Best stopover cities between New Zealand and Europe: Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Taipei, Abu Dhabi, Los Angeles.
Ideal stopover duration: 2–5 days for cultural experiences, food, shopping, and rest.
Dubai and Doha offer luxury stopovers with shopping, modern architecture, and desert adventures.
Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur are perfect for food lovers, cultural exploration, and affordable stays.
Flying from New Zealand to Europe often means clocking up some serious air time. But with a little planning, your long-haul journey can become a highlight of the trip. Whether you're chasing rest, adventure, or culture, a stopover in the right city can refresh your travels and add a whole new layer of experience. Here are eight of the best cities to break up your Europe-bound flight, with short-stay ideas and insider tips to make the most of your stopover.
Why stop here: With world-class infrastructure, super-fast immigration, and a spotless cityscape, Singapore is ideal for a quick refresh.
What to do:
Visit the futuristic Gardens by the Bay or take a stroll through the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Eat your way through Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat – Singapore’s hawker culture is UNESCO-listed for a reason.
Stretch your legs on Sentosa Island, or explore the art galleries and boutiques in Tiong Bahru.
Pro tip: Many hotels offer day-use rates, perfect if you’re only in town for a long layover.
Why stop here: Luxury, convenience, and desert glamour make Dubai a popular hub for Emirates flights to Europe.
What to do:
Take in the views from the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
Explore the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood for a glimpse of Old Dubai.
Go dune bashing or join a desert safari for something unforgettable.
Shop, dine, and people-watch at The Dubai Mall or the Gold Souk.
Pro tip: If your layover is over 8 hours and you're flying with Emirates, you may be eligible for a free hotel stay via the Dubai Connect programme.
Why stop here: A rising cultural capital with a rapidly growing list of attractions.
What to do:
Discover the breathtaking Museum of Islamic Art, designed by I.M. Pei.
Wander the bustling Souq Waqif, full of spices, crafts, and traditional cafes.
Unwind at the Katara Cultural Village or catch the sunset at the Doha Corniche.
Pro tip: Qatar Airways offers stopover packages with quality hotel options and city tours, making it easy (and affordable) to explore Doha during your layover.
Why stop here: Bustling streets, vibrant culture, and unbeatable food make Bangkok a fun and budget-friendly stopover.
What to do:
Visit the majestic Grand Palace and Wat Pho (home of the reclining Buddha).
Cruise along the Chao Phraya River or shop at Chatuchak Weekend Market.
Relax with a Thai massage or sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar like Vertigo.
Pro tip: Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is well-connected with rail links, making a 1–2 day visit a breeze.
Why stop here: If you're flying eastbound via North America, L.A. offers sunshine, sights, and celebrity-spotting.
What to do:
Visit Santa Monica Beach or take a hike up to the Hollywood sign.
Check out museums like The Getty Center or shop along Rodeo Drive.
Explore food trucks and local eats across Venice and Downtown L.A.
Pro tip: Be mindful of visa requirements or transit rules when stopping in the U.S.
Why stop here: An easy-to-navigate hub with a laid-back vibe and stunning skyline.
What to do:
Take in views from the Petronas Twin Towers or wander the serene KL Forest Eco Park.
Dive into Malaysian cuisine at Jalan Alor Night Market.
Visit cultural landmarks like the Batu Caves or Thean Hou Temple.
Pro tip: KLIA offers great airport transport into the city, about 30 minutes via the KLIA Ekspres train.
Why stop here: Often quieter than Dubai, Abu Dhabi offers a more relaxed stopover with equally impressive sights.
What to do:
Explore the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
Visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi, an architectural masterpiece with global art collections.
Kayak through the Eastern Mangroves or take a break at Corniche Beach.
Pro tip: Etihad Airways often has hotel offers for extended layovers.
Why stop here: For travellers en route to Europe or beyond, a 3–5 day stay in Taipei offers the perfect mix of culture, nature, and modern city life.
What to do:
Sample night market favourites at Shilin or Raohe Street.
Visit the National Palace Museum or ride the glass-bottomed gondola up to Maokong.
Hike Elephant Mountain for panoramic city views or take a day trip to Jiufen.
Pro Tip: With Taipei’s MRT and High-Speed Rail, day trips are simple — reach Jiufen, Tamsui, or even Taichung in under an hour and make the most of your stopover.
Chiayi City is being featured more often as a side-trip from Taipei. This lesser-known gem is full of charm, with access to the Alishan Mountains, tea plantations, historic lanes, and art installations. It’s a great way to explore Taiwan beyond the city.
Pro tip: Taiwan’s transport system is efficient and tourist-friendly, perfect for making the most of a short stay.
At Mix & Match, we make it easy to plan multi-stop trips with flexible flight options and expert travel support. Whether you want to break up your long-haul flight for rest, adventure, or a little of both, we’ve got the deals to match your itinerary and budget.
Search flights now and start mapping out your next unforgettable journey to Europe, with a dream stopover or two along the way.
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