Book a trip from Auckland to Madrid with Cathay Pacific , fares from NZD2,820

Madrid’s Barajas Airport has a variety of transport options. The most convenient way to get into the city centre is by taxi, which will take around 30 minutes. Alternatively, there are metro stations in Terminal 2 and Terminal 4, with trains leaving every few minutes. If you prefer to take the metro, take the 8 line into Nuevos Ministerios station, which takes around 15 minutes. From there, you can take the C3 and C4 lines into the city centre.

Start your trip by exploring a blend of nature, art, and history at El Retiro Park, a stunning green oasis in the heart of Madrid. Spanning over 125 hectares and featuring more than 15,000 trees, the park is home to beautiful gardens, monuments, and a large artificial lake where you can rent a rowing boat. Visitors can explore highlights like the iconic Crystal Palace, the Monument to Alfonso XII, and the unique Fallen Angel statue. The park also hosts various sculptures and fountains, providing a picturesque backdrop for strolls or picnics. Families will enjoy the puppet shows at the Teatro de Títeres and the playgrounds scattered throughout.

The Royal Palace of Madrid, known locally as Palacio Real, is an architectural gem and a must-see attraction in the city. Although it is no longer the official residence of the Spanish royal family, it stands as a significant emblem of Spain's rich history and cultural legacy. Inside, visitors can admire beautifully decorated rooms, grand halls, and an impressive Royal Armory. The opulent State Apartments feature exquisite tapestries, frescoes, and antique furniture, while highlights like the Royal Chapel and Royal Pharmacy add to the palace's allure. Surrounded by lovely gardens that offer stunning city views, the palace is best explored through guided tours, which provide fascinating insights into its history, royal customs, and the stories behind its architectural features and artwork.

Conclude your trip at the Gran Vía, Madrid's iconic shopping street, celebrated for its lively atmosphere and stunning architecture. Often dubbed the Spanish Broadway, it features a blend of impressive buildings, theatres, shops, and restaurants. Here, you’ll find a diverse range of high-end fashion boutiques, international brands, and department stores like El Corte Inglés, making it a shopper's paradise for all tastes and budgets. The street is also home to historic theatres, including Teatro Lope de Vega and Teatro Coliseum, where visitors can enjoy a variety of musicals, plays, and concerts. As night falls, Gran Vía transforms into a vibrant hub, with illuminated signs and a bustling nightlife that adds to its energetic charm.

Experience the ease of discovering convenient and luxurious hotels for you with Cathay Pacific. For a stylish haven located in the Atocha neighbourhood, Only YOU Hotel Atocha seamlessly blends contemporary design with vintage charm, creating a trendy and welcoming atmosphere. Guests can relax in comfortable, well-appointed rooms, ensuring a restful stay. The hotel boasts a stunning rooftop terrace that offers breathtaking views of the city, making it an ideal spot for evening relaxation. Additionally, a cosy library provides a quiet retreat, while the trendy cocktail bar serves up creative drinks in a lively setting. Only YOU Hotel Atocha's prime location puts guests within easy reach of popular attractions like the Prado Museum and Retiro Park. On the other hand, if you’re looking to stay in opulence, the Mandarin Oriental Ritz in the Retiro district beautifully combines classic Spanish architecture with modern comforts, creating an exquisite ambience. Guests will find lavish rooms and suites, each adorned with upscale furnishings and luxurious amenities, ensuring a restful and indulgent stay. The hotel features a selection of renowned dining options where you can savour culinary delights crafted by top chefs, as well as an elegant bar perfect for enjoying cocktails in style. For relaxation, the spa and wellness centre offers a range of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Its central location allows easy access to Madrid's cultural landmarks, high-end shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife, making it an ideal base for exploring the city. Book your stay today and discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and access to lounge facilities.

Madrid entices food enthusiasts with its wide selection of restaurants, where culinary traditions from across the world converge to create an exquisite gastronomic experience. For those wishing to taste the innovative and seasonal flavours Madrid has to offer, Montia is a renowned restaurant in San Lorenzo de El Escorial. Using local ingredients sourced from nearby farmers and foragers, the restaurant offers meticulously crafted tasting menus, including the Montia menu and the Montia XL menu, featuring a harmonious blend of flavours and textures across multiple courses. Guests can also explore a diverse wine selection that includes unique, unfiltered options, enhancing the dining experience. To complete the experience, the restaurant's ambience, shaped by its natural surroundings and artisanal decor, contributes to a memorable culinary journey. On the other hand, if you’re looking for an avant-garde dining experience, DiverXO invites guests into a dreamlike world, where every meal is an exploration of creativity and culinary excellence. The restaurant offers a unique journey through imaginative and hedonistic cuisine, where traditional boundaries are pushed to create innovative dishes. Its meticulously crafted tasting menu, dubbed "La cocina de los cerdos voladores," is adored by both locals and travellers, joined by exquisite wine pairings that elevate the experience. You can expect each course at DiverXO to be a work of art, combining unexpected flavours and presentations that delight the senses.

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

• Currency: Euro (€, EUR). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 230V Types C and F
• Time zone: GMT+1. Daylight Savings pushes this forward 1 hour from April to November
• Languages: Spanish and Catalan