SkyTeam airline China Eastern is currently offering a fantastic price for its flights to Auckland, New Zealand. Prices below €600 are usually very rare. The trip, however, takes over 40 hours in each direction, as it includes long (daytime) layovers and/or domestic flights within China. On the bright side, this deal includes 2 x 23 kg of luggage.
Finding dates is not super easy, but we’ve added quite a bunch of available dates to our availability calendar:
From Milan, you’ll first fly to China for roughly 11 hours. After a long layover (e.g. 17 hours in Shanghai), you’ll then fly on to Auckland for another 11 hours. On the way back, you’ll usually have two layovers in China, e.g. 5 hours in Hangzhou and 11 hours in Xi’An. The plane types vary wildly by date and routing, with anything from a Boeing 777, to an Airbus A330 or A350.
Most European citizens don’t need a visa to enter New Zealand for up to three months. An online registration called NZeTA is mandatory.
Editor’s Note: I’m not going to lie: The routing is tough and you’ll definitely be quite tired after the flights. BUT, the price is fantastic, Chinese cities are always worth a quick visit (especially a city like Shanghai), and China Eastern’s economy class is actually quite good. Personally I’d try to select a date/routing on which they use an A330, so that you can have a row of 2 by the window on the long flights.
Search & Book
This fare is set to expire on March 31, 2026. Until then, you can get this price on some dates in March, May, and June, as long as you stay in New Zealand for at least 6 days (or one Sunday).
Sadly, Google Flights’s calendar does not display China Eastern’s prices. Therefore, you best options are:
- Using our calendar above (No fake dates, but also no live updates)
- Using the ITA Matrix (Live updates, but some fake dates, especially in March)
- Using the flexible search on Skyscanner (Live and reliable, but not every date is displayed)
Miles & Points
The tickets are issued in booking class Z. Here’s an example of what you’d earn, flying with 2 layovers in Xi’an and Hangzhou:
- 6,938 Miles on Aeromexico Club Premier
- 5,782 RDM + 1,156 MQD on Delta SkyMiles
- 5,782 Points on SAS EuroBonus
- 5,782 Award Miles + 120 Tier Points on Virgin Atlantic Flying Club
- Customize Calculation
Destination
Information & Tips for Auckland
Auckland offers a variety of attractions for travelers. Key sights include the iconic Sky Tower, offering panoramic views, the Auckland War Memorial Museum for a deep dive into New Zealand’s history and culture, and Waiheke Island, known for its vineyards and beaches, easily accessible by ferry. The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) is the official currency.
Generally, Auckland can be considered a moderately priced destination, with daily costs varying based on travel style. Accommodation, dining out, and transport can be similar to or slightly higher than some European cities, especially in central areas.
Auckland experiences a subtropical climate, characterized by warm, humid summers (December-February) and mild winters (June-August). Rainfall is fairly consistent year-round, so be prepared for occasional showers.
→ All Dealz for Auckland