Planning a trip from Wellington, New Zealand, to Cape Town, South Africa? Cape Town is a vibrant city with stunning natural beauty, a rich history, and a diverse culture, attracting travellers worldwide. Its iconic Table Mountain, beautiful beaches, and world-class wineries are just some of its attractions. A direct flight is your fastest option; however, these flights aren't always the cheapest. Expect an average flight time of around 20 hours. Flight frequency varies depending on the airline and time of year, with most offering flights a few times a week. Airlines like Air New Zealand and Qantas sometimes offer direct flights. If there aren't any direct flights, expect layovers in cities like Sydney, Perth, or other international hubs, considerably increasing journey time.

To secure the best deals, consider flying during the off-peak season (June to August). Booking your flights in advance, around 2-3 months prior to your departure date, usually helps secure a lower fare, especially if travelling during peak season (December to February). Keep in mind, that these are only general estimates, and prices are always subject to availability. The cheapest months to fly are typically during the shoulder season (March-May and September-November), which also presents less crowded attractions in Cape Town. The busiest time to visit is during the summer months (December to February) due to the warm weather and holiday season; however, this period usually has the most expensive flight deals.

Cape Town enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer (December to February) boasts warm temperatures, typically ranging from 18°C to 30°C, with plenty of sunshine. While this is the most popular time to visit, it also tends to be the busiest and most expensive. Winter (June to August) offers cooler temperatures, from 8°C to 18°C, with occasional rain. This is the quietest time of the year, with great deals on accommodation and flights, and ideal for those wanting to avoid big crowds. Spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) offer pleasant temperatures, typically between 15°C and 25°C, with fewer crowds compared to summer.

Wellington has two main airports that offer commercial flights: Wellington Airport and Kapiti Coast Airport.

Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport is the primary airport serving Wellington, and the largest one in the region. It's a modern facility with a single terminal building, offering a wide variety of amenities and services to its passengers. Opened in 1935, it has seen multiple renovations throughout its history, with the latest one being in 2018. It serves both domestic and international flights and is operated by Wellington International Airport Limited.

Kapiti Coast Airport

Kapiti Coast Airport is smaller, primarily handling domestic flights. It opened in 1964. As a secondary airport in the region, it caters to a smaller amount of passengers compared to Wellington Airport. It has one terminal and serves a few airlines.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• Qantas
• Singapore Airlines

Cape Town has one main airport that is currently serving commercial flights: Cape Town International Airport.

Cape Town International Airport

Cape Town International Airport (CPT) is the primary airport serving Cape Town. It's a modern and busy airport with two terminals, handling millions of passengers annually. Opened in 1950, it has undergone several renovations over the years. The airport is well-connected to the city centre. You can reach the city centre via the MyCiti bus system, taxis, or by renting a car. The MyCiti bus offers a convenient and affordable option, while taxis provide a quicker, albeit more expensive, alternative. Renting a car gives you more freedom to explore at your own pace.

Cape Town is a city that offers something for everyone, from stunning natural landscapes to fascinating history and culture.

• Table Mountain: Take a cable car or hike up to the top of this iconic landmark for breathtaking views of the city and surrounding areas.
• Robben Island: Take a ferry to this island, a former prison where Nelson Mandela was held, and learn about South Africa's history of apartheid.
• V&A Waterfront: Explore this lively harbour area with shops, restaurants, and attractions, including the Two Oceans Aquarium.