Flights to Punakaiki, West Coast from NT$21,078

Christchurch Intl. Airport (CHC) is the sole airport serving Punakaiki.

Punakaiki is serviced by 7 airlines from at least 22 airports around the world.

Air New Zealand and Jetstar frequently fly to Punakaiki. Catching an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland is one of the most popular ways to get there.

With roughly 655 nonstop flights every week, you’ll be landing in Punakaiki before you have time to say, “Are we there yet?”

Travelers frequently depart from Auckland, Wellington and Nelson airports when going to Punakaiki.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to see. From Auckland to Punakaiki, the average flight time is 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Wellington it’s more or less 58 minutes, and from Nelson it’s 55 minutes.

We’ve all come across those fortunate jet-setters who manage to land wonderfully cheap airfares wherever they go. Would you like to know how to do it for your Punakaiki vacation? Don’t leave it until the very last minute to secure your flight. Another terrific way to pick up the most competitive fare is to compare all options. If where you’re headed has a few airports, be sure to research the cost of flying into a less busy terminal. And finally, don’t forget that the early bird catches the worm. Know what a typical airfare costs and have your credit card ready to secure your seat as soon as you spot an unbeatable bargain. The best deals don’t last long.

We’ve rounded up all the info you need to make your flight an enjoyable experience. Follow our tips and tricks and you’ll be speeding through the airport and exploring Punakaiki in next to no time.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• Flying can be a stress-free experience if you bring the right gear. Firstly, you’ll want some basic toiletries, such as a toothbrush and hairbrush, a clean pair of socks and a good novel. Secondly, find room in your bag for your mobile phone, a charger, any daily medications and maybe a blow-up neck pillow too. Lastly, and most importantly, don’t forget to take your passport, travel docs and some money.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Double-check that you don’t have sharp objects (like a pocket knife) hiding in the bottom of your carry-on luggage. Other restricted items include explosive or flammable goods, such as aerosol cans and bleach, and gels and liquids in containers with a capacity of more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters).

What to wear on a flight:

• Your number one priority is to feel as comfortable as possible. Dress in loose, natural fibers and bring a cardigan in case it gets cold in the cabin. Go for a pair of roomy, flat shoes as it’s possible that your feet and ankles will swell a little during the flight. Leave the stilettos and hiking boots in your checked luggage.
• Caused by sustained periods of immobility, DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot condition that can affect passengers on long-distance flights. The good news is there are numerous ways to reduce the risk of developing it. Keep your fluids up, walk up and down the aisles as much as you can and wear compression socks or tights.

Being prepared before you get to the airport will help make your getaway to Punakaiki a pleasure. We’ve rounded up some useful tips for a swift journey through security:

• Have your travel documents and passport at hand. They’re the first things you’ll be asked to present to airport security.
• Time to strip down. Well kind of. Your coat, belt, keys and other contents of your pockets, like your headphones, will need to go through the X-ray machine. Make the whole process faster by removing them as it gets closer to your turn.
• Your electronic devices like laptops and phones will also have to go on a tray for inspection. Don’t worry though, you’ll be back online soon enough.
• Traveling with your favorite cologne? No problem. As long as the volume is no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) and it’s stored in a zip-lock bag, you’re allowed to bring it with you in your carry-on.
• There’s a possibility that you’ll be required to remove your shoes to be X-rayed, so wearing slip-on sneakers is always a wise idea.
• Sharp items like knives are prohibited in the cabin. They’ll be seized at security, so put them in your checked luggage.