When determining the best route to fly to Europe from New Zealand, there are several factors to consider, including cost, travel time, airline preferences, and layover locations. Due to New Zealand’s geographic location in the South Pacific, there are no direct flights to Europe; thus, passengers must choose routes that typically include at least one stopover.

One popular route is flying from Auckland International Airport (AKL) to a major European hub like London Heathrow (LHR), Frankfurt Airport (FRA), or Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris (CDG). The most common layovers for these flights include hubs such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Hong Kong International Airport (HKG), or airports in the Middle East like Dubai International Airport (DXB) or Doha’s Hamad International Airport (DOH).

A good option for those prioritizing travel time might be opting for a Middle Eastern carrier like Emirates or Qatar Airways. These airlines offer routes with one long-haul segment to their respective hubs in Dubai or Doha and then a shorter flight into Europe, minimizing total travel time.

For those focused on cost, it might be worth considering multiple airlines or a combination of full-service and low-cost carriers. This might involve flying first to an Asian hub and then transferring to a European carrier for the final leg into Europe.

Ultimately, the best route will depend on personal preferences as well as the balance between cost and convenience that the traveler wishes to achieve. It’s recommended to compare different routes and airlines using travel comparison sites before booking your journey.