International
Travel tips
There is a lot to think about when getting ready to travel overseas. We have put together some tips to help you get started.
Getting ready to travel
When preparing for an overseas trip, organisation is key. You can also use our handy travel checklist[link] to help you get ready.
Book flights to your end destination
New Zealand is bigger than you might think! We have two main islands – the North Island and the South Island. Auckland is on the North Island, while our Dunedin and Central Otago campuses are on the South Island.
It is a good idea to book your flights right through to the airport closest to your chosen Otago Polytechnic campus. If you make this part of your international booking, you won’t have to buy tickets for connecting flights when you land in New Zealand. That means you can let us know your arrival details so we can pick you up from the airport.
Major airlines that fly to New Zealand include Air New Zealand, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, British Airways, Air China, Singapore Airlines and Air Canada.
Need help with your flights?
If you need help arranging your flights, talk to your local travel agent or a 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist for expert advice and booking support.
Domestic connections
If you need to book a connecting flight to your final destination within New Zealand, the major domestic airlines are Air New Zealand and Jetstar
Check luggage restrictions
Most airlines allow approximately 20-23 kilograms for luggage and 7 kilograms for hand luggage. Please check your airline’s policy about luggage size and weight, and any other rules. Remember, if you have connecting flights, you need to check the luggage allowances of each airline you fly with.
Fly to New Zealand
Most international flights arrive at Auckland Airport, with some also landing in Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown and Dunedin.
Travel between cities
With two main islands, and hilly, twisty roads, it can take a long time to travel around New Zealand. If you are travelling between cities, you can choose to fly, take an intercity bus or drive. There is an interisland ferry if you are driving between the North and South Islands.
Travel to Auckland
Fly to Auckland Airport
Auckland features an international airport, so you can fly right into the city. Auckland Airport (AKL) is the largest and busiest in New Zealand, so be patient when you arrive as it can take some time to get through customs and immigration.
Travel to Central Otago Cromwell
Fly to Queenstown Airport
The closest airport to our Central Otago campus in Cromwell is Queenstown Airport (ZQN), located approximately 36 km away. You can fly directly to Queenstown from Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington, with frequent daily flights operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar.
Get a car or bus from Christchurch
If you choose to hire a car or catch an intercity bus from Christchurch, the drive to Cromwell takes around 6.5 hours (approx. 421 km) through scenic South Island landscapes.
For more details, visit the Queenstown Airport official website
Travel to Dunedin
Fly to Dunedin
The closest airport to our Dunedin campus is Dunedin International Airport (DUD), located approximately 30 km southwest of the city centre. You can fly directly to Dunedin from Auckland, Christchurch, or Wellington, with regular services operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar.
Get a car or bus from Christchurch
If you choose to hire a car or catch an intercity bus from Christchurch, the journey to Dunedin takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on your mode of transport and stops along the way.
For more details, visit the Dunedin Airport official website
Free airport pickup
Once you arrive at your final destination, we can pick you up from the airport. Check out our on arrival page to learn more.