When is the Cheapest Time to Fly to Wellington?
The cheapest time to fly to Wellington is during the low season from June to August when it’s winter in New Zealand. There are fewer visitors during these months so you can enjoy the city without crowds of tourists, but the weather can get windy so be sure to pack a warm coat. The best time for Wellington flights is during the autumn shoulder season from March to May when the weather is warm, but tourist numbers are still low. Prices rise and visitors increase during the peak season, from December to February.
When is the Best Time to Book your Flight to Wellington?
The best time to book flights to Wellington is as far in advance of your travel days as you can – 6 months if possible – to get the lowest prices. Finding last-minute flights on Netflights can help you save when booking closer to your departure date. It is important to keep in mind that seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are the opposite of those in the Northern Hemisphere, so dress appropriately when you travel.
Flying to Wellington International Airport (WLG)
Wellington International Airport (WLG), located just five and a half kilometres southeast of the city of Wellington, is New Zealand’s third-busiest airport.
You can fly to Wellington from several major UK airports like Heathrow Airport, Gatwick Airport, Manchester Airport, Edinburgh Airport and Belfast City Airport. Many popular airlines offer flights to WLG, including Air New Zealand, British Airways, Emirates Airlines and Qantas Airways. Although there are no direct flights available, you will find plenty of indirect flights with two or three stopovers in cities like Auckland, Dubai, Singapore and Sydney.
On Arrival and Getting Around the Airport
Wellington International Airport is a single-terminal airport with three levels. Ground level is where return flights arrive and it includes the baggage claim area and transport services inside and outside the terminal. Level one is the main entrance to the airport, which houses domestic flight gates, the international terminal, cafes and shops, ticketing and check-in desks. Level 2 contains a conference centre and the domestic Koru Club lounge. The airport also provides other amenities such as special assistance, family facilities, lounges, Wi-Fi, lost property, bureau de change desks and ATMs.
Getting to the City from Wellington International Airport (WLG)
There are a number of different transport options to choose from to get from WLG to Wellington city centre, including travelling by bus, taxis, taking ride-sharing services, shuttles or renting a car. The Airport Flyer bus is an express bus that departs from the airport every 20 minutes. It includes Wi-Fi and air conditioning. Taxis take about 15-20 minutes (depending on traffic) and can be found at the taxi rank just outside the baggage claim area. Shuttles are a cheaper option and are also located outside the baggage area. Ride sharing is also another great alternative. To rent a car, you can choose from among car hire companies with desks next to the domestic baggage claim area.
Why visit Wellington?
Wellington is a vibrant, lively capital city with plenty to do and see. There is no better example of this than Cuba Street, a colourful street with a bohemian vibe filled with art galleries, restaurants, cafes and shops. Just a couple of streets away is the beautiful waterfront with top-class restaurants, cafes, bars and ice-cream parlours. While walking is a great way to soak up the atmosphere, cycling, roller skating and even kayaking in the harbour are other excellent alternatives.
Visit the city’s Botanic Garden, which features some of the native trees and plants of New Zealand. You can also learn about space and star gaze at night in the Space Place at Carter Observatory situated inside the garden. Get fabulous views of the city from above while riding the historic red cable car or snap panoramic photos at Mount Victoria Lookout. Film buffs will particularly enjoy the Weta Cave tour, which reveals the filmmaking process of famous films like Lord of the Rings and Avatar.
Don't Forget Before you Fly
The local currency is the New Zealand dollar, and it’s a good idea to have some with you before you travel in case you need to make some cash payments on arrival. British nationals can enter the country for up to six months without a visa but must have an onward or return ticket. Customs regulations are strict on goods and items entering the country so make sure not to bring food, like meat products, honey, fruit or dairy produce, or wooden equipment, like golf clubs, footwear and tents, as well as items made from animal skin.
