New Zealand is one of the most distant destinations from Europe — there are no direct flights between Paris (or any other European airport) and Auckland. All flights involve at least one stopover, for a total travel time of 25 to 27 hours door-to-door.
Three main routings serve the Europe-New Zealand link:
Via Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines Paris CDG → Singapore (13 h) + Singapore → Auckland (10 h), with 3-5 h layover. This is the most comfortable option according to traveller reviews (Singapore Airlines quality regularly ranks among the world's best airlines). Alternative: Air New Zealand from London Heathrow via Singapore (LHR-SIN-AKL direct flight relaunched in 2023). Return fares: €1,600-2,800 depending on season.
Via Hong Kong (HKG): Cathay Pacific Paris CDG → Hong Kong (12 h) + Hong Kong → Auckland (11 h), with layover. Historic route widely used, often competitive fares (€1,400-2,500 return). Recent alternative: China Eastern, China Southern via Shanghai or Guangzhou, at more accessible fares (€1,100-1,800 return) but with longer layovers.
Via Los Angeles (LAX): Air New Zealand Paris CDG → Los Angeles (codeshare with Air France, 11 h) + Los Angeles → Auckland (12 h 30, with Air New Zealand). The classic itinerary for combining with a Californian stop. Return fares: €1,800-3,000 depending on season. Alternative: Qantas via Los Angeles then Sydney, longer but possible to combine with Australia.
Other options: via Dubai (Emirates Paris → Dubai → Auckland, 17 h layover with hotel included for some fares), via Doha (Qatar Airways Paris → Doha → Auckland), via Bangkok (Thai Airways). Compare on Skyscanner, Google Flights and Kayak — price gaps can reach €800-1,200 depending on airlines and routings.
Main arrival airport: Auckland International Airport (AKL) on the North Island, 21 km south of the centre. The country's main hub (over 18 million passengers/year). Alternative: Christchurch International Airport (CHC) on the South Island (Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines offer some direct international flights), practical if starting your road trip on the South Island. Wellington (WLG) and Queenstown (ZQN) are mainly domestic airports.
For domestic flights between the two islands: Air New Zealand and Jetstar provide the main links. Auckland → Queenstown 2 h (€80-200 one-way depending on lead time), Auckland → Christchurch 1 h 30 (€60-150), Wellington → Queenstown 1 h 30 (€80-180). Book 2-3 months ahead for the best fares.
The Interislander ferry (and its competitor Bluebridge) between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) is itself one of the most beautiful sea crossings in the world — 3h30 of navigation through Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds. Prices: €70-100/person foot passenger, €200-400 with car or campervan. Book 3-6 months ahead in high season for vehicles.
Read also
- North Island — Auckland, Wellington, Rotorua, Hobbiton: the populated, geothermal and cultural half.
- South Island — Queenstown, Milford Sound, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Christchurch: the wild, alpine half.
- Wellington and the southern North Island — The capital, Te Papa Museum, Cuba Street, Martinborough wines and the southern coast.
- Queenstown — World capital of adrenaline: bungee jumping (invented in 1988), jet boat, skydive.
- Milford Sound — The iconic fjord of Fiordland National Park, UNESCO-listed, a must-do cruise.