So You Want to Ditch Deep Dish for Fish and Chips: How Long Does it Take to Fly to New Zealand from Chicago?
Let's face it, Chicago is pretty darn awesome. Deep dish pizza, world-class museums, and enough wind to convince you Mary Poppins might just show up on your doorstep with an umbrella. But hey, maybe you're feeling a hankering for something a little different. Maybe you're picturing yourself bungee jumping over canyons, kayaking through fjords, or whispering sweet nothings to a sheep (hey, no judgement here). In other words, maybe New Zealand is calling your name.
But before you chuck your Cubs jersey in the back of the closet (don't worry, you can bring it for bragging rights), there's one crucial question: how long does it take to fly from Chicago to New Zealand? Buckle up, buttercup, because we're about to take a whistle-stop tour of trans-Pacific travel times.
The Non-Stop Nightmare (or Dream, Depending on Your Movie Selection):
There's good news and bad news, folks. The good news? You can fly directly from Chicago to Auckland, New Zealand in about 16 and a half hours. That's roughly the same amount of time it takes to binge-watch all eight seasons of Game of Thrones. The bad news? Sixteen and a half hours is a long time to be stuck in a metal tube hurtling through the sky. Unless you're one of those weirdos who enjoys airplane food and enthusiastic conversations with the chatty Cathy in the next seat (we see you, Barbara from Boise), then be prepared to employ some serious entertainment strategies.
Here are a few tips to survive the non-stop New Zealand odyssey:
- Pack an arsenal of distractions: Load up your tablet with movies, tv shows, and enough podcasts to make your ears beg for mercy. Books are good too, but resist the urge to bring a giant Tolkien tome - remember, legroom is precious.
- Befriend the in-flight entertainment system: Those little seatback screens might be the technological equivalent of a potato, but they can still provide hours of mindless fun. Just avoid watching anything with Nicolas Cage in it - trust us on this.
- Become a champion napper: Embrace the power of sleep! Invest in a good neck pillow and an eye mask, and aim to become the Michelangelo of airplane napping (think David, but curled up in a tiny seat).
The Multi-Stop Switcheroo: A Chance to Stretch Your Legs (and Maybe Your Patience)
Maybe the idea of 16 hours on a plane makes you break out in a cold sweat. Fear not, weary traveler! There are plenty of flights with layovers that can break up the journey. However, be prepared for a bit of extra travel time - we're talking anywhere from 20 to 30 hours depending on your chosen route.
The upside of the multi-stop shuffle?
- A chance to stretch your legs: Get some circulation flowing by exploring the layover airport. Hit up a duty-free shop (because who doesn't love browsing questionable souvenirs?), grab a questionable airport coffee, or pretend you're a jetsetter by chilling in the VIP lounge (hey, a guy can dream).
- The opportunity to experience a new (or not-so-new) city: Some layovers might give you enough time to explore a new destination for a few hours. Think of it as a bonus mini-vacation! Just be sure to factor in immigration and security checks when calculating your layover playtime.
The Final Word: Patience is a Virtue (Especially When Flying)
No matter which flight option you choose, remember this: getting to New Zealand from Chicago takes time. But hey, that just gives you more time to mentally prepare for the adventure that awaits. So pack your bags, grab your favorite travel buddy (or headphones, no judgement), and get ready to experience the land of hobbits, kiwis, and scenery so stunning it'll make you want to yodel (but please, for the love of all things good, don't actually yodel).
