Long Beach, California, is a captivating destination renowned for its stunning coastline, vibrant arts scene, and rich history. The city's unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions makes it a popular choice for travellers seeking a diverse and unforgettable experience. From the iconic Queen Mary ocean liner to the world-class Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach offers a wealth of sights and activities. The city also boasts beautiful beaches, charming neighbourhoods, and a lively culinary scene.

Flights from Auckland to Long Beach typically involve one or more stopovers, as there are no direct flights. The average flight duration, including stopovers, is around 24-30 hours, but this can vary significantly depending on the layover city and the specific flight schedule. Several major airlines operate this route. Flight frequency tends to be higher during peak season. The ideal months for budget travellers are generally the shoulder seasons, such as September to November, and March to May. Booking flights well in advance, typically 2-3 months before your travel dates, often yields the best deals. Long Beach experiences peak tourist numbers during the summer months (June to August), and quiet periods during the winter months (December to February), however flight prices and availabilities may vary across seasons.

Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterised by warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C. Winters are mild, with temperatures typically between 10°C and 18°C. Rainfall is concentrated in the winter months, and humidity is moderate throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and sunshine, making them ideal times to visit for outdoor activities. Long Beach rarely experiences extreme weather events.

Auckland has two main airports that serve commercial flights: Auckland Airport and Ardmore Airport.

Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, a major international hub with numerous airlines offering a wide range of flights to destinations across the globe. It's a modern facility with state-of-the-art amenities and multiple terminals, including one for international flights. Opened in 1966, the airport is continually upgraded to improve passenger experience.

Ardmore Airport

Ardmore Airport is a smaller domestic airport situated approximately 25 km south of Auckland city centre, mainly handling general aviation and domestic flights.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• United Airlines
• American Airlines

Long Beach has one major airport that serves commercial flights: Long Beach Airport.

Long Beach Airport (LGB)

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is a relatively smaller airport compared to other major airports in Southern California, but it offers a convenient and less crowded alternative to LAX for travellers flying into Long Beach. The airport is well-connected to the city centre via public transport and taxi services. You can get to the city centre by taking the Long Beach Airport Express bus which goes to various locations downtown or by taking a taxi or ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft.

Long Beach offers a diverse range of attractions to suit all tastes, from exploring its rich maritime history to enjoying its vibrant arts and culture scene.

• Aquarium of the Pacific: Explore the wonders of the Pacific Ocean with thousands of marine animals and interactive exhibits.
• Queen Mary: Step aboard this historic ocean liner and explore its fascinating past as a passenger ship and troop transport.
• Naples Canals: Take a relaxing gondola ride through the picturesque canals of this charming neighbourhood.