There’s something almost magical about traveling to the southernmost corners of the world. For me, Dunedin in New Zealand stands as one of those rare, hidden gems that captures your heart and refuses to let go. Nestled on the southeast coast of the South Island, Dunedin feels like a cozy embrace from nature itself, surrounded by rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and a city steeped in Scottish heritage. The journey to Dunedin, however, isn’t always as simple as hopping on a direct flight from most major airports around the globe.
So, when I first began planning my adventure to this quaint and charming city, I found myself standing at the crossroads of curiosity and confusion—how exactly does one get to Dunedin from places as far-flung as Europe, North America, or even Asia? It was a puzzle I had to solve. I’ve since learned that while Dunedin may not have as many direct flights as some larger cities, there are a handful of excellent connections that can get you there in style.
Let me take you through the journey, from booking that crucial ticket to landing on the tarmac in Dunedin. Along the way, I’ll share my experience of flying from Europe and the US, diving deep into three recommended flights, with all the details you need to get from your home to this captivating corner of New Zealand.
The Road to Dunedin: The Journey Begins
To travel halfway around the world to a destination like Dunedin is nothing short of an adventure. But first, let me be clear: flying to New Zealand from places like the United States or Europe is no easy feat. It’s a long journey—think of it as chasing a sunset across the vast Pacific, only to land in the cool embrace of the Southern Hemisphere. The sense of anticipation builds with each passing hour as you near your destination.
The closest international airport to Dunedin is Dunedin International Airport (DUD), located about 30 minutes from the city center. However, here’s the catch: Dunedin doesn’t have direct flights from most major international airports. Instead, you’ll likely find yourself stopping off in larger hubs like Auckland (AKL) or Christchurch (CHC) before catching a domestic flight to your final destination.
The journey may take longer than expected, but it’s far from dull. Each layover and connecting flight adds an unexpected layer of charm to the trip. Whether you’re stretching your legs at an airport café, soaking in the views of a different city, or chatting with fellow travelers, these moments offer glimpses into New Zealand’s diverse landscape, even before you’ve touched down. You get to savor the gradual shift in scenery and atmosphere, building up that sense of arrival as the anticipation of Dunedin grows ever more real with each mile.
So, while the road to Dunedin might be long, the journey is one filled with excitement and discovery at every stop.
From Europe to Dunedin: A Journey of Discovery
1. Flying from London Heathrow to Auckland, Then Dunedin
The journey begins in London, a city where the hum of life never stops. It’s here I first boarded my long-haul flight to New Zealand. And though I had the option to fly to other cities like Sydney or Melbourne, I chose Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, as my first stop. From there, I would catch a domestic flight to Dunedin.
I booked my international flight through Skyscanner (you can easily find the link here: Skyscanner)—a site that I’ve come to trust for its comprehensive comparisons across all airlines. For this route, I opted for Qantas Airways, one of Australia’s top carriers known for its excellent service. The flight from Heathrow to Auckland took around 24 hours with a layover in Melbourne, where the warm Australian air kissed my skin briefly before I continued my journey.
The cost? My ticket ran me about £1,300—on the pricier side, but well worth it for the comfort of a premium economy seat. The long flight was, as expected, both exhausting and exhilarating. You’re hurtling across the globe, chasing the horizon, all while sipping on a glass of New Zealand sauvignon blanc and daydreaming about the lush landscapes awaiting you.
Once I landed in Auckland, I had a few hours to explore the city before boarding my connecting flight to Dunedin. The Auckland to Dunedin leg is a breeze, just a quick 1-hour flight on Air New Zealand. I’ve always found their domestic flights to be exceptionally smooth, and their in-flight entertainment was a welcome distraction. A couple of movies later, the scenic beauty of Dunedin’s coastline started to appear outside the window, and my excitement began to build.
2. Booking the Flight and Cost Breakdown:
- Airline: Qantas Airways from London Heathrow to Auckland, Air New Zealand from Auckland to Dunedin
- Booking Platform: Skyscanner (for international flights), directly from the Air New Zealand website for domestic flights.
- Cost: Around £1,300 for the international flight, and about NZD 150 for the domestic flight to Dunedin.
- Travel Time: Approximately 25-26 hours, including layovers.
3. Passenger Experience:
In my experience, flying with Qantas was a pleasant affair. The cabin crew were friendly and attentive, ensuring that I stayed hydrated and well-fed during the long flight. The layover in Melbourne was just enough to stretch my legs and grab a quick bite. Air New Zealand’s service was equally commendable, and the flight from Auckland to Dunedin felt like a smooth, almost cinematic transition to another world. The views of rolling hills and cliffs on the approach to Dunedin were absolutely breathtaking.
From the United States to Dunedin: A Long-Haul Adventure
4. Flying from Los Angeles to Auckland, Then Dunedin
For those of us coming from the United States, Los Angeles is one of the most common departure points for flights to New Zealand. I decided to fly with American Airlines, as they offer a direct flight to Auckland, which makes the journey a little more straightforward compared to the European connection.
The flight from LAX to Auckland was around 13 hours, and while long, it wasn’t as grueling as some of the other flights I’ve taken. I opted for a window seat, watching the sky transform from bright blue to the shimmering darkness of the Pacific Ocean. Meals were hearty, and the entertainment selection was top-notch.
Once in Auckland, I caught a domestic flight with Jetstar Airways, a low-cost carrier. While Jetstar isn’t the most luxurious airline, it certainly gets the job done, and the flight was only a short 1-hour hop over to Dunedin.
5. Booking the Flight and Cost Breakdown:
- Airline: American Airlines from Los Angeles to Auckland, Jetstar Airways from Auckland to Dunedin.
- Booking Platform: I used Kayak for my international flight search, and Jetstar’s website for the domestic leg.
- Cost: Approximately USD 1,100 for the international flight, and NZD 120 for the flight from Auckland to Dunedin.
- Travel Time: About 15 hours from LAX to Auckland, then another 1 hour to Dunedin.
6. Passenger Experience:
American Airlines didn’t disappoint—comfortable seating, decent food, and friendly service made the long flight manageable. Once I arrived in Auckland, the efficiency of the airport made transferring to my domestic flight seamless. Jetstar provided exactly what I needed for the short leg of the journey—quick, no-frills service. Before I knew it, I was soaring over New Zealand’s stunning landscape, heading to Dunedin.
Tips for Booking Flights to Dunedin
7. Use the Right Platforms for Your Flight Search
When booking flights to New Zealand, Google Flights and Momondo are two of my go-to platforms. Both offer an intuitive search engine with multiple filters to help you compare prices and choose the best option for your travel dates.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, be sure to check out Skyscanner and Kayak. They often have fantastic deals on international flights to New Zealand, especially if you book well in advance.
8. Booking in Advance
I always recommend booking your flights as far in advance as possible. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to secure the best prices, especially during the peak tourist seasons (which, in Dunedin’s case, are the summer months between December and February). For international flights, try to book at least six months in advance for the best deals.
9. Consider Stopovers for an Extra Adventure
If you have the time, consider adding a stopover in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, or Auckland. Not only will you break up the long journey, but it’s also a great excuse to explore another part of the world before you reach Dunedin.
10. Be Prepared for Jet Lag
Flying to Dunedin from Europe or North America is no small feat, so be prepared for some jet lag. Drink plenty of water, take breaks during long layovers, and try to adjust your sleep schedule a few days before departure. It will make the journey feel a lot more manageable.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on my journey to Dunedin, I can’t help but marvel at how every step of the trip felt like a chapter in an unfolding adventure. From booking the flights to stepping off the plane, every moment was filled with anticipation and excitement. Although getting to Dunedin may take a little extra effort and planning, the reward—arriving in one of New Zealand’s most enchanting cities—was more than worth it.
