| Popular in | December | High demand for flights, 10% potential price rise |
| Cheapest in | March | Best time to find cheap flights, 2% potential price drop |
| Average price | $2,177 | Average for return flights in January 2022 |
AKL - HRE | Price | $1,701 - $3,154 |
HRE | Temperature | 15 - 22 °C |
HRE | Precipitation | 2 - 191 mm |
Flights from New Zealand airports to Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport (HRE) in Zimbabwe are lengthy. The shorter flights generally last just over 32h and the longer ones can take well over two days of travel time. Harare flight deals with departures from Auckland Airport (AKL) tend to be the better choices, with journeys lasting approximately 32h, while those from Christchurch Airport (CHC) take about 33h 30min to the Zimbabwean capital.
Unfortunately, direct flights from New Zealand to Harare are not currently available, and even the more convenient service involves at least two connections. You should expect layovers at Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) and O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) when flying from either Auckland or Christchurch. New Zealand flights can also make connections at Kuala Lumpur (KUL) and Dubai (DXB) enroute to Harare. Layover times vary in length, and some flights will require overnight stays with separate check-in procedures at host airports.
Unfortunately, your options to get from Robert Gabriel Mugabe International, Harare, to the city centre are somewhat limited due to the lack of public transport between the two locations. Additionally, rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are not available. There is, however, an airport taxi service, which can take you to Central Harare in about 25min, and several local and international providers operate from the airport’s onsite car hire centre, at the international passenger terminal. A private shuttle service (CMED) is also available from this location.
Most first-time visitors to Harare, Zimbabwe, are welcomed by a cosmopolitan metropolis with plentiful jacarandas and flamboyant trees adding vibrant colour in every direction. The capital city sits high on the Highveld plateau, and there are scenic views to be had beyond the city limits. Downtown Harare has several places of interest for tourists who wish to make an immediate start to their explorations. Apart from the central business district, National Heroes Acre is a monument to fallen patriots, and National Gallery of Zimbabwe at Harare Gardens curates important collections of Shona art. Further north, you can explore Alexandra Park and Harare Botanical Gardens, home to several specimens of local flora and fauna. Mukuvisi Woodlands and Kaka Camp Game Park are wildlife and safari parks, east of the city, that are extremely popular with tourists. There are several large golf courses, like Chapman Golf Club, and Harare Sports Club, which has hosted important league and international rugby, football and cricket fixtures. Zimbabwean cuisine tends to be spicy, perhaps in keeping with the country’s exotic nature, but tasty nevertheless. Among the most popular local dishes are sadza, bota (porridge) and madhumbe (yams), and some are prepared with peanuts, so read the menu carefully before ordering. If you can get there in late April/early May, Harare International Festival of the Arts is one of the largest arts festivals on the continent and the crown jewel of the country’s cultural events calendar.
New Zealand citizens travelling with a valid passport will receive a Visa on Arrival (VOA) at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International, which is good for a 90-day stay. VOA fees are approximately $ 55 (NZ$ 76) for single entry and $ 70 (NZ$ 97) for double entry visas.
Most people fly into Harare (HRE) if they book a flight to Harare. Harare is conveniently located just 12.3 km from Harare’s city center.