Book a trip from Auckland to London with Cathay Pacific , fares from NZD2,629

The Heathrow Express train is the fastest way to travel into central London from Heathrow Airport, taking 15 to 20 minutes to arrive at London’s Paddington station. For door-to-door service, taxis can take you to the city centre in around 30 minutes. Another option is the underground railway system, which can take you directly to Leicester Square, Kensington or Covent Garden in under an hour.

The home of a vast, global heritage, a thriving dining scene and world class museums and galleries, it’s little wonder that London is one of the most-visited cities in the world.

Start your journey by visiting one of the city’s many UNESCO sites, some of the more popular being the Tower of London, London Bridge and The Palace of Westminster. Visitors can also view the daily changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace - a royal tradition that’s been in place for over 300 years. London’s modern architecture is also something to marvel at, be sure to visit the city’s iconic skyscrapers such as The Shard, The Gherkin and “Walkie Talkie”.

Within walking distance is London's West End, a vibrant area known for its lively entertainment, shopping, and dining options. It is home to popular theatres, including the famous West End shows, as well as luxury shops and designer boutiques. The area also boasts a variety of restaurants and bars, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

For the nature lovers, London has many beautiful parks and green spaces, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling city. Some popular parks include Hyde Park, Regent's Park, and St. James's Park. These parks offer scenic walking paths, lush gardens, and even boating opportunities.

London also boasts many world class museums and galleries. History lovers are recommended to visit the British Museum, which has more than eight million pieces in its collection. The Tate Modern and National Gallery are ideal for art enthusiasts. London’s dining scene is best experienced in the lively district of Soho and Oxford Street. There you will find international restaurants serving authentic cuisines, as well as local pubs pouring British ales and ciders.

Experience the ease of discovering convenient and luxurious hotels for you with Cathay Pacific. Overlooking Hyde Park, InterContinental London Park Lane offers a prime location in the heart of London. Guests can enjoy modern amenities, fine dining, and easy access to popular landmarks and shopping destinations. For those looking for breathtaking views of the city, the 5-star Shangri-La The Shard London boasts a prime location in the iconic Shard building. Guests can indulge in fine dining, spa treatments, and luxurious accommodations while experiencing the best of London. Both these hotels offer exceptional rooms, a plethora of dining options, elegant decorations and world class service. Book your stay today and discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and access to lounge facilities.

There is something for everyone in London's vibrant food scene, ranging from traditional British pubs, international cuisines, and trendy fusion restaurants. Chet's is a Thai-American fusion restaurant located in West London with a menu that combines the fragrant flavours of Thailand with classic American comfort food. For those wishing to try British fine dining, Quo Vadis is a historic and iconic restaurant and private members club in the vibrant Soho neighbourhood of London. It offers a seasonal menu and has a stylish and lively atmosphere. The restaurant also has private dining options and a sister restaurant, Barrafina, located on the ground floor.

There’s plenty to remember when flying to a new destination. Here is some information that you should know before your flight to London.

• Currency: Pound Sterling (£, GBP). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 230V Type G
• Time zone: GMT+0. Daylight Savings pushes this forward 1 hour from March to November.
• Language: English