Italian Riviera

Sydney offers more than 340 days of sunshine per year, and so its weather makes it an ideal place to visit year-round. However, being a top metropolitan city of the Asia-Pacific there are a lot of factors that effect affect the number of visitors as well as prices for accommodations and airfare. The city plays host to some business conferences and conventions that affect supply of rooms and rates can vary.

Summer (winter in the Northern Hemisphere) is the most popular time to visit, when the weather is warm, outdoor activities are in full swing, and huge events like the Sydney Festival create a buzz around the city. Because the temperature never really gets cold, one is able to see and do most activities year-round. Prices for airfare and accommodations are seasonal and vary in winter months due to low demand.

There are numerous daily flights from most major centres in New Zealand to Sydney. Air New Zealand, V Australia and Emirates Airline offer daily connections to Sydney from Auckland. Choices can be made from early morning flights to late evening options. 

There are numerous daily flights from most major centres in New Zealand to Sydney. Air New Zealand, V Australia and Emirates Airline offer daily connections to Sydney from Auckland. Choices can be made from early morning flights to late evening options. 

Anytime of year is a great time to visit Australia’s Gold Coast with a sublime subtropical climate delivering 300 days of sunshine every year.

Average weather temperatures are:
Spring September-November 15-25C 
Summer December-February 20-28C
Autumn March-May 16-26C 
Winter June-August 11-21C 

There are numerous daily flights from most major centres in New Zealand to the Gold Coast. Air New Zealand, V Australia and Jetstar offer daily connections to the Gold Coast from Auckland. Choices can be made from early morning flights to late evening options. 

The Sunshine Coast certainly earns it name with an average of seven hours sunshine a day. The sub-tropical climate is ideal for the beach, alfresco dining and year round activity. Winters are mild and daytime summer temperatures on the coastal region average around 28°C (82F). Evenings are pleasant with temperatures around 20°C (68F). During the winter months there are clear skies and daytime temperatures average 20°C (68F).

The Sunshine Coast is a popular destination, thanks to its easy access, local airport and proximity to Brisbane, Air New Zealand has direct flights from Auckland to Sunshine Coast Airport between 18 June to 13 October 2013. The twice weekly flights offer Kiwi’s a chance to head over to the Sunshine Coast to escape the NZ winter and soak up some sun!  Or you can fly on Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin or Emirates into Brisbane and pick up a hire car or shuttle bus to the Sunshine Coast. With more than 100 km’s of stunning coastline, quaint villages in the hinterland and lots of things to see and do, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to take a break. 

The best time to visit Melbourne is over the summer months from December - February, especially if you like it hot enough to go swimming in some of the local beaches. The ocean waters of Victoria come up from the Antarctic, and any other part of the year generally makes them too cold to swim.If possible, try to avoid Melbourne during winter months of May - August, it can be very cold, windy, and wet! 

There are numerous daily flights from most major centres in New Zealand to Sydney. Air New Zealand, V Australia and Emirates Airline offer daily connections to Sydney from Auckland. Choices can be made from early morning flights to late evening options. 

Spring (Sep-Nov) and Autumn (Mar-May) are ideal times in which to visit Perth. Spring (particularly October / November periods) is perhaps the very best to see the sights as after a decent winter's rainfall, the famous wild flowers around Kings Park and the Avon Valley bloom splendidly. The City has a temperate Mediterranean type climate. Summers are hot and dry whilst winters are generally wet and mild. Summer temperatures average 30°C/86°F between November and April. Maximum temperatures during the height of summer usually reach and sometimes exceed the 40°C/104°F mark. Very hot days tend to have very low humidity making conditions more bearable.

Air New Zealand operates daily flights from Auckland to Perth. Bookings can be made on the Air New Zealand website or with your local travel agent.

The big variety of landscapes and climates in Western Australia -  from the tropical north to the temperate south – provides equally diverse holiday experiences.he northern winter, or 'dry' season (April-September), has long days of sunshine and blue skies. Temperatures range from 24 degrees Celsius overnight to around 34 degrees Celsius during the day.The southern coastal areas of the South West region average a maximum of around 32 degrees in summer and 14 degrees in the winter.Perth boasts more sunny days per year than any other Australian capital city so sunshine is usually the standard order.

Singapore is happening all year round with an exclusive line of events, great shopping and exquisite dining experiences.Singapore like any other Asian country is known for its hot and humid weather throughout the year. The average daytime temperature is 31ºC (88ºF), dropping to around 24ºC (75ºF) in the evenings. The monsoon season can bring pretty heavy showers weather from November and it mostly rains daily during this period.
 

Singapore Airlines operates direct services twice daily from Auckland. Low cost carrier Jetstar also operates daily direct services from Auckland
Singapore Airlines offers great service, entertainment and comfort on board their service to Singapore. On board their Boeing 777 every detail is taken care to ensure that experience on board is nothing less than the best. If you are on a budget then Jetstar is an option. They offer discounted travel to Singapore on a seat plus extra basis. Check-in baggage and meals are optional and can be purchased on-board or time of booking/check-in.

Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinct seasons - a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn and an overcast cold winter. 

The region's location at the estuary of the Yangtze River to the East China Sea makes it so wet that it rains for about one third of the year.

The hottest time here comes in July and August, with more than 10 days at temperatures above 35 C (95 F). 

June and August are the wettest months, on average.

The coldest time is from the late January to early February. 

The spring months from March to May is recommended as the best time to pay a visit. 

Air New Zealand operates non-stop flights, conveniently timed as overnight services, between Auckland and Shanghai. 

Various Asian carriers including Cathay Pacific, China Southern, Singapore Airlines and Korean Airlines operate services to Shanghai from Auckland, via their respective hubs.

If you’re only visiting Shanghai for less than 72 hours, you’re eligible for a visa-free transit, which will take the hassle out of travel. 

Find out more at www.nz.china-embassy.org

Weather patterns in the Philippines are dictated by the prevailing winds – the habagat (southwest monsoon), which runs from May to October, and the amihan (northeast monsoon), which prevails from November to early May.  For most of the country, the dry season is during the amihan. 

The Philippines’ weather has become more unpredictable in recent years, but January to May usually brings the best weather to most of the country. However, this is also the high tourist season. Foreign arrivals are highest in January to March, while Filipinos hit the road en masse in April and May for their ‘summer’ holidays. Don’t worry too much about crowds though; outside of a few popular beach resorts it’s never very hard to escape other tourists in the Philippines. 

Low season is during the ‘rainy’ months of June to September, which in some areas of the country aren’t rainy at all. Accommodation prices usually decrease during this time. Be aware that during typhoon season (June to early December), tropical storms raging up the east coast can mean foul weather for days, but there’s not much you can do to predict typhoons. Adopt the Filipino maxim – bahala na (whatever will be will be) – and wait it out. 

The hottest month in lowland regions is May, when temperatures hover as high as 38°C. The coolest, least humid months are January and February, which can be downright pleasant.

From New Zealand, cross the Tasman and fly Philippine Airlines direct to Manila from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, with onward connections across the Philippines and Asia. A variety of other domestic carriers will also connect you to destinations across the country. 

You can find information on flight schedules, destinations, booking, and on-line ticketing on their websites: 

Cebu Pacific – www.cebupacificair.com 

Interisland Airlines – www.interislandairlines.com

Philippine Airlines (PAL) – www.philippineairlines.com

Air Philippines – www.airphils.com

SEA Air – http://flyseair.com

Zest Airlines – www.zestair.com.ph

You can also take a chartered flight to major domestic destinations and island resorts.

Hong Kong has a sub-tropical climate with distinct seasons.  Spring and Autumn are our recommended seasons to visit. The only predictable weather events that could have a significant impact on your travel plans are typhoons, which are possible between May and November. When a typhoon is approaching, warnings are broadcast on television and radio. There are various degrees of warning signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory, but when the No. 8 signal is in place, most businesses and shops close down and flights may be cancelled. There is a separate warning system for heavy rain.

Kiwis are well served with direct connections to Hong Kong. Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific both operate direct daily services from Auckland. Cathay Pacific's daily flights depart Auckland mid-afternoon, while Air New Zealand's overnight flights have you touching down in Hong Kong at the crack of dawn. 

Macao has a humid subtropical climate, with an average humidity of between 75% and 95%. The annual average temperature is around 22 °C. July is the warmest month, and the temperature that month averages about 28.6 °C. The coolest month is January, with an average temperature of 14.5 °C . The rainy season extends from April to September, and during this period typhoons are common. Typhoon season extends from April to October.

The best time to visit Macao is in the Autumn months between September to December. These months boast of fine days with no typhoons. A light t-shirt and shorts suffice during the days and a light sweater in the evening for the cooler periods.

Flying directly to Hong Kong International Airport provides the most direct way to access Macao. From New Zealand, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand and Hong Kong Airlines. Depending on your travel itinerary, Macao is also accessible through most major Asian hubs that provide flights directly into Macao International Airport

The most practical way of getting to Macao from Hong Kong is by ferry. Ferries run from Hong Kong International Airport, Shun Tak in Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island and from the China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui (TST) in Kowloon.

There are standard ferries and faster catamarans and ferry fares ranges from HK$ 160-190 depending on the service.

It takes 60-75 minutes to get to Macao by ferry depending on the sea conditions.

Some popular ferry services are TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet

History and Cuisine

Macao has never lost its unique blend of Chinese and European cultures. From the bygone days when Portuguese traders established Macao as a gateway to the Orient, this famous centre has charmed the world with its east-meets-west attractions and cultural values. 
Take a stroll along the narrow streets and through the colourful squares of old Macao and you will see beautiful Portuguese architecture alongside centuries-old Chinese temples and gardens. Today, Macao thrives on its old-meets-new characteristics and recent contemporary additions complementing the peninsula’s historic legacies, many of which are protected by UNESCO World Heritage status.

Taste the local flavours

Macao is definitely a city on the move, but it never loses its unique blend of Chinese and Portuguese cultures and tastes. Macao is famous for its cuisine and the quality of the food served. Macanese food is a fusion of spices and food cultures from Africa, India and the coast of Malacca, brought to Macao by the Portuguese. With different foreign and Chinese ingredients plus cooking styles to cook traditional Portuguese dishes, this unique taste was created and has been enjoyed by travellers for decades. You will find a fine selection of coffee shops in Portuguese style selling delicious pastries and providing the chance to experience the local flavours. For lunch and dinner, Macanese and Portuguese restaurants are found all over Macao. Among the popular restaurants are Oporto and A-Lorcha, both close to the A-Ma Temple. Within close walking distance of Senado Square are the popular Escada and Restaurante Platao, while in the old Taipa village there’s O’Manel, Litoral and the more upmarket Antonio’s. On Macao’s lush green outer island of Coloane, Miramar is a must. 

Make sure you order the spicy African Chicken and perhaps the local dessert Serradura. Why not head to Coloane for the world’s most mouth-watering Macao Egg Tarts from the original Lord Stow’s Bakery.

In recent years, Macao continues to be recognised as one of the world’s culinary destinations – following an influx of internationally renowned restaurant brands from around the world and celebrity chefs that take Macao’s gastronomic scene to new heights. Click here for the widest range of foodie options.

Brunei is a country of all seasons. Any time in the year is a good time to plan a trip to Brunei.

Brunei 's weather is hot all year round with temperatures ranging from the mid twenties to the mid thirties. September to January is rainy season and there can be heavy downfall on some days. The temperatures usually drops to a pleasant early twneties in the evening and is perfect time to visit the night markets of Brunei.

Royal Brunei Airlines offers services to Bandar Seri Begawan from Melbourne. Tickets can be bought from Auckland to Melbourne and onwards on Royal Brunei Airlines and code share partner airlines. Flying time from Melbourne is seven hours and thirty minutes. Royal Brunei Airlines is a full service carrier offering world-class service on board their Boeing 777 aircraft. Being a Muslim airline, Royal Brunei Airline do not carry alcohol as a part of the service but are happy to serve you your own on-board. 

The weather in Thailand is generally marked by three seasons: the rainy season (Jul to Oct), the hot season (Mar to Jun) and the cool season (Nov to Feb).  The best time to visit is in the cool season when temperatures range between 21 to 33 degrees celsius

Thai Airways fly direct to Bangkok from Auckland 4 times weekly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Other major airlines also fly to Thailand from Auckland with a lay over at their respective hubs.

Its two distinct seasons, hot and cool, run predictably from May to October and November to March respectively, and the typhoon season runs from mid-August to early October. Aside from those who are looking to conquer one of its mountainous peaks, it is best to aim for the spring and the autumn when the air is fresh, the flowers are in bloom and travel is at its most comfortable.
 
The island has two very distinctive weather systems – while the north can be cooler in the northern winter months, the south is generally much warmer given its tropical nature

There are currently no direct services between New Zealand and Taipei however given the ever increasing numbers of Taiwanese tourists visiting New Zealand the New Zealanders visiting Taiwan, both governments have declared their mutual interest in seeing direct services become an eventuality. Currently, China Airlines provides services to Taiwan in its brand new, state of the art Airbus A-330’s via Sydney and Brisbane.

Climate factors are very important in deciding on a visit to Nepal. October-November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of the year in Nepal. With the monsoon only recently finished the country-side is green and lush and Nepal is at its most beautiful. Rice is harvested and there are some more important and colourful festivals to enjoy. At this time of the year the air is sparkling clean, visibility is excellent and the Himalayan views are perfect

Most international airlines fly to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Direct service from Asian hubs to the Nepalese capital are of regular frequency. Flights can be booked to Nepal through most major airlines flying from New Zealand.

The best time visit San Francisco is from September to November. This season offers warm temperatures and fewer crowds. Spring is another good time, but you can expect the breezes to have a little more bite. The Golden Gate City witnesses a surge in tourism during the summer as people head west in search of sun, sand and surf. However, the fluctuating climate can quickly trounce a day at the beach.

Air New Zealand operates daily flights from Auckland to San Francisco on their state-of-the-art Boeing 777 aircraft. On-board Air New Zealand's aircraft, you can enjoy award winning service and cabin comfort while savouring some of the best New Zealand food and wine. 

New York City weather can vary from day to day, and even hour to hour, but a guide to the seasons can help you plan your wardrobe. Spring in New York City brings budding flowers, light winds and rain, with the season's temperatures ranging from cool to very warm. Summer is characterized by bright, sunny, hot days and later sunsets, sometimes accompanied by cool breezes in areas near the water. The fall season is cool and crisp, so it's wise to wear layers. The winter months are cold and snowy with less daylight, though the sky is often sunny and clear. Below is a chart with average temperatures and rainfall by month.

There are currently no direct flights from New Zealand to New York. However, there are a host of airlines including Air New Zealand that have connections to New York from the West Coast of the United States. If you are looking at a stopover in Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is an option that connects Auckland to the east coast of the United States with a stopover in Honolulu.

Tahiti enjoys a fairly even year round climate with day tip temperatures usually around 25-33 degrees, dropping a few degrees in the evening. The weather is warming and more humid November through to May, and dryer and cooler from June- October, this is generally the best time to visit. The maraamu Trade winds can bring unstable weather from the south between June and August. Year round the sun rises between 5-6 am and sets between 6-7 pm. Whist the sun is not as instances as in New Zealand you can still get burnt. Tahiti has a solar tide rather than a lunar tide resulting in the low tide being at sunrise and sunset. 

Air Tahiti Nui, Tahiti's national airline also operates three flights a week from Auckland. Air New Zealand operates two flights per week from Auckland to Tahiti.

The climate in the Cook Islands is tropical and generally pleasant year round with steady humidity levels and temperatures.December to March is regarded as the rainy season when there is a greater chance of cloudy days and the occasional storm, but you’d be unlucky to have continuous rain for days on end.Temperatures are slightly higher at this time of year, but even the stickiest days are tempered by sea breezes while short and sharp rainstorms tend to cut the humidity and leave the islands refreshed and renewed.

Air New Zealand and V Australia operate daily flights from New Zealand to Rarotonga in the Cook Islands. 

South Africa has a temperate climate and is known for its long sunny days, hence the title: 'Sunny South Africa'. 

Consequently, it is absolutely a year-round destination. Most of the provinces have summer rainfall, except for the Western Cape (winter rainfall). Winter is from May to August; Spring from September to October; Summer from November to February and Autumn is from March to April.

Summer temps range from 25-35 degrees, while winter temperatures can reach a brisk 10-12 degrees.  The great weather invites travellers to enjoy the outdoors, play golf year-round and take advantage of the nearly 3,000km coastline and exquisite beaches.

South Africa has three major international airports: OR Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg), Cape Town International Airport and King Shaka International Airport (Durban) as well as 90 regional airports including the Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) in Nelspruit.

From New Zealand, the fastest ride to the Rainbow Nation is to cross the Tasman, and fly direct to South Africa with Qantas or South African Airways.
Other options include Emirates, which connects via Duabi to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways also offer direct flights via Singapore and Bangkok, respectively.

Exploring South Africa and the wider continent requires a healthy sense of adventure and  a resilient frame of mind, to expect the unexpected. So when you’re likely to be holidaying on the edge of your comfort zone, it is all the more rewarding to fly with an airline that has a reassuring reputation for the highest standards of safety. 

Award-winning South African Airways ( SAA) not only connects the Rainbow Nation with the world, but operates a comprehensive network across Africa. Whether it’s a short bunny hop from Johannesburg  to Kruger National Park, or across borders to discover the wild charms of Kenya, South Africa’s national carrier offers exceptional in-flight service, the cabin crew are eager to ensure you’re comfortable and contented, my personal on-demand entertainment system was awash with an excellent, diverse selection of movies, TV shows and audio features, and the in-flight  cuisine and drinks service was top-knotch.

Fly direct to South Africa from Australia, with SAA code-share connections from New Zealand. www.flysaa.com

Abu Dhabi is blessed with almost year round sunshine, little rainfall and near perfect winter weather.

Temperatures range from a low of around 13 degrees on a winter's night, to a high of around 42 degrees on a summer's day. The cooler months, November-April, are the most pleasant time to visit and the best for travelling with children when temperatures are around 24 degrees during the day and 13 degrees at night.

Virgin Australia and Etihad Airways offer convenient daily connecting code-share services from Auckland to Abu Dhabi via Melbourne and Sydney. There are also daily connecting services via Brisbane, which also stop in Singapore.

Oman’s climate differs all year round with Autumn and Winter months (September-April) being 15-25°C. Milder weather is experienced year round in the (maximum of 28°C) with the southern Dhofar region enjoying a regular monsoon between June to October. Summer months between June to August are around 35°C+. Important events to consider are:

Muscat Festival in February – fashion, food, sport and culture unravel through colourful daily events and competitions.

Turtle Nesting season commences May – September with over 20,000 turtles migrating to the coast of Oman.

Salalah Festival in June – August – a lush celebration of the cooler monsoon temperatures and local performances.

Annual school holidays and Muslim celebrations see many of the hotels busy in Oman from November – February.

Muscat, the capital of Oman, is accessible by air from New Zealand with daily flights by Etihad Airways and Emirates Airline.

Both airlines fly to Oman with a stopover in Australia. Emirates Airlines connects to Oman from Dubai and Etihad Airways from Abu Dhabi.

London has one of the mildest climates in the UK, but the weather can be unpredictable. Londoners get used to carrying both an umbrella and sunglasses to be prepared for all eventualities! We recommend visiting the city from May through to October, for the best chance of basking in mild, settled and fine weather. But in a city throbbing with so many attractions, both indoors and out, London will enthrall you, no matter what the season.

Summer Weather  - Summer can be very pleasant with temperatures averaging 18°C and often into the low 20s. In recent years London has experienced heatwaves with temperatures well above 30°C. This is an ideal time to visit London's parks and open spaces or have a go at swimming and boating in London.

Spring and Autumn Weather - Spring and autumn see temperatures of around 11° to 15°C. Evenings are lighter for longer with the advent of British Summer Time at the end of March (until end October). For details of the many festivals and events during these months, check out our London events calendar.

Winter Weather-  Typical temperatures for winter are between 2 and 6°C. Temperatures don't often drop below freezing and snow isn't common – although occasionally London does experience heavy snowfall and an army of snowmen pop up all over the city! Don't miss the stunning Christmas decorations in London or the famous New Year's Eve fireworks.

Rainfall in London -  The number of rainy days (with more than 0.25mm of rainfall) is fairly consistent throughout the year, with between 11 and 15 rainy days every month. Overall rainfall is highest in November and August (64 mm and 59mm respectively) and is lowest in March and April (37mm each). On wet days, why not visit one of London's top museums and art galleries or entertain the kids with one of these family outings for rainy days.

Despite the tyranny of distance, Kiwis are well connected to London with a multitude of carriers offering one or two stop services from Auckland and Christchurch to London. Air New Zealand’s flagship daily service to London,  via Los Angeles, is just one of a plethora of routes. Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia, Thai Airways, Korean Air and China Southern all offer well-timed connections through their hubs to London Heathrow and some also operate services to London Gatwick. Code-share flights via Australia offer up even more options including the popular services of Etihad, Qantas, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic.

Late spring, early summer and early autumn ( April, May, September, October) is a beautiful time to visit Venice, as far as weather and crowd-levels are concerned. Through June,July and August, the city hits fever-pitch with tourist hordes, meaning that there can be long waits to enter museums and sights. Also during this peak time, finding accommodations – budget or otherwise – can be a challenge.

Late autumn and winter is a quieter time to visit Venice, but it is also when the acqua alta (flooding, or literally "high water") is more likely to occur. November through January is the high water season, though flooding can occur at any time during the year. While high water can definitely hamper your sightseeing, know that it has been a way of life for Venetians for hundreds of years and is a unique experience to have as a tourist.

Venice's location, in northern Italy on the Adriatic Sea, means that the city has colder, longer winters. Luckily, winter ends on a lively note with Carnevale, Venice's biggest festival.

Train or plane is the best way to get in and out of the tourist mecca.

Rome enjoys a Mediterranean climate and you can expect mild temperatures even through the winter months. 

The summer heat can get stifling, by New Zealand standards, so the city is best avoided in July and August, unless you thrive in sticky mid-30C conditions. 

Rainfalls, seldom heavy, are concentrated in the months of November and February.

The very best time to visit the city is in spring ( April and May) and autumn ( September and October)  when the temperature is conducive to extensive walking and the days are longer, thanks to Daylight Saving. 

Train or plane is the best way to get in and out of the eternal city.

Many long-haul carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Cathay Pacific, Thai Airways, Korean Airlines and China Southern  fly from New Zealand via their respective hubs direct to Rome Fiumicino Airport. 

Leonardo da Vinci Airport (Fiumicino) is located about 26 km from the city centre. 

The easiest way to reach the city centre is by train. 

At the airport’s railway station, the Shuttle-Train Leonardo Express direct service  takes just 31 minutes to get to Termini Station.

It leaves every half hour from 6.36 a.m. to 11.36 p.m. 

Roma Termini Station is one of Italy’s major railway junctions. About 800 trains leave here each day for every Italian city. Plus the Metro crosses through Termini.

Thanks to the High Speed Service, Eurostar Italia for example, Milan can be reached in about 3 hours and Florence is just over an hour away by train.  

There are also several secondary stations situated in various parts of the city (Tiburtina, Ostiense and Trastevere.) 

For further information and train timetables, go to www.trenitalia.it

The Italian Riviera enjoys a classic Mediterranean coastal climate, although in the late autumn and winter months, the ocean winds can be razor sharp, bringing high rainfall to the coastal towns and villages. 

The peak summer months of June,July and August can see hordes of tourists bearing down on the top spots, but the shoulder months of April, May, September and October are a very enjoyable and relaxed time to savour the region's many charms.

Genoa and Milan are the main northern rail gateways. If you are heading to the Italian Riviera from Rome, Pisa and La Spezia are the best rail approaches.

Getting around couldn't be easier, with trains probably the best option. The main railway lines more or less hug the coast all the way around the Riviera. Take the inexpensive, leisurely Regionale trains to reach small stations, or the faster (and more costly) Eurocity (EC) and Intercity (IC) services between major cities and towns. For timetables and more information visit www.trenitalia.it 

Buses run frequently between towns, and are slightly more expensive than trains. For details visit www.rivieratrasporti.it

Barcelona is blessed with an agreeable Mediterranean climate. 

Early summer and autumn are optimum times to visit, especially May to June and September to October. 

Even in the winter, days are crisp to cold (due to its proximity to the mountains) but normally sunny. Snow is rare and never lasts more than a day or two. 

Most of the rainfall occurs in April, but some quite dramatic storms, as is typical of the Mediterranean, can occur all year round. July and August are hot and sticky, even at night. 

The surrounding sea is warm enough to swim in from the end of June to early October. Inland, the temperatures drop slightly, as does the humidity. 

From the north on the Costa Brava, a strong wind known as the tramontana often blows, refreshing in summer, chilly in winter. 

August is the most congested visitor month – avoid it like the plague! Compounding the problem, many restaurants and shops also decide it's time for a vacation, thereby limiting the visitors' selections for both dining and shopping.

Train, plane or cruise ship is the best way to get in and out of the tourist mecca. 

Many long-haul carriers, including Emirates and Singapore Airlines, fly from New Zealand via their respective hubs direct to Barcelona Airport. 

Barcelona has direct railway links with a number of important cities, including Paris, Zurich and Milan, and the high-speed train runs to Madrid, southern and eastern Spain. 

The city’s major railway stations and metropolitan rail network ensure you can travel to Barcelona and within the city with ease. 

Barcelona has become the Mediterranean’s foremost cruise ship harbour. It has nine passenger terminals, seven for cruise liners and four for ferries. 

It has connections with the Balearic Islands and the main Mediterranean harbours.