Chicago to Wellington (ORD–WLG) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

US passport holders enter New Zealand visa-free for up to 90 days. Before travel, apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) at nzeta.immigration.govt.nz or through the NZeTA app. The NZeTA costs NZD 17 ($10) via the app or NZD 23 ($14) via the website and is valid for 2 years. An International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD 100 ($60) is paid at the same time. Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the planned departure from New Zealand.

The NZeTA is not a visa but an entry screening requirement. Processing takes up to 72 hours, so apply before booking flights. At Auckland Airport (AKL), Christchurch (CHC), or Wellington (WLG), immigration checks your NZeTA electronically and stamps your passport. New Zealand has strict biosecurity: declare all food, plant material, outdoor equipment, and camping gear on your arrival card. Fines for undeclared items start at NZD 400 ($240). The Department of Conservation (DOC) manages New Zealand's Great Walks, including the Milford Track and Routeburn Track, which require advance booking.

Direct flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Auckland run about 13 hours on Air New Zealand and American Airlines. San Francisco and Houston also have nonstop service. From the East Coast, connect through LAX or fly through Sydney (about 3 hours to AKL). New Zealand uses the New Zealand dollar (NZD), trading at roughly 1.67 NZD per $1. Card payments and contactless tap work everywhere. The Northern Explorer train runs Auckland to Wellington in 11 hours. InterCity buses connect both islands. The Interislander ferry crosses Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton in 3 hours 30 minutes for NZD 65 to NZD 130 ($39 to $78) per person. Campervan rentals start at NZD 80 ($48) per day and are the most flexible way to see both islands. Cafe meals cost NZD 15 to NZD 25 ($9 to $15).

CTA Blue Line runs 24/7 from downtown Loop stations to O'Hare (45 min, $5). Pace buses serve suburbs. Ride-shares cost $35–55 from downtown depending on traffic; add 30+ minutes during rush hour on the Kennedy Expressway.Economy parking lots E/F connect via ATS people mover. Terminal 5 (international) is separate from Terminals 1–3; allow extra time for inter-terminal transfers.