Flights to Auckland

Best student & youth fares right now to Auckland

Looking for a cheap flight to Auckland? We’ve got you covered—check our cheapest deals below or use the search bar above to find exactly what you need.

Student flights from the USA to Auckland

Auckland is one of New Zealand’s largest cities, centered between two harbors on the North Island. It’s also home to New Zealand’s busiest international airport, making it a great place to start your New Zealand adventure, as most flights from the US land in Auckland first. Auckland’s a really unique city, too, with a great blend of both city life, skyscrapers and shopping and nature, parks and adventure. Go bungee jumping off the thousand-foot-tall SkyTower in downtown Auckland, hike to waterfalls and swimming holes just outside of the city, visit waterfront cafes across the city and visit Auckland Domain, the oldest park in the city centered around an extinct volcano.

Ready to add Auckland to your bucket list? We thought so. Check our promo codes to see what sales we’re running right now before you book your flight, or join our email list and we’ll send all the deals to you.

What are the main Auckland airports, and how do I get from them to central Auckland?

The Auckland International Airport (AKL) is the largest and busiest airport in New Zealand, with the vast majority of international flights from the US arriving in Auckland first.

Auckland Airport / AKL: The Auckland Airport is located about 25 minutes from Auckland CBD (Central Business District), although if you’re staying outside of the city center, your hotel or accommodation may be a bit closer or further. Once you land, you can pick up a rental car and head out on your own or take an Uber/taxi—the quickest but most expensive option (about $40-60 NZD, so $30-45 USD). The SkyBus is a cheaper alternative that takes about an hour to get downtown but only costs $18 ($13 USD). You can also take public transit—the cheapest option of all!—by taking bus 380 from the airport to Papatoetoe Train Station and then catching a train from there into downtown.

How to fly from the USA to Auckland

Though New Zealand is on the other side of the world from the US, Auckland is pretty well-connected to the US. Many flights from the West Coast will be direct, since the Pacific Ocean doesn’t provide many layover options. Flights from the rest of the US often have a layover in San Francisco or Los Angeles. By far the most popular airline is Air New Zealand, though United and American Airlines also offer flight options.

Cheap flights to Auckland
from Los Angeles / LAX

Average flight duration

13 hours

Number of daily flights

About 10 nonstop flights weekly

Cheap flights to Auckland
from San Francisco / SFO

Average flight duration

13 hours

Number of daily flights

about 4 weekly.

Cheap flights to Auckland
from New York / NYC

Average flight duration

21+ hours

Number of daily flights

No direct flights, but numerous connecting flights daily

Cheap flights to Auckland
from Chicago / ORD

Average flight duration

16 hours

Number of daily flights

about 2 daily

When is the best time to fly to Auckland?

Auckland has a fairly tropical climate, with mild temperatures mostly year-round but plenty of rain during the winter months. Remember, New Zealand’s in the Southern Hemisphere, so winter is May-August. March-April or September-November are the best times to visit Auckland, when temperatures are mild with less rainy days, and there’s less tourists than in the summer (aka December-February) months.

When is the cheapest time to book a flight from the USA to Auckland?

Prices based on bookings made 60-91 days prior to departure.

Why do students love visiting Auckland?

Students love visiting Auckland for the diverse number of activities and things to do, from hiking, bungee jumping, shopping, sea kayaking, and more. Nearby parks and islands offer plenty of adventure, while the bustling city offers tons of restaurants, markets and opportunities.

Auckland universities and campuses

Auckland—and New Zealand in general—is a great place to study abroad. Whether you enroll directly in the university or go through a study abroad program, there’s plenty of options. The University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology are two of the most popular and highly-ranked universities in New Zealand. Even better, the incredible adventures and landscapes, affordable cost of living and friendly locals mean you’ll be feeling at home in no time. Check with your home university to see what New Zealand study abroad options might be easily available to you.

Auckland lifestyle and culture

Auckland is a big city that may feel fast-paced (if you’re from a small town) or a bit more relaxed (if you’re from a big city in the US, like New York). The good news is, there’s always something to do in Auckland and the food and coffee scenes are fantastic. Most locals like to get out and explore on the weekend. In general, many New Zealanders find work-life balance really important, so you’ll have plenty of chances to get out, explore and enjoy all the nature surrounding you!

Exploring Auckland on a student budget

Auckland is one of the more expensive places in New Zealand to live, but it’s still pretty easy to explore on a student budget, thankfully! The exchange rate is also in your favor, since the USD is stronger than the New Zealand dollar. Of course, all the nearby nature is free to explore, whether you want to indulge in a beach day, climb a volcano or hike to some waterfalls. Within the city, you’ll find restaurants and cafes that cater to any budget and plenty of free activities, like visiting the Auckland Botanic Gardens, strolling through the CBD, or window-shopping in the markets.

Frequently asked questions about flying from the USA to Auckland

Auckland has a public transport system of both trains and buses, though locals warn that it’s not always reliable. Depending on what you want to do, you may find it limiting. In general, renting a car will give you more freedom to explore New Zealand’s outdoor adventures and scenery. Thankfully, renting a car isn’t too expensive in New Zealand. Just remember that they drive on the left and you’ll need an international driver’s license before you go.