Walter Peak has only one airport, Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN).

Long commutes aren’t a big deal if you plan ahead of time. Downtown Walter Peak is 32 kilometers from Queenstown Intl. Airport (ZQN), so it’s smart to know how to get to the city before you land.

Located 32 kilometers from the center of town, Queenstown Airport will likely be your first stop in Walter Peak.

You’ll find 4 airlines that operate on the route to Walter Peak. These jet in from at least 7 airports around the world.

Air New Zealand and Jetstar fly often into Walter Peak. Hopping on an Air New Zealand flight from Auckland is one of the most popular ways to travel there.

With approximately 174 nonstop flights running each week, you’ll be landing in Walter Peak before you can ask, “Are we there yet?”

Flights to Walter Peak from Auckland, Christchurch and Sydney airports are always popular.

Which city you depart from determines how much of the in-flight entertainment you’ll get to enjoy. From Auckland to Walter Peak, the average flight time is 1 hour and 51 minutes. From Christchurch it’s more like 1 hour and 7 minutes, and from Sydney it’s 2 hours and 58 minutes.

Don’t leave locking in your flight to Walter Peak until the very last minute. That’s one trick well-versed travelers use to get the best prices. Booking ahead means more choices and more affordable flights. Don’t stop there, though. Do some research and find out if there are a few airports at your destination. Fares often differ depending on which airport you fly into. Make sure you compare prices across air carriers as well. Last of all, another simple way to save some money is be ready to book at a moment’s notice. If you come across a terrific bargain, don’t hesitate — grab it while the opportunity’s there.

Wherever you’re jetting in from, flying can be a pleasant experience if you’re well prepared. Check out these essential travel tips that will get your Walter Peak vacation started on the right note.What to pack in your hand luggage:

• The secret to having a great flight experience is to plan ahead. Start with the essentials: passport, boarding pass, credit cards and vital medications. Next, bring items that’ll help keep you busy, like your laptop or a juicy novel. You’ll also want to bring your chargers, a comfy neck pillow and a pair of earphones. And of course, don’t forget to toss in toiletry items like a toothbrush, lip balm and a clean T-shirt.

Do not pack the following items in your hand luggage:

• Put all your full-sized bottles of shampoo and conditioner in your checked luggage. Any liquids in your carry-on suitcase larger than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) will be confiscated by security. Pointed or sharp objects, like your precious Swiss Army knife, and products which are explosive or flammable, such as aerosol cans, spray paint and poisons, are also restricted.

What to wear on a flight:

• Comfort should be your number one priority when choosing what to wear on board. Consider your footwear choice carefully too, as swollen ankles and feet are a common side effect of flying. Flat, slightly roomy shoes are always a smart option.
• Unfortunately, a risk of flying long distances is developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition caused by lengthy periods of inactivity. To avoid this, make the most of every opportunity to walk around and give your legs a stretch. Compression tights and socks are another great idea to help minimize this risk.

It’s all about being prepared. We’ve pulled together some tips and tricks for a stress-free trip through security. Watch out Walter Peak, here you come:

• Security personnel first need to make sure that you have a valid passport and boarding pass before anything else. Keep them close by.
• The X-ray machine comes next. Empty your pockets and remove anything metal that is likely to set off the scanner’s alarm. This includes things like earphones or headphones, as well as bulky coats or jackets. They’ll all need to go on the X-ray conveyor belt.
• For just a few moments, you’ll need to unplug from the digital world. Your phone, tablet and any other electronic devices must also go through the scanner.
• Any gels or liquids, such as lip balm or cologne, that you want to bring on board must be no greater than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters). They must also all fit inside a quart-size (one liter), clear zip-lock bag.
• The right choice of footwear can save you a few precious minutes. Boots and heavy shoes are often required to be removed and X-rayed separately. Slip-on sneakers usually aren’t.
• Avoid taking prohibited items in your carry-on bag. If you have any sharp objects like a pocket knife or tools, put them in your checked suitcase. They won’t be allowed in the cabin.