London, a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty, beckons travellers from around the globe. From its iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London to its world-class museums and vibrant theatre scene, London offers an array of experiences. Its sprawling green spaces, such as Hyde Park and Richmond Park, provide a welcome respite from the bustling city life. Whether you are interested in exploring ancient castles, experiencing cutting-edge art, or indulging in diverse culinary delights, London has something for everyone. The city's rich heritage is woven into its very fabric, visible in its historic buildings, cobbled streets, and charming neighbourhoods. A trip to London is a journey through time, a celebration of culture, and an exploration of a truly global metropolis.

Direct flights from Whangarei to London are, unfortunately, not typically available, meaning you'll need to book a flight with at least one stopover. The average flight duration with a stopover can range from 25 to 35 hours, depending on the layover city and the duration of your layover. This can vary due to flight connections, airport wait times, and unexpected delays.

Several major airlines offer flights with stopovers to London from Whangarei, including Air New Zealand and Qantas. These airlines often operate multiple flights daily or weekly, though the exact flight frequency changes throughout the year. Popular layover cities include Auckland, Los Angeles, and Singapore. Layovers increase the overall flight time, extending your journey and requiring additional travel planning.

For the most cost-effective flights, consider booking your trip during the shoulder seasons, such as April to May and September to October, or during the off-peak months of January, February and March. Booking in advance, ideally 2-3 months before your departure, can often secure the best deals, but last-minute offers sometimes appear. Generally, airfares are highest during peak seasons and public holidays. In London, peak seasons are the summer months of June to August, Christmas and New Year’s, which naturally tend to be more expensive. Avoid these months if you're looking for the best deals.

London experiences a temperate maritime climate, meaning it has relatively mild winters and cool summers. Summers (June-August) typically average 18-21°C with warm, sunny days but also frequent showers. Winters (December-February) are the coldest and wettest, with average temperatures around 3-7°C. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) provide pleasant transitional seasons with mild temperatures and changeable weather, with both seasons featuring occasional showers. While it's rarely extremely hot or cold in London, be prepared for rain and pack accordingly regardless of the season. There is no extreme weather prevalent in London. In case of any significant weather events, please check the local weather forecast.

Whangarei has only one airport that is currently operating and serves commercial flights: Whangarei Airport.

Whangarei Airport

Whangarei Airport (WRE) is a small domestic airport serving the Whangarei district. It has one terminal and is located approximately 10 km from the city centre. While it doesn't handle a large number of flights or passengers compared to larger international hubs, it serves as an important gateway to the Northland region. The airport is modern and regularly undergoes upgrades to enhance passenger experience. It is not a hub airport and serves mainly domestic flights, with limited international connections. There is a single terminal. It does not have a large volume of passengers, flights or airlines.

Main airlines for this route

• Air New Zealand
• Qantas
• Jetstar

London boasts six major airports that serve international and domestic flights: Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted, Luton, City, and Southend.

Heathrow Airport (LHR)

Heathrow is the busiest airport in the UK, a major international hub with extensive connections worldwide. It has five terminals and offers various public transport options to central London, including the Heathrow Express train, the Piccadilly Line tube, and numerous bus services. Taxis and private car hires are also readily available. It is a massive, modern airport, among the busiest globally, with five terminals and extensive infrastructure.

Gatwick Airport (LGW)

Gatwick is the second-largest airport in London, serving both domestic and international flights. It has two terminals and provides Gatwick Express train services, plus bus and coach options, to reach central London. Taxis and pre-booked car services are readily available. It is a large, modern airport with two terminals. It has excellent transport connections to London.

Stansted Airport (STN)

Stansted primarily serves budget airlines and offers Stansted Express train connections to central London, alongside bus and coach services. Taxis and private cars are readily available. It's a smaller, modern airport with a focus on budget travel. It is mainly used by budget airlines.

London, a global powerhouse of culture and history, offers an endless array of activities for visitors. With its iconic landmarks, world-class museums, vibrant theatre scene, and stunning green spaces, London truly has something for everyone. From exploring ancient castles to experiencing modern art, or from enjoying a traditional afternoon tea to indulging in diverse culinary delights, your visit will be filled with unforgettable experiences.

• Visit Buckingham Palace: Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a traditional and iconic event. Explore the State Rooms during the summer opening.
• Explore the Tower of London: Discover the historic fortress, marvel at the Crown Jewels, and learn about its fascinating past. Be sure to see the ravens!
• See a West End Show: Experience the magic of London's theatre scene with a captivating musical or play. Check out the many options available and book your tickets in advance.