifts to the popular bars, clubs and restaurants of the area.

Auckland is also the place to shop and sip till you drop, whether you browse the boutiques and antique shops of Parnell or sample the wines and foods in the outlying suburbs.

For a meal with a panoramic view, dine at the Orbit restaurant, on the top of the Sky Tower. The cityscape from up here is astounding – and the restaurant slowly rotates throughout 360 degrees to ensure you can take everything in.

Tips for travelling to Auckland