Dreaming of a trip to Dubai? This vibrant city seamlessly blends modern architecture with ancient traditions, offering a captivating experience for every traveller. From the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, to the mesmerizing Palm Jumeirah, Dubai is a hub of luxury and innovation. It also boasts stunning beaches, vast deserts, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a truly unique destination. The fastest way to reach this Middle Eastern gem from Wellington is via a direct flight, though most flights include a stopover. Emirates and Air New Zealand frequently offer direct flights; however, the frequency varies throughout the year. While you may find daily flights during peak season, the number may decrease to a few times per week during the off-season. If there are no direct flights available, consider alternative flight paths with layovers in major hubs, such as Singapore or Bangkok. These may affect overall travel time, adding several hours to your journey. Booking in advance, and keeping an eye out for cheap flights during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), is key to securing the best deals. The cheapest months to fly are generally June to August when the weather is hot but less tourists travel. Peak travel is during the winter months, from November to March. This is because of the pleasant weather and Dubai Shopping Festival. Avoid traveling during these months if you want to save money, but keep in mind that flight prices will be high and accommodation will be more expensive. But keep in mind that if you choose to travel in the low season, the temperature will be very high.

Dubai enjoys a desert climate, meaning hot summers and mild winters. Summer, from June to August, sees average temperatures around 30°C, but it can feel much hotter due to high humidity. Winter, between December and March, offers the most pleasant weather, with average temperatures between 16°C and 26°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are shoulder seasons with warm days and cooler evenings. These are good options for those looking for a comfortable climate without the crowds and high prices of peak season. Extreme weather events are rare in Dubai, but sandstorms are possible during summer.

Wellington has only one major airport currently operating and serving commercial flights: Wellington Airport.

Wellington Airport

Wellington Airport, also known as WLG, is the primary airport serving Wellington and the wider Wellington region. It's a modern facility that is relatively small. It handles a significant number of domestic and international flights, serving numerous airlines connecting New Zealand to the world.

Main airlines for this route

• Emirates
• Air New Zealand
• Qantas

Dubai has two major international airports: Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Dubai International Airport (DXB)

Opened in 1960, DXB is one of the busiest airports globally, with three terminals, and it is a major hub for Emirates. It's well-connected to the city centre via metro, taxis, and car rental services.

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC)

Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), also known as Dubai World Central, is a newer airport, opened in 2013, designed for large cargo operations and passenger flights. This airport is also well connected to the city centre. Public transportation options include buses and taxis. You can hire cars directly from the airport.

Dubai offers a plethora of activities and sights, catering to all interests. From thrilling adventures to cultural immersion, you are sure to create unforgettable memories.

• Burj Khalifa: Ascend the world's tallest building for breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the surrounding desert.
• Desert Safari: Experience the thrill of dune bashing, camel riding, and sandboarding in the vast Arabian desert, often concluding with a traditional cultural show.
• Dubai Mall: Explore one of the world's largest shopping malls, housing hundreds of shops, an ice rink, an aquarium, and an underwater zoo.