Embark on a journey from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the vibrant shores of Auckland, New Zealand. Your adventure begins in Aspen, Colorado, a renowned ski resort nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes. From there, you'll fly to Auckland, a city teeming with cultural richness, historical significance, and stunning natural beauty. Auckland's allure lies in its blend of iconic landmarks, a rich heritage, scenic landscapes, and captivating local experiences. This captivating city boasts a captivating blend of modern architecture and lush, verdant landscapes.

The average direct flight time from Aspen to Auckland is approximately 20 hours. However, this can vary depending on the airline, weather conditions, and any unexpected flight delays. Several major airlines offer direct flights between these two destinations. Air New Zealand, for instance, usually has multiple flights per week, while Qantas Airways also offers a significant number of flights.

It's worth noting that direct flights from Aspen to Auckland are not always readily available, requiring a stopover. If you cannot find a direct flight, consider alternative routes. Common layover cities include Los Angeles, San Francisco, or even Sydney. These stopovers can significantly extend the travel time. To reach your final destination as quickly as possible, carefully consider the flight options and layover times.

For budget-conscious travellers, the ideal months to fly are typically between April and May, or September to November. Booking flights in advance, ideally 2-3 months prior to your travel date, is recommended. Seasonal airfare trends play a key role in pricing, with summer months generally more expensive than the shoulder seasons. Thus, planning your travel during the off-peak seasons can result in cost-effective travel. During the off-peak months, you'll also encounter fewer crowds at popular attractions, allowing for a more relaxing experience. Peak travel times generally coincide with summer and school holidays, but remember, Auckland's weather remains pleasant throughout the year.

Auckland enjoys a temperate, oceanic climate. Summers, from December to February, are warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C. Expect mild, wet winters from June to August, with average temperatures between 10°C and 15°C. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant transitional weather. While rainfall is relatively even throughout the year, extreme weather events like severe storms are rare.

Aspen, CO has two airports that are currently operating and serve commercial flights. These are Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE) and Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE).

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (ASE)

Aspen-Pitkin County Airport is a small, high-altitude airport located approximately 7 km from downtown Aspen. It is known for its stunning mountain scenery and is a popular destination for private jets. Although ASE primarily handles smaller aircraft, it serves a significant amount of seasonal commercial flights during peak season. Because of its altitude, its flights are greatly affected by weather. It's a popular airport amongst high net-worth people.

Eagle County Regional Airport (EGE)

Eagle County Regional Airport is a larger airport, situated approximately 50km from Aspen. It caters to a higher number of commercial flights, connecting Aspen to major domestic hubs. While larger in size and handling more traffic, it is still located in a beautiful natural setting. In recent years it has been renovated. As such, EGE presents a convenient alternative for those travelling from a further distance.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• Qantas Airways
• United Airlines

Auckland has two main airports that are currently operating and serve commercial flights. They are Auckland Airport (AKL) and Ardmore Airport (ACM).

Auckland Airport (AKL)

Auckland Airport is New Zealand's largest and busiest airport. Opened in 1966, it has undergone multiple expansions over the years and features two main terminals. AKL handles millions of passengers annually from various international and domestic airlines. AKL is a modern, well-equipped airport with efficient public transport links to the city centre. To reach the city centre, you can take the AirportLink bus service which is a direct link to Britomart Train Station, or you can choose a taxi or rent a car. Taxis are readily available at designated ranks outside the terminal buildings. Car rental agencies have counters in the airport and provide shuttle services to their offices.

Ardmore Airport (ACM)

Ardmore Airport, is primarily a smaller airport that primarily serves general aviation, with smaller-scale commercial flights. Although it is a much smaller airport than AKL it is still important in terms of freight services. To reach the city centre from here, you will either need to get a taxi or rent a car, as public transport services are limited to this airport.

Auckland offers a plethora of activities, from exploring its stunning natural landscapes to immersing yourself in its vibrant culture and history.

• Explore the Auckland Domain: Discover this expansive parkland, home to the Auckland War Memorial Museum and breathtaking views of the city. Take a stroll through the picturesque gardens, or enjoy a picnic amidst the lush greenery.
• Visit Waiheke Island: Take a scenic ferry trip to Waiheke Island, a haven of vineyards, pristine beaches, and charming villages. Indulge in wine tasting at award-winning wineries, unwind on sandy shores, or hike through stunning natural landscapes. This place is wonderful for relaxation.
• Climb Mount Eden: Ascend the summit of Mount Eden, a dormant volcano, for panoramic views of Auckland's captivating skyline, the sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf, and the verdant landscape. The views from this place are wonderful.