Flying from Auckland Airport (AKL) to New Chitose Airport (CTS): what you need to know
Sapporo's timezone is UTC+9, which makes Sapporo four hours behind Auckland.
Leave enough time to catch your AKL to CTS flight. As a rule of thumb, arrive two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
You'll likely experience bigger queues in popular months such as July. Arriving up to four hours in advance for international flights and two hours for a domestic departure is a good idea.
If you'd like to explore another city along the way, just uncheck 'Direct flights only' when searching for your ticket from Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport. Here are the top stopovers between AKL and CTS:
Narita International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Changi International Airport
How to find the cheapest flights from Auckland Airport (AKL) to New Chitose Airport (CTS)
285 € is currently the best price for a one-way Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport flight. A return flight starts from 560 €. These prices can change based on availability and demand.
Don't leave everything to the last moment. You're more likely to get cheap tickets from AKL to CTS if you book in advance. Airlines often offer some fantastic early bird deals.
If you're willing to be flexible with your travel dates, try using the 'Whole month' search tool. It'll give you the lowest price in every month when searching for your flight from Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport.
Never miss a deal on cheap flights from AKL to CTS by setting up a Price Alert. You'll receive an email or notification on the app when a lower fare becomes available.
Tailor your flights using filters. Pick your arrival and departure times, airlines and total journey duration. You can also sort results by 'Cheapest,' 'Best' or 'Fastest' flights from Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport.
Handy information about Auckland Airport (AKL)
When it comes to the on-time performance of Auckland Airport, 69.31% of flights complete their journey on time.
Central Auckland to Auckland Airport is around 27 kilometres. Depending on traffic, it'll take about 30 minutes to get there if you're driving, ride-sharing or catching a cab.
You can expect a journey time of around 1 hour 25 minutes on public transport.
Get your break off to a hassle-free start by staying near AKL. Whether you're taking an early flight from Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport or just don't like being rushed, these stays are ideal:
Arriving at New Chitose Airport (CTS)
If you're arriving on a late Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport flight, few things top the convenience of staying near the terminal. Grab your bags from the carousel and then be showered and relaxing not long after at one of these options near CTS:
Follow your own route with a New Chitose Airport rental car. Pick up a set of wheels from car hire Hokkaido, Times or Nissan Rent a Car and see more of Sapporo and beyond.
Reserving your vehicle from New Chitose Airport around two weeks ahead gives you the best chance of locking in a great deal.
Getting from New Chitose Airport (CTS) to central Sapporo
CTS is located at 987 Bibi, Chitose.
New Chitose Airport to the centre of Sapporo has a drive time of around 1 hour. It's approximately 56 kilometres away.
When to fly to New Chitose Airport (CTS)
The quietest month for a flight from Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport is April, while June is the busiest. Pick the best time to go to Sapporo based on whether you prefer a more fast-paced or easygoing experience.
When booking your flight from Auckland Airport to New Chitose Airport, think about the kind of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Sapporo, with temperatures ranging from 16ºC (61ºF) to 27ºC (81ºF).
Look for cheap tickets from AKL to CTS in January if you like cooler conditions. Temperatures are at their lowest then, ranging between -11ºC (12ºF) and -1ºC (30ºF) on average.
Explore more of Japan
Asahikawa is just one of the many places in Japan waiting to be discovered after you've experienced Sapporo. Around 113 kilometres away to the north-east, its top attractions include Asahiyama Zoo, Asahikawa Museum of Sculpture and Kamikawa Shrine.
If you want to check out another well-known destination in Japan, consider Akita, roughly 386 kilometres south of Sapporo. Koizumigata Koen Tennis Court Chikaku Parking Lot, Buzaemonseki Water Park and Omachi Sanchome Gaiku Park are among its highlights.