So You Wanna Ditch Deep Dish for Fish and Chips: How Long Does it REALLY Take to Fly to New Zealand from Chicago?
Let's face it, Chicago is pretty darn awesome. Deep dish pizza, that windy city charm, and enough museums to make your head spin. But hey, maybe you're craving a bit of adventure, a touch of the exotic. Maybe you've seen those pictures of bungee jumping over canyons and hobbits frolicking in the Shire, and suddenly, New Zealand is whispering your name.
But hold on there, Globetrotter McTravelpants, before you chuck your Cubs jersey in the donation bin (gasp!), there's one crucial question: How long does it take to get to this land of kiwis and sheep from the land of beef and...more beef?
Buckle Up, Buttercup: It's a Long Haul (But Worth It, We Promise)
Here's the deal: New Zealand isn't exactly down the street. It's about as far away as you can get without needing a spaceship. Think roughly 13,000 kilometers (or 8,000 miles) of Pacific Ocean separating you from Middle-earth. So yeah, it's a long flight.
But fear not, intrepid traveler! This isn't a hop, skip, and a jump across Lake Michigan. This is a chance to catch up on movies you've been meaning to watch, conquer that in-flight sudoku that always stumps you, or even write the next great American novel (hey, stranger things have happened at 30,000 feet).
Here's the Nitty Gritty: Flight Time Fun Facts
- The fastest flights? We're talking a cool 16-ish hours (direct flights are your friend here).
- The average Joe flight? Plan on somewhere around 22 hours with layovers. Enough time to learn basic Maori greetings to impress the locals (Kia Ora! - that's hello).
Don't Forget the Fun Part: Time Zones and Jet Lag are Real
Remember, New Zealand is way ahead of Chicago in the time zone department (like, 17 hours ahead!). So be prepared to adjust your internal clock – which might involve strategically napping through the flight or pretending to be a nocturnal creature for a few days after you land. Just embrace the weirdness, and you'll be right as rain (or should we say, sheep) in no time.
So, is New Zealand Worth the Long Flight?
Absolutely! Trading deep dish for fish and chips, battling jet lag for Lord of the Rings filming locations – this is an adventure waiting to happen. Plus, think of the bragging rights! "Oh yeah, I just hopped on a plane for 20 hours, no big deal." New Zealand awaits, and trust us, it'll be an experience you won't forget (even if your sleep schedule takes a temporary nosedive).
