Fly non-stop with Air New Zealand from Auckland to vibrant San Francisco.
Imagine dining on San Francisco’s famous Dungeness crab at one of Pier 39’s seafood restaurants and the next day enjoying a farm-to-table lunch at a Napa Valley vineyard. Or cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge at sunrise and hiking through an ancient sequoia forest in Yosemite that same afternoon.
Few cities offer such range. In San Francisco, vibrant neighbourhood dining, waterfront culture and bucket-list landmarks sit within easy reach of alpine lakes, rolling vineyards and dramatic granite peaks.
With five non-stop flights per week from Auckland to San Francisco, Air New Zealand delivers passengers directly to this diverse Californian city. Direct services from Christchurch, operated with alliance partner United Airlines, make the journey seamless from both islands of Aotearoa.
At just over 12 hours, the journey begins the moment passengers board, whether relaxing with more legroom in Economy Stretch, enjoying the flexible space of a Skycouch™, or unwinding in Business Premier™. On-demand entertainment, complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi and Air New Zealand’s signature Kiwi hospitality, complete with gourmet meals and drinks, make the flight part of the adventure.
Watch out for Air New Zealand’s newly retrofitted 787-9 Dreamliners rolling out across the network, featuring an all-new cabin with larger screens, more privacy, clever storage, and innovative design touches throughout.
Icons of San Francisco
With the Pacific Ocean as its backdrop and distinct neighbourhoods shaping its character, San Francisco is the home of landmark icons, acclaimed dining and an evolving arts scene.
The Golden Gate Bridge is a natural place to begin any itinerary. Watch the fog drift beneath it by boat or walk the three-kilometre stretch for views across the bay and back toward the skyline. From there, take a ride on a historic cable car as it climbs the city’s steep streets. San Francisco’s cable cars travel along three lines through some of the most vibrant neighbourhoods, including Chinatown, North Beach and Nob Hill. As the world’s last manually operated system, the experience is like stepping into a living piece of local history, complete with the clang of the bell.
For galleries, museums, hotels and restaurants in one lively public space, Union Square sits in the heart of downtown. Contemporary art lovers can head straight to SFMOMA, a striking museum showcasing major works alongside emerging artists, while the Asian Art Museum is just a short stroll away. The surrounding streets feature established galleries with curated exhibitions and occasional evening openings, making the area a vibrant destination for art, culture and city life.
Think San Francisco, think exceptional food and drink. The birthplace of martinis, sourdough and “New American” cuisine, the city boasts one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the United States. A melting pot of cultures and flavours, visitors can dine on everything from Mission District burritos and North Beach pizza to Chinatown’s barbecue pork buns and hyper-local tasting menus that rival the world’s best.
On the bustling waterfront, Pier 39 and Fisherman’s Wharf combine harbour views with shops, family-friendly attractions and some of the city’s most famous restaurants. Along the repurposed wooden finger pier, sea lions hang out on K-Dock and cruises set off for tours of Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge. Stop in at one of several seafood eateries serving classic San Francisco fare, including clam chowder in bread bowls, or marvel at the historic Ferry Building Marketplace.
Beyond city limits
Northern California is a region defined by contrast. After exploring San Fran’s neighbourhood dining scene and cultural icons, travellers will find there is far more to experience within easy reach. From wild coastlines to alpine landscapes and celebrated wine regions, the scenery changes quickly.
A few hours inland, the remarkable Yosemite National Park is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where vast granite cliffs rise above blooming meadows and dramatic valleys. Covering 3080 square kilometres and home to dozens of waterfalls, rivers and ancient sequoia forests, the park is an opportunity to hike, take photos, or just soak in the surroundings.
Further afield, Lake Tahoe is a ski destination with crisp mountain air and snow-covered peaks. In warmer months, its famously clear waters become a playground for swimming, boating and lakeside hikes.
Wine and food enthusiasts can’t miss Napa Valley, one of the Great Wine Regions of the World, where more than 400 vineyards and cellar doors sit alongside one of the country’s most celebrated dining scenes.
While its wines draw global attention, Napa’s restaurants have earned acclaim of their own, with seasonal menus, locally driven ingredients and polished hospitality that feels distinctly Californian.
Whether planning a San Francisco city break, or adventuring further afield to the region’s lakes, mountains and wine country, Air New Zealand offers world-class comfort and a non-stop overnight flight that gets you there well rested
That connectivity continues beyond California. Through Air New Zealand’s alliance partnership with United Airlines, San Francisco functions as a jump-off point for seamless onward travel throughout the United States.
* Book your next getaway to San Francisco now, with non-stop flights from Auckland to SFO with Air New Zealand.
Visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz/destination-san-francisco
TOP TIP Arrival has also become more streamlined with free tools like the Mobile Passport Control app to help speed up US entry formalities, allowing travellers to skip the paperwork and move through the airport more efficiently.