Planning a trip from Dunedin, New Zealand, to Vancouver, Canada? You're in for a treat. Vancouver is a stunning city nestled between mountains and the ocean, offering a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty. Its rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks like Stanley Park and Gastown, and vibrant arts scene attract travellers from around the globe. Whether you're captivated by its breathtaking scenery, keen to explore its diverse neighbourhoods, or simply seeking a memorable city break, Vancouver has something to offer everyone. The fastest way to get there is by air, with several flight options available.

The average direct flight duration from Dunedin to Vancouver is approximately 12-15 hours, although this can vary based on weather conditions, wind speed, and airline routing. Several major airlines offer flights, but typically you will require a stopover. While there are no direct flights currently available for this route, it is best to explore different options with eDreams to discover the best flight deals available. Expect to find layovers in cities like Los Angeles, Honolulu or other Pacific Rim hubs. These layovers will increase your total travel time considerably, adding an extra 6-12 hours or more to the journey.

To find the cheapest flights, the ideal months for budget travellers are typically the shoulder seasons – spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October). Booking your flight well in advance, at least 3-6 months prior to departure, tends to secure the best deals, and you can frequently take advantage of early booking discounts and sales. Naturally, peak travel times (summer months and major holidays) tend to have increased airfare prices, but you can find some deals depending on the time you book and the flight route you choose. Vancouver is busiest during the summer months (June-August) and around major holiday periods, due to pleasant weather and large-scale events. Conversely, the quieter periods are during the winter months (November-February) and outside the peak seasons.

Vancouver enjoys a mild, temperate climate, thanks to its coastal location. Summers (June-August) are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C. Winters (December-February) are cool and wet, with average temperatures between 2°C and 7°C. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather, with temperatures averaging between 8°C and 15°C. Spring offers a balance of pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer months. While rain is possible year-round, it's particularly common in the autumn and winter. Vancouver typically does not experience extreme weather events, although occasional snowfalls can occur in winter and strong winds are possible during any season.

Dunedin has one main airport that serves commercial flights: Dunedin Airport.

Dunedin Airport

Dunedin Airport is a smaller airport with modern facilities. It serves both domestic and international flights, although international flights are less frequent. Opened in 1964, it has recently undergone renovations to update its infrastructure to cope with the rising number of passengers, currently over 500,000 a year. The airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades over the years.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• Qantas
• LATAM

The primary airport serving Vancouver is Vancouver International Airport (YVR). There are other smaller airports in the area, but YVR handles the vast majority of commercial flights.

Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a major international airport, serving numerous airlines and destinations worldwide. Opened in 1931, it is the second busiest airport in Canada by passenger numbers (over 25 million passengers annually). It features a modern design and several terminals. The airport has excellent public transportation connections to the city centre. The Canada Line rapid transit system connects YVR directly to downtown Vancouver. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available outside the terminals. It's also easy to pick up a rental car at the airport and make your way into the city.

Vancouver offers a fantastic array of activities and attractions for every kind of traveller. From its natural beauty to its dynamic urban core, you are spoiled for choice.

• Stanley Park Seawall: Explore the stunning coastline on a scenic walk or cycle along the world-famous seawall.
• Granville Island Market: Immerse yourself in a vibrant public market with an array of artisan food stalls, shops, and entertainment.
• Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Experience the thrill of walking across a swaying suspension bridge high above the Capilano River gorge.