Lyon, a city steeped in history and culture, nestled in the heart of France, beckons travellers with its unique blend of architectural marvels, historical significance, and vibrant culinary scene. From its iconic landmarks like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, perched atop Fourvière Hill, to the charming Old Town with its Renaissance architecture and hidden courtyards, Lyon offers a captivating experience for every visitor. The city's gastronomic reputation, earning it the title of a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, is further enhanced by its picturesque setting on the confluence of two rivers, the Rhône and Saône. Exploring Lyon’s vibrant neighbourhoods, witnessing the colourful murals of Croix-Rousse, or enjoying a leisurely boat ride along the waterways, are just some of the things that make this city such an attractive destination. The fastest way to reach this captivating city is by air, with several options available from Auckland.

Flights from Auckland to Lyon typically involve a stopover, with journey times ranging between 26 and 36 hours, depending on the routing and layover duration. Air New Zealand and Emirates are two major airlines offering routes, sometimes with daily frequencies. While direct flights are uncommon, many travellers choose to connect via popular layover hubs like Dubai or Paris, which might add between 8 and 12 hours to the total travel time. Budget-conscious travellers often find the cheapest months to fly to be between November and February; however, booking in advance (at least two to three months before departure) is always recommended to get the best deals. Peak travel season in Lyon runs from June to August, driven by warm weather and summer festivals; whereas, autumn and spring represent off-peak travel seasons, providing more opportunities for cost-effective flights and hotel stays. However, bear in mind that airfares and hotel costs fluctuate depending on various factors, so it is important to check dates flexibly and to keep an eye on any special offers.

Lyon enjoys a temperate climate, influenced by its location between the Alps and the Mediterranean. Summers (June-August) are warm and sunny, with average temperatures in the low twenties Celsius, but can occasionally reach the mid-thirties Celsius. Winters (December-February) are relatively mild, with average temperatures hovering around 2-5 Celsius, and occasional snowfall. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are particularly pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10 to 20 Celsius, making these ideal months to visit. Rainfall can be variable throughout the year, but autumn tends to be the wettest season.

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

Auckland Airport

Auckland Airport, the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, is an international airport opened in 1966, that has undergone various renovations and expansions throughout the years to accommodate its ever-growing passenger traffic, exceeding 20 million passengers per year. It handles hundreds of flights daily, serving numerous international and domestic airlines. It is a major hub for Air New Zealand and boasts several terminals with a range of amenities and facilities.

Ardmore Airport

Ardmore Airport is a smaller, general aviation airport that is mainly used for domestic flights and is a hub for several domestic airlines. It is considerably smaller than Auckland Airport, but it still plays a significant role in the region's air travel.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• Emirates
• Qatar Airways

Lyon is served by two major airports: Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport and Lyon-Bron Airport.

Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport

Lyon–Saint-Exupéry Airport is the main international airport serving Lyon. This modern airport opened in 1975 and has undergone many renovations since then, with a wide range of amenities, services, and transportation options for passengers. It's conveniently located south-east of Lyon, and offers various ways to reach the city centre, including trains (direct Rhônexpress train to the city centre station), taxis, and buses. Self-drive car rentals are readily available.

Lyon-Bron Airport

Lyon-Bron Airport is a smaller airport, primarily catering to domestic flights and general aviation. It offers fewer transport options to the city centre, but still provides a convenient choice for those with flights going to this airport. Taxi and rental cars are usually the options for reaching Lyon's city centre.

Lyon, a city rich in history and culture, offers a wide array of experiences for its visitors. Whether you are interested in history, gastronomy, or art, Lyon has something to offer everyone.

• Explore Vieux Lyon: Wander through the charming, cobblestone streets of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Discover its hidden courtyards, Renaissance architecture, and traboules (secret passageways).
• Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Ascend Fourvière Hill to admire the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a majestic Roman Catholic basilica that commands panoramic views of the city.
• Indulge in Lyon's Gastronomy: Savor Lyon's renowned culinary scene with its bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants), offering authentic local dishes and wines. Explore the Les Halles Paul Bocuse market for a taste of regional delicacies.