Planning your trip from the UK
Useful flight info
Flights are pretty darn expensive to the other side of the World. In our experience, the best deals come about 3 months before the flight and we suggest getting to New Zealand on the 7th or 8th of January 2026 giving you some time to get over any potential jet lag.
We strongly recommend booking directly with an airline rather than through a third-party website. Should anything happen to the flight, the airline is responsible for putting you onto a new flight rather than battling with a third-party chatbot only to end up having to pay for a new flight. Talking from experience…
If you’re flying through the US you will need to organise a travel visa permit (an ESTA) and will need at least a stopover of 3hrs+. The US won’t check your bags through so avoid any tight layovers as you will need to recheck in.
Auckland is the closest airport to our Wedding and the main international airport of NZ. All other domestic flights go from here as well, if you’re looking to do a bit more travel.
Places in
Auckland to visit
We have so many things to see, eat and do in Auckland. With amazing café culture, restaurants and access to beaches and walks; try spend 3-4 days in Auckland.
Devonport - a stunning, chilled suburb on the North Shore. With a very relaxed, arty, sunny feel, you can catch the 15-minute ferry to the suburb from Auckland CBD and have a walk around the shops and eateries.
Ponsonby & Grey Lynn - Cool shops, restaurants, galleries and boutiques located really centrally.
Wynyard Quarter & Auckland Viaduct - A modern waterfront area with interesting buildings, bars, and restaurants. It's a nice place for a walk along the water and has a lively feel close to the city centre.
Eastern Bays (Mission Bay, Kohimarama, St Heliers) - These are beach suburbs along the coast with relaxed cafes, and lovely views. Great to grab a coffee and walk along the Bays! Just a short drive from the city.
Takapuna - A main area on the North Shore with a good beach, a variety of shops, and places to eat. It's a comfortable place to visit, easily reached by car or public transport.
The wider Auckland region
Waiheke - Catch the ferry over from Auckland CBD for a day trip, see the wineries and beaches. We recommend booking a night or two on the island if you can make it.
Rangitoto - A volcano in Auckland harbour. Catch a boat across and do the 3-4 hour walk to the point and back. Amazing views.
Piha - Is an amazing dark sand beach, just 35-40 minutes from Auckland CBD. The drive is beautiful and the beach is windswept and surfy.
Puhoi - About 35 minutes north of Auckland is the iconic tiny settlement of Puhoi. Tucked away in the bush, if the UK people are missing a good old-fashioned pub and drinking establishment, this is a day trip for you lot. Tucked away (and also making gourmet cheeses) there is a classic Kiwiana take on a pub. Perfect for the Keith’s of the trip.
Matakana region
We’re hoping to celebrate with as many of you as possible across the 11th - 14th in Matakana and will be planning a beach day.
The area is amazing, a region of beaches, wineries, farmers markets - just lots going on. As it’s only 50 minutes from Auckland we absolutely recommend you exploring the region as long as you can.
