Laura Pattara | 4 December 2023
In the pre-pandemic era, we were lucky enough to be serviced by two airlines offering daily direct flights to South America from New Zealand: Air New Zealand and LATAM. Our national carrier halted its services mid-pandemic and has yet to resume them, leaving LATAM as the only airline currently offering a direct link between the two destinations.
In 2023, the only direct flight to South America from New Zealand is the LATAM Auckland-to-Santiago service.
LATAM's Auckland to Santiago flight takes about 11 hours, and the return leg around 12.5 hours. The flight departs Auckland at 6:20 pm and arrives in Santiago at 1:20 pm. Overall, this is a fantastic timetable for a trans-Pacific flight, as jetlag is minimal.
This direct flight is the fastest and easiest way to get to South America from New Zealand. This service operates every day of the week.
As far as getting a 'foot in South America’ is concerned, you couldn't pick a better destination than Santiago. Chile's capital is an immensely enticing city – it's modern, cosmopolitan, and bustling and boasts a sensational setting framed by a spine of sky-reaching Andean peaks.
Santiago’s modern skyline, accentuated by the Andes.
Outside the city, you'll find some of South America's most revered wine-growing regions. You know…in case you were looking for more reasons to enjoy an exquisite city break.
Only 20 mins drive from Santiago is the Casablanca Valley, revered for producing world-class Sav Blanc and Chardonnay.
Yet its central location makes Santiago the real 'golden gate' of Latin America. From here, everywhere is within easy reach. You can easily reach the ethereal Atacama Desert and Explore Easter Island's mysterious wonders by adding just a few extra days to your itinerary.
Peru and Bolivia are just to the north, and the treasures of Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords, in the far south, are also easy to reach. As is the Amazon rainforest, whether you wish to visit it in Peru, Ecuador, or Brazil.
LATAM is South America’s largest airline corporation with a wealth of airline partners in the Americas. The company is headquartered in Santiago de Chile and offers extensive connections throughout Latin America, so although it might seem we do poorly with only one direct link to the continent, we actually have the best link.
Using LATAM’s “South America Airpass", you can combine your internal flights with your international air ticket and receive significant savings on the overall airfare – plus excellent conditions in case of flight changes or cancellations. LATAM operates Dreamliner planes, offering increased cabin moisture so you arrive at your destination feeling fresher than you would otherwise.
LATAM’S direct flight to South America might be the fastest way to travel there from New Zealand, but it isn’t your only option. Not by a long shot!
An increasingly popular option is to get to South America via North America. If you have bucket-list destinations in the northern portion of the Americas, this could be a genius way to include them in your itinerary.
In 2023, an array of airlines offers direct, non-stop flights to seven destinations in North America from New Zealand. They are:
The US is exceptionally well connected to Latin America, so finding onward connections is a breeze. Dallas, for example, offers direct non-stop flights to Buenos Aires (Argentina), while Chicago has non-stop flights to Lima (Peru). The list of connections, both non-stop and direct, is extensive and we couldn't possibly list them all here but trust us – there are loads!
One of the options that's increasing in popularity is the New Zealand – USA – Galapagos Islands connection. Non-stop flights to Quito (Ecuador), the springboard for cruises in the Galapagos – depart from NYC, Atlanta, Houston, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.
We've booked several itineraries following this route and consider it a marvelous and rather creative way to get to South America from New Zealand.
Generally, international flights are best booked 12 weeks in advance, but if flying in peak seasons, you might want to lock-in your flights even earlier.
High-season travel in South America varies depending on the destination:
Most people travel internationally at Christmas and the middle of the year – when northern hemisphere countries are on extended vacation.
If you're booking a last-minute tour, simply ask us to look into flights before confirming departure dates. For more expensive and complicated itineraries (like Antarctica expeditions with pre- or post-cruise Patagonia tours), we always urge our clients to book their flights as soon as the main expedition is confirmed – even up to one year in advance.
New Zealanders don’t need to apply for a visa when traveling to Chile (and most countries in South America). Simply travel with a valid passport and more than six (6) months validity, and you'll receive a 90-day stay permit upon arrival in Santiago.
You may be required to show a Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate, depending on your itinerary and the destinations you wish to visit.
As of May 2023, Chile has eliminated all entry requirements pertaining to the COVID-19 pandemic. You do not need to show your vaccination certificate, nor do you need to take a PCR test before flying.
Please refer to the official SafeTravel page on Chile for general safety guidelines and follow links to other South American countries if you’re planning a multi-country itinerary.
If you're still unsure what the best way is to reach South America from New Zealand, the easiest thing to do is to contact us and let our New Zealand-based team of Latin America Destination Specialists help you figure it out. We can provide no-obligation quotes so you can easily compare options; we’ll happily check for special deals on flights and ensure all of the connections work perfectly with your tour arrangements.
Signature Tours: Refined, Simplified, Perfected
Premium itineraries carefully crafted by destination experts. Take in the very best of South America and Central America, with highly-rated hotels and exclusive authentic experiences.
This 21 day loop covers the best of Argentina, Brazil, Peru and a taste of Chile. Highlights include Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, the Amazon and more.
Wildlife and Nature: Our wildlife and nature holidays will take you to some of the most remote and unspoilt regions. From encountering rich exotic wildlife in Latin America and Africa to the magnificent marine life in Antarctica and spotting spectacular birds in New Zealand.
Signature Tours: Refined, Simplified, Perfected
Premium itineraries carefully crafted by destination experts. Take in the very best of South America and Central America, with highly-rated hotels and exclusive authentic experiences.
Discover the wonderful culture of Buenos Aires, visit Iguazu Falls, the most impressive in the world, and explore vibrant Rio de Janeiro
Fall in love with Santiago on our signature city break. Visit the highlights of the city, the local wine valleys and the colourful town of Valparaiso.
