When planning a trip from India to New Zealand, your journey will almost certainly begin at one of India's major metropolitan airports. These hubs are well-equipped for long-haul international travel and offer the most options for connecting flights.

The primary departure points include:

• Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) in Delhi: As the nation's capital, it's the busiest airport in India and a major hub for international flights heading both east and west.
• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (BOM) in Mumbai: India's financial centre has a massive, modern international terminal serving a huge volume of global traffic.
• Kempegowda International Airport (BLR) in Bengaluru: A key gateway for South India, it connects the country's tech hub to the world.
• Chennai International Airport (MAA) in Chennai: Another vital hub in the south, offering numerous connections, particularly to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.

New Zealand, known in the Māori language as Aotearoa, has several international airports, but most long-haul flights from India land at one of three main gateways.

• Auckland Airport (AKL): This is New Zealand's largest and busiest airport, located on the North Island. The vast majority of international visitors arrive here, making it the country's primary gateway.
• Christchurch Airport (CHC): The main entry point to the scenic South Island. Flying into Christchurch is a great option if your itinerary is focused on exploring the Southern Alps, fjords, and glaciers.
• Wellington Airport (WLG): Situated at the southern tip of the North Island, New Zealand's capital has a smaller international airport, primarily serving routes to and from Australia and a few Pacific islands. While less common for India arrivals, it's still a key part of the nation's aviation network.

Currently, there are no direct, non-stop flights between India and New Zealand. Your journey will always involve at least one stop. The route you take is determined by the airline you choose, as each one funnels traffic through its home base, or hub airport.

Common layover cities include hubs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. For example, a flight on Singapore Airlines will connect through Singapore, while a trip with Emirates will have a layover in Dubai. The duration of these layovers can vary from a couple of hours to an entire day, which can be an opportunity to briefly explore another city.

Several major airlines are popular choices for this route. Air New Zealand, the national carrier, doesn't fly directly to India but partners with other airlines, such as Singapore Airlines, through a codeshare agreement This allows you to book a single ticket with Air New Zealand that includes flights operated by its partner.

Familiarising yourself with these airports and airlines is the first practical step in planning your trip. It helps you understand the available routes and begin searching for flights that fit your schedule and budget.