As a long-time plane geek, I am totally in awe of ultra-long-haul routes. Auckland to Doha remains ranked as the third longest commercial route in the world, proudly serviced by Qatar Airways. Its daily services typically take 16 hours and 45 minutes from Auckland to Doha, while the homebound leg from Doha to Auckland averages 15 hours and 15 minutes. It’s a great way to get to Europe, because from Doha, high frequency connecting flights will have at your final destination just a few hours later. 

Since June, the Qatar Airways Auckland services have been operated by Boeing 777 long-range aircraft, configured with 42 Business seats and 230 in Economy. If you’re not at the pointy end, rest assured that ultra-long-haul in Economy on Qatar Airways is more than manageable. Qatar Airways provides Economy guests with one of the widest seats in the industry, complete with adjustable headrests. With the generous seat recline, I had no trouble stretching my legs completely out in front of me, with unobstructed access under the seat in front of you. 

Qatar Airways Economy Class. Photo / Supplied

With a voluminous library of on-demand entertainment, the Oryx One system serves up over 8500 content options at your fingertips. Plus, the live sport function is a recent addition. Just over a year ago, Qatar Airways launched the world’s first Boeing 777 flight equipped with Starlink, ushering in a new era of in-flight connectivity. The entire 777 fleet is now installed with Starlink, delivering high-speed, low-latency internet. The service is free for all passengers and available gate-to-gate. I was suitably engaged for hours, before taking my trusty magnesium tablet and clocking up 8 hours of sleep, in-flight. Along with being well-fed and watered, the marathon flying experience didn’t leave me feeling rung out.  

If you plump for the pointy end, you’ll basking in the pampered embrace of Qatar Airways’ legendary Business Class product, QSuite with those sliding doors. This truly is a world-leading product, where the best of First Class has been deployed to Business Class. Best of all, those flying double beds. Yes, if you’re a couple travelling together, your seats convert into a lie-flat double bed, with privacy sliding doors, sealing you off in your own cocoon of comfort. QSuite also pioneered the quad, a private space fully adaptable to your family or fellow travellers’ requirements. Every seat, whether you’re travelling solo or with company, has its own slider door. The trimmings keep coming, with soft feathered pillows, a velvet duvet and pyjama set.  

Qatar Airways QSuite Business Class. Photo / Supplied

Qatar Airways has every reason to feel like it’s on top of the world – and deservedly so. The Doha-based carrier, with one of the world’s youngest aircraft fleets, has scooped supreme honours at the 2025 Skytrax Airline Awards, crowned World’s Best Airline, for the ninth consecutive year. Flying daily non-stop between Doha and Auckland, Kiwis enjoy visa-free entry into Doha. Beyond Doha, Qatar Airways flies to over 170 destinations worldwide. qatarairways.com 

One of the great things about flying long-haul through Doha is Hamad International Airport. Routinely ranked as one of the world’s greatest airports, not only is it breath-takingly efficient with its leading-edge deployment of the latest technology, but the terminals exude a welcome, relaxed atmosphere of stress-free calm. Your ears won’t be assaulted with the constant cacophony of public address announcements, as is the case at many major airports. Hamad Airport is my idea of aviation haven. But don’t for one moment mistake this for soulless boredom. The terminals are abuzz with enticements, headlined by its museum-worthy artworks.  

The iconic Lamp Bear by Urs Fischer is just the beginning on the self-guided art tour featuring over 30 pieces scattered throughout the airport. Discover works by artists like Ahmed Al Bahrani and Jean-Michel Othoniel. One of the most recent public art installations is the delightful wildlife sculpture collection located at the Orchard, a glass-domed garden, with similarities to the Changi Airport’s Jewel.  

Hamad International Airport's Lamp Bear. Photo / Mike Yardley 

This lush, indoor tropical paradise spans over 6000 square metres, boasting more than 300 trees and 25,000 plants sourced from sustainable forests. With its glass ceiling, tree-top bridge, grassed areas, and timber teepees, it’s a refreshing escape from typical airport environments, whether you want to stretch your legs or grab a bite in the surrounding retail and dining precinct. Hamad International Airport has elevated airport dining to new heights with some luxury brand credentials entering the hospitality space too. There’s the Fendi Café, Ralph’s Coffee Shop by Ralph Lauren, the Harrod’s Tea Roo and for five-star luxury, the Louis Vuitton Lounge by Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno. The latest arrival is the Lancôme Café De La Rose from Paris’s Champs-Elysées. Dive into this trippy, next-level airport experience. 

Mike Yardley is Newstalk ZB’s resident traveller and can be heard every weekend on Saturday Mornings with Jack Tame.