Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is a thriving amalgamation of four cities; Manukau, Waitakere, North Shore, and Auckland City itself. Home to over 1.45 million people, it’s a vibrant, energetic location. Auckland welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world every year, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific region.

Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city, is your gateway to spectacular coastlines and lush forest landscapes. This 21st-century city is no more than half an hour from a stunning beach, whichever direction you travel. The cityscape itself is a pristine parade of sparkling skyscrapers, interspersed with expansive parks, excellent retail options and numerous, fascinating attractions.

However, while Auckland definitely has its feet planted in the present, it also tips its hat to the past. Polynesian influences can be found in everything from architecture to the exemplary cuisine.

Book a flight to Auckland with Qatar Airways and experience a treasure trove of natural and man-made wonders.

Birmingham International Airport is just five miles from the UK’s second largest city and serves the midlands and heartland of the country. Modern, efficient and with the emphasis on the customer experience, it’s a rapidly expanding airport that offers the best in both facilities and warm welcomes. 

Customers flying from Birmingham with Qatar Airways will find it a convenient alternative to Heathrow or Gatwick if they are staying in the north or midlands, and its proximity to the internationally renowned Birmingham NEC conference centre makes it a key airport for business customers.

Transportation and parking

Transportation is excellent and the free Air-Rail monorail connects the airport to the nearby Birmingham International railway station in just two minutes. Buses run to and from New Street station in the heart of the city, taking around 15 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and can be booked by your hotel concierge in advance. Journey time is approximately 25 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. There are three multi-storey car parks offering short and medium-term stays, and two long-stay car parks are also available, located close to the A45 and linked to the terminal by frequent shuttle buses.

At the airport

Customers flying from Birmingham with Qatar Airways depart from the main Departures area. The airport is very busy, and the completion of the new runway has increased the volume of passengers considerably, so allow extra time before your flight is due to depart to check-in and clear the tight security checks. 

Facilities and amenities

The airport is very business-passenger friendly, with its own dedicated business centre providing plenty of meeting rooms and conference facilities. Free Wi-Fi is easy to connect to throughout the terminal, and retail outlets offer a good selection of travel and luxury goods, as well as Duty Free items. A multi-faith prayer room is open for devotions, and baby-changing facilities are also on offer. Food and drink are provided by a number of outlets and vendors, offering both local and international cuisine, fast food, snacks and beverages. The airport is also accessible, with excellent access and assistance for those with mobility issues.

Located on New Zealand’s North Island, Auckland is a thriving amalgamation of four cities; Manukau, Waitakere, North Shore, and Auckland City itself. Home to over 1.45 million people, it’s a vibrant, energetic location. Auckland welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world every year, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Pacific region.

Fly to Auckland with Qatar Airways and you’ll also discover a cultural city that puts a strong emphasis on the performing arts, music, and theatre. Its rich culinary culture also makes it a fascinating city if you’re a food lover, and there is a particularly strong Southern Asian influence in its cuisine.

Tourist attractions

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is home to the largest collection of indigenous art in New Zealand, as well as an impressive collection of international art. The building itself is an award-winning landmark that sits on the edge of Albert Park in the very centre of the city. The gallery also hosts regular events, exhibitions, and film screenings, and puts on a lot of events for younger visitors too.

New Zealand is famous for its spectacular landscape and outdoor beauty, and even in the heart of the city you’ll find plenty of green spaces to relax and explore. Top of the list is the historic Winter Gardens, where alongside some of the best tropical flower displays in Auckland, you’ll also find a good collection of sculpture by local artists.

If you want an uninterrupted view of the entire city and its surroundings, then head for the Sky Tower. At 328m, this is the tallest free-standing building in the Southern Hemisphere. At the top is a revolving restaurant, and on a good day you can see views of up to 80 km away. Back down at ground level is the MOTAT, or Museum of Transport and Technology, an interactive museum with over 300,000 items on display, including a World War II Lancaster bomber.

Travel Considerations

Flights to Auckland with Qatar Airways land at Auckland Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Auckland please check the visa and passport requirements.