Part 3: Stopover / Airlines

Shouldn't generalize too much, however, mature couples flying from Europe will most likely need a stopover. Not only are the flights long, the time difference is significant. The question is where? And that of course depends on the airlines and what's available. We benefited from the advice of others to stop in Singapore. Which means that we also chose Singapore Airlines. 

Both decisions turned out to be very wise. With Singapore Airlines, we could get a one-way flight from Copenhagen to Christchurch via Singapore and a one-way flight back from Auckland. Suited our plans perfectly: first the South Island and then the North. And with Singapore Airlines two one-way tickets cost the same as a return flight (some airlines charge more for one-way tickets compared to return). Singapore Airlines also has a deservedly good reputation.

Marina Bay

Our flight from Copenhagen to Singapore took almost 11 hours; we arrived around 7:30 a.m. local time. Fortunately, we could check into our hotel right away. Some hotels charge extra if you check in before 11 a.m. We stayed at Hotel Boss, which had just opened in January 2016 and the rates were excellent - maybe because they were just starting up. We booked over the web - in our case the stopover deals offered through Singapore Airlines were not especially attractive. We felt we could do better ourselves, and we did.

With only a two-hour nap on arrival, we were fit for the rest of the day and explored the older parts of town which were close to our hotel: Kampong Glam and Little India. The contrast between the old and the new is striking – the new is gaining ground. Since it was a public holiday, there was hardly any traffic or people. Lots of partying for the Chinese New Year's.

The following day we walked to the downtown area and just gawked at all the buildings along Marina Bay. Fantastic. Bay Towers is amazing. For those of you who don't mind heights, it is possible to take an elevator up to the 55th floor and go out to the observation deck, for a fee.

By the end of the day, we had walked about 21 km without being utterly exhausted. We slept very well that night, unusual when jet-lagged so the strategy worked!

Bay Towers: looking up - not down! 

Since our flight to Christchurch was late afternoon, we had time on our last day to visit Gardens by the Bay. We spent about 4 hours there. It is an amazing park – we highly recommend it. There are several restaurants in the park, as well as a section with street food of all sorts.

The taxi driver who took us to the airport later said that we had been lucky with the weather - usually in January/February it is over 40 C and very sunny. Whereas when we were there, it was overcast and "only" 30 C - hot enough for us, especially with the humidity. But the breeze from the water made it comfortable. The taxi driver said that New Zealand has "the best climate in the world". Wonderful – we're on our way!

Gardens by the Bay

The flight to Christchurch was about 12 hours - and there is a 5-hour time difference between Singapore and New Zealand. So we were very happy that we had split the flights up - we were more rested on arrival and had a fabulous time in Singapore. 

However, we had decided not to stop over anywhere on the way back. Not a good idea. With a long flight from Auckland to Singapore, then a 4-hour wait in the airport, then a long flight to Copenhagen it was crazy. Especially for the mature couple who are retired or semi-retired - and for whom time is not of the essence.

View of Bay Towers from Gardens by the Bay

The old and the new

Kampong Glam