So, You Want to Ditch Deep Dish for Fish and Chips: How Far is New Zealand from Chicago?
Let's face it, Chicago is awesome. Deep dish pizza, the bean (love it or hate it, it's an experience), and those architectural boat tours that make you feel like you're in a giant bathtub. But sometimes, a man (or woman) just craves a fern in their hair and a sheep to chase around a meadow. That's where New Zealand comes in, with its stunning scenery, Lord of the Rings vibes, and enough flightless birds to make your head spin (in a good way, hopefully).
But before you pack your parka for Mordor (spoiler alert: it's actually pretty warm there), you might be wondering: just how far is this Kiwi paradise from the Windy City?
Buckle Up, Buttercup: It's a doozy
Here's the not-so-short answer: New Zealand is about 13,000 kilometers (or 8,000 miles) away from Chicago. That's farther than your aunt Thelma's guilt trip about that time you "borrowed" her favorite sweater (sorry Thelma, we all make mistakes).
The technical term for this distance is "a very long way." Imagine stacking 13 Empire State Buildings on top of each other, then tossing them across the Pacific Ocean. Yeah, that kind of long.
Fear not, intrepid traveler!
Here's the good news: airplanes exist. With a little planning (and maybe a strategically timed nap on the plane), you can be saying "Kia Ora" (that's hello in Maori) to the friendly folks of New Zealand in around 20 hours.
But wait, there's more! (Because why not?)
- For the frequent flyer: This trip is a chance to rack up some serious air miles. Just think, all those free flights to exotic locales you can use to avoid future family gatherings.
- For the competitive napper: Challenge yourself to a sleep-a-thon across the Pacific. Winner gets bragging rights and avoids jet lag.
- For the movie buff: Stock up on in-flight entertainment (or bring your own). Those 20 hours are practically begging for a Lord of the Rings marathon to get you pumped for your Kiwi adventure.
So there you have it. New Zealand might be a hop, skip, and a very long flight away from Chicago, but the journey is half the fun (or at least a great opportunity to catch up on some movies). Now get packing, and don't forget to pack your sense of adventure (and maybe some sunscreen, New Zealand has some strong rays).
