Japan’s strange combination of cities, temples and world-class food has long ranked it among the most popular long-haul destinations for New Zealand travel. Those in the know will tell you direct Auckland Tokyo flights have grown exponentially over recent years with airlines now flying this route making trip planning a lot less of tacky than in years gone by. However, whether it is for cherry blossoms, the winter snow season or just to feel the capital’s vibe in general, knowing what your options are/ or choosing how you want will get you on the right path!
Direct and Connecting Routes
Air New Zealand operates non-stop around eleven-hour service from Auckland International Airport (AKL) to Narita International Airport in Tokyo (NRT). Direct options on this route have up until now represented the most straightforward option for many Kiwi travellers heading to Tokyo. ANA (All Nippon Airways) and Asiana Airlines also operate this route, with several itineraries having one stop based on the travel date. For those not averse to one-stop routes, Qantas, Japan Airlines and Korean Air offer connections through either Sydney or Hong Kong with total door-to-door journey times normally varying between about fourteen and seventeen hours depending on the connecting time.
Choosing Between Narita and Haneda
Tokyo International Airport (domestic), Narita International Airport (international): There are two main airports serving Tokyo and your choice will affect how you arrive. Narita (NRT), further from the metropolis, mostly serves long-haul international routes with a direct Air New Zealand service. Conversely, Haneda (HND) is quite a bit closer to central Tokyo and increasingly preferred by tourists seeking an expedited trip into town. However, if you are travelling via Sydney or Hong Kong you could fly into Haneda, depending on what airline you’re using. You may also want to verify which Tokyo airport you will be flying into and reserve accommodation accordingly; the transfer time and cost can vary tremendously between the two!
The guide has to understand about when to e-book and what rates to pay
Historically, May was one of the cheaper months to travel this route as it falls outside both busy spring cherry blossom season or the winter holiday window. Note: One-way economy fares are available from competitive levels but rise steeply in December, January and March. The most reliable way to find a decent fare over this long-haul segment is always to book early. Studies show that planning months ahead of time for tickets but not using last-minute deals always beats other techniques. If these results are not what you hoped for then flexibility in your travel dates will help, and so can a one month whole-month search tool which highlights the cheapest days to fly during your dates of preference.
Airlines and Onboard Experience
Air New Zealand flights in direct mode to this city usually arrive punctually with almost all cashed out on time. The eleven-hour journey will see passengers in economy treated to food, entertainment and the airline’s famous Kiwi hospitality. ANA is sitting at the top of the initial improved ranking and one of the best airlines in the world, offering an excellent choice for premium lounge access if you travel business class or higher as well as a reasonable option even when flying in economy. Jetstar operate this corridor at various stages of the season as well, primarily appealing to those more price sensitive leisure travellers happy to purchase elements that feature in full service airline ticket strategically bundled together.
Practical Booking Tips
When searching for flights from Auckland to Tokyo, there are few little tricks that can turn the tide. Set a Price Alert: Tracking tool will alert you when the fare on route of interest drops, stimulating your action before the best deals disappear. Avoid Japan’s peak travel seasons: The Golden Week period from late April to early May sees a massive jump in fares and crowds all over the country, while the New Year holiday (January 1–3) is another instance when airfares are driven higher by demand. Watch those layover times; airline will allow a reasonable connection service, but anything too tight on an international long-haul itinerary means last chance of missing the connection. If you’re travelling internationally from Auckland, make sure you are in for check-in two to three hours before your flight is scheduled – March and other peak periods will see queues of longer.
You are relevant for entry into Japan if you hold a valid New Zealand passport at the date of travel to Japan and that passport enables short-term tourist access into Japan. On arrival, immigration may request to see a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds so it’s advisable to have your travel documentation close at hand.
How BookMyTrip Can Help
Searching one by one, Air New Zealand literally does take time and now it becomes a comparison between various airlines like ANA. A platform that compares tickets from multiple airlines at one go can help you avoid rummaging through dozens of opened tabs in your browser trying to check for the best fares, routes and travel dates for your Tokyo trip similar to BookMyTrip.
Conclusion
Being within relatively close reach of Japan from New Zealand, there are also direct flights into the capital of Tokyo alongside other well serviced year-round connecting ways to get directly into there. Educate yourself on your routing options, price out carriers and give it plenty of lead time to ensure a decent fare for this amazing long haul! Be organised and flexible, and the neon of Tokyo and shrines beyond will be yours for the taking.
