Helsinki to Auckland Flights (HEL-AKL)

Your Finnair flight from Helsinki will depart from Helsinki Airport (HEL). Experience a world of in-flight entertainment at your fingertips on your flights from Helsinki with Finnair!

Helsinki Airport is located within the city of Vantaa, just 18 km north of the city centre. Helsinki is conveniently linked to the airport by the westbound ‘I’ and the eastbound ‘P’ train lines, with the journey taking around 30 minutes and trains running at 10-minute intervals. Taxis are also readily available from the city centre to the airport. Another option is the 615 bus, which runs frequently throughout the day and provides service to the airport.

Departing from Helsinki with Finnair

• Upgrade to a Finnair Gold or Platinum membership to take advantage of our Nordic lounges located at both Gate 22 and Gate 50.
• Finnair service desks are located in the departure hall of Terminal 2, to provide assistance when you need it.

Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is the biggest city in both New Zealand and in Polynesia. It is a modern city with plenty to see and do, attracting visitors of all ages and from all walks of life. From cultural spots to beaches and nature, there’s never a dull moment here. Learn more about the city’s highlights in this Finnair travel guide to Auckland.

Sights in Auckland

There’s no missing the soaring Sky Tower. Standing at 328 metres (1076 feet), the tower provides sweeping views out into the distance. Thrill seekers can brave the Sky Walk, high above the ground … with no hand rails! Alternatively, the Sky Jump base jump is sure to tempt daredevils. You can also test your head for heights and climb the Auckland Harbour Bridge. One of Auckland’s premier attractions is the world-class Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. Containing the biggest collection of art in New Zealand, it combines indigenous works with other pieces from New Zealand and beyond. Museums in Auckland include the New Zealand International Maritime Museum, the Museum of Transport and Technology and Auckland War Memorial Museum. Children and adults alike will enjoy seeing a wide range of animals at Auckland Zoo, and the aquarium of Kelly Tarlton’s offers an enchanting glimpse into the underwater world. Perhaps even more unique, however, is the opportunity to experience life in the Antarctic.

Turn your attention to space at the StarDome Observatory, situated at One Tree Hill. Sports fans can watch a game of cricket or rugby at the large Eden Park. Auckland Domain is a pleasant park and the Winter Gardens offer another convenient retreat from city life. Nature can be accessed with ease right on the outskirts of the city; hike up one of the nearby volcanic cones, like Mount Eden or One Tree Hill, for sweeping views. Beaches are also close at hand, with places like Mission Bay ideal for relaxing on a sunny day. Explore the coastline with a kayaking experience or boat trip.

Things to See and Do Near Auckland

• Rangitoto Island – A small volcanic island, you can climb to the peak for terrific views back over the city and harbour.
• Waiheke Island – Here you’ll find pretty beaches where you can relax and wineries that offer tastings of locally produced wines.
• Matamata – This area is famous for the Hobbiton Movie Set; explore small dwellings and hunt for hidden doorways set into the landscapes as you imagine yourself in the land of the Hobbits.
• Piha – One of the country’s most famous surfing beaches, where you can bask on the black sands and ride the waves.

Shopping in Auckland

Shopping is something of a hobby in Auckland and there are myriad places to indulge in some retail therapy. From large shopping centres and entire retail parks to markets and independent boutiques, there’s something to suit most tastes and budgets when shopping in Auckland.

• CBD – The area around High Street, O’Connell Street and Vulcan Lane is at the heart of Auckland’s fashion scene. There are international brands and well-known designs for both men and women. Several New Zealand designers have their flagship stores at the Britomart precinct.
• Karangahape Road – This is a good place to find indigenous crafts and art in the diverse cultural outlets, and there are several vintage and designer fashion shops too.
• Queen Street – Along with lower Albert Street, lower Queen Street has a good selection of souvenir shops.
• Sylvia Park – The biggest mall in New Zealand, with two supermarkets and varied shops selling mid-range to high-class goods.
• Dress-Smart– This outlet mall specialises in discounted shopping, with designer items often available for a fraction of the price.

Food and Drink

• Lamb – New Zealand lamb is one of the country’s most famous dishes, with the tasty meat exported all around the world. Try a plate of roast lamb with roast or mashed potatoes, vegetables and gravy for a delicious taste of New Zealand.
• Green-lipped mussels – These fleshy seafood treats can only be found in New Zealand.
• Sausage sizzle – This barbequed sausage is typically served with white bread, tomato ketchup and fried onions.
• Hāngi – More a way of cooking than an actual dish in itself, a hāngi meal is one that has been cooked in a traditional Maori style in a fire pit. The dish contains a selection of meat and vegetables.
• Lolly cake – Including marshmallows, small pieces of sweets, crushed biscuits and other sugary treats, this cake is coated in desiccated coconut.
• Wine – With around 100 wineries and vineyards in the local area, plentiful wines are available in Auckland. Merlot, Chardonnay, Syrah and Cabernet are just a few that you will encounter.

Transport in Auckland

While Auckland does have a fairly good public transportation system, many locals rely on cars to get them from A to B. Tourists can also maximise their time and ensure a convenient trip by renting a vehicle. Integrated ticketing systems are in place for buses, ferries and trains in Auckland.

• By foot – Although some of Auckland’s sights are fairly spread out, walking can be a good way to take in some of the city’s culture and history. There are walking routes through the city, split into uptown, downtown and midtown areas, which take around an hour and a half each to complete. There are also hikes of varying lengths in the surrounding mountains and nature.
• Buses – Regular bus services operate around the city and its surroundings, though delays are common, especially during peak travel times. Services generally begin early in the morning and finish at around 11pm. A few night services operate in parts of the city at the weekends. In addition to the integrated transport tickets mentioned, single-trip bus tickets can be bought from the driver. Various day passes are available too, including those that allow you to hop on and off as you like.
• Trains – Mainly useful during the week (services are limited at weekends), various train lines connect the city centre with its suburbs.
• Ferry – Regular ferries connect mainland Auckland to nearby islands.
• Taxis – There are many taxis in Auckland and they can be flagged down on the streets or booked via telephone or mobile application. Taxis charge by the meter, though rates can vary between operators. Ride-share services, like Uber, are popular, offering a cheaper way to travel.
• Rental car – Auckland and its surroundings have a good road network that is well signposted and well maintained. Traffic jams are, however, the norm at rush hour. There are several car rental companies in the city, all offering affordable rates and unlimited mileage on a range of vehicles.