Embark on a journey from Auckland to Hong Kong, a city where East meets West, tradition blends with modernity, and iconic landmarks stand tall against a backdrop of natural beauty. Hong Kong's unique cultural heritage, vibrant local experiences, and stunning natural landscapes, including its dramatic skyline and lush green islands, draw millions of travellers each year. Discover the best ways to make your trip to Hong Kong as cost-effective as possible.

Direct flights from Auckland to Hong Kong typically take around 10-11 hours, but this can vary due to weather conditions and other unforeseen factors. Several major airlines operate these routes, with Cathay Pacific and Air New Zealand being among the most prominent, offering several daily flights. While direct routes are most common for this flight pairing, other alternative flight paths may involve a stopover, often in cities such as Sydney or Singapore. Such a journey might considerably increase the total flight time, making it essential to plan carefully.

Booking your tickets during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) often results in the cheapest airfares, offering a sweet spot between tourist demand and weather conditions. It is also widely recommended to book at least two months in advance, especially during peak season. Peak season for travel to Hong Kong generally falls between October and December, with a surge in travellers during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the Christmas period. However, the ideal months for budget travellers are April to May, when fewer people are traveling.

The summer months (June-August) often experience higher humidity and occasional typhoons, while winter (December-February) presents pleasant, cooler temperatures, although this season does present the chance of significantly colder temperatures. In general, plan for a little more flexibility if you book to travel during these times.

Hong Kong enjoys a subtropical climate, meaning you can expect warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Summers, from May to August, typically see temperatures ranging from 27°C to 33°C, with high humidity and occasional heavy rainfall. Winters, from December to February, are much more comfortable with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, with lower humidity and less precipitation. Spring (March-April) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant transition periods, but occasional periods of rain and higher humidity can be expected during these months. It is important to note that typhoons are most frequent during the summer months.

Auckland has two major airports currently operating and serving commercial flights: Auckland Airport and Ardmore Airport.

Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, handling both domestic and international flights. It opened in 1966 and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions to accommodate its increasing passenger numbers. With over 20 million passengers annually, it is a busy and modern international airport.

Ardmore Airport

Ardmore Airport is a smaller general aviation airport, primarily catering to domestic flights and flight training activities. While less busy than Auckland Airport, it plays a crucial role in the wider aviation scene.

Main airlines for this route

• Cathay Pacific
• Air New Zealand
• Qantas

Hong Kong has primarily one major airport currently operating and serving commercial flights: Hong Kong International Airport. Shek Kong Airfield is also an operational airport that is currently serving general aviation and governmental flights, but it does not serve commercial flights.

Hong Kong International Airport

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), located on Chek Lap Kok island, is a world-class international airport. Opened in 1998, it's known for its efficiency and modern facilities. The airport is a major hub for many airlines. It offers convenient access to the city centre.

Reaching Hong Kong city centre from the airport is straightforward. The Airport Express train provides a quick and efficient connection, while taxis and private car hire services are readily available.

Hong Kong offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and modern marvels. It is a must-see destination for anyone who is traveling.

• Ride the Peak Tram: Ascend to Victoria Peak for breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the harbour.
• Explore the vibrant markets: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Mong Kok, Ladies' Market, or Temple Street Night Market.
• Visit the Big Buddha: Journey to Ngong Ping Village and marvel at the majestic Tian Tan Buddha, a symbol of serenity and spiritual significance.