Flights to Akaroa, Canterbury from NT$2,979

We've pulled together all the info you need to make your journey as enjoyable as possible. Follow our insider tips and you'll be speeding through the airport and seeing the best of Akaroa in no time flat. What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Firstly, and most importantly, pack your passport, travel documents, credit cards and vital medications. Next, you'll need some in-flight entertainment to while away the hours. A thrilling novel and a laptop crammed with your favorite shows are some fantastic options. If you intend to take a short nap, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of noise-canceling headphones will also be useful. Finally, leave some space for a toothbrush and some cleansing wipes so you'll touchdown looking fresh and ready to go.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Check carefully that you don't have sharp or pointed objects lurking in your hand luggage. Other banned items include explosive or flammable substances, like aerosols and matches, and gels and liquids in containers with a volume of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• The aisles of an airplane aren't the place for a fashion parade. Don comfortable layers and choose shoes that are enclosed, flat and easy to take on and off.
• Most travelers have heard about deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot condition caused by long periods of inactivity. To minimize your risk on board, drink plenty of water, consider wearing compression socks and keep your feet and legs moving.

As seasoned travelers know, the secret is to be prepared before you reach the airport security gate. That way, you'll be stepping onto that plane to Akaroa in no time flat. Follow these helpful tips and get your vacation off to a fantastic start:

• Your passport and travel documents will need to be shown to security personnel. Keep them within easy reach so you don't hold up the line.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Remove anything on you that is likely to beep. This includes things like headphones or earphones, as well as heavy coats or jackets. They'll need to be placed on the conveyor belt for screening.
• For just a few moments, you'll have to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, laptop and any other electronic gadgets will also need to be sent through the scanner.
• Remember to remove liquids and gels from your hand luggage. They often need to be sent through the X-ray scanner separately. Each product should be in a container no larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and everything must fit inside a single quart-size (one liter), clear zip-close bag.
• Choosing your footwear wisely can save you several minutes. Boots are often required to be removed and separately scanned. Slip-on shoes are usually not.
• Sharp items are not allowed in the cabin. They'll be seized at security, so pack them safely away in your checked luggage.