Embark on a captivating journey from Wellington, New Zealand, to Chengdu, China, a city steeped in rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning natural beauty. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, beckons travellers with its iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and unique experiences. The fastest way to reach Chengdu is via air travel; however, direct flights are infrequent. Expect an average flight duration of approximately 13 hours for a direct flight, although this can fluctuate due to weather conditions and air traffic.

Several major airlines offer routes, though typically including one or more stopovers. Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific are two commonly used airlines, often flying via Auckland and Hong Kong respectively. These stopovers, while adding to the overall travel time, can sometimes present more cost-effective options than a direct flight. Alternative flight paths frequently use major hubs such as Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, leading to longer overall journey times. Ideal months for budget travellers to book flights to Chengdu are typically during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October). Booking in advance, approximately 2-3 months prior to departure, often yields the best deals. Peak travel times to Chengdu are during the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is pleasant. Off-peak months are during the winter (December-February), experiencing colder temperatures and fewer tourists. To summarise: plan your trip during the shoulder season to benefit from cost-effective travel and enjoy a delightful experience.

Chengdu enjoys a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June-August) are hot and humid, with temperatures reaching highs of around 37°C. Winters (December-February) are relatively mild but damp, with average temperatures ranging from 2°C to 10°C. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) offer the most pleasant weather, with mild temperatures and less rainfall making them ideal times to explore the city and surrounding areas. Note that while generally mild, extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall or occasional snowfall are possible depending on the specific year and season.

Wellington has two operational airports currently serving commercial flights: Wellington Airport and Kapiti Coast Airport. While Wellington Airport is the primary airport, handling the vast majority of international and domestic traffic, Kapiti Coast Airport primarily serves smaller aircraft and domestic routes.

Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport, officially opened in 1935, serves as a significant hub in New Zealand, handling a large volume of flights and passengers daily. This modern airport is undergoing continuous development and expansion to accommodate growth. It’s home to several international and domestic airlines, making it an ideal starting point for international travel.

Kapiti Coast Airport

Kapiti Coast Airport is a smaller regional airport, opened in 1964, catering mainly to general aviation. It complements Wellington Airport with a focus on shorter domestic flights. Its smaller scale offers a more personal and efficient travel experience, but with fewer flight and airline options.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• Cathay Pacific
• Singapore Airlines

Chengdu is primarily served by two major international airports: Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. These airports together handle a significant volume of domestic and international flights.

Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport

Opened in 1994, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is a large, modern facility with multiple terminals, numerous airlines, a vast number of daily flights, and millions of passengers annually. Reaching the city centre is easy via a convenient metro line, taxis, or private car hire. The airport also has excellent bus links to nearby cities.

Chengdu Tianfu International Airport

A newer addition to Chengdu's airport infrastructure, Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is strategically located in the south-east of the city. This modern airport boasts extensive facilities and is designed to become a major transport hub, offering seamless connections to various destinations. The airport is well-connected with the city centre, offering taxi, bus, and metro services.

Chengdu, a city with a rich history and a vibrant culture, offers a plethora of attractions for visitors. It is known for its giant pandas and delicious Sichuan cuisine.

• Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Spend time observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
• Explore Jinli Ancient Street: Wander through this historic street, admiring the traditional architecture and local shops.
• Enjoy a Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner: Indulge in the spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, a culinary highlight of the city.