Flying to New Zealand can be expensive, but there are some smart ways to find good deals. With a bit of planning, you can save a lot of money on your flights. In this guide, I’ll break down the process for you. By the end, you’ll know how to get to New Zealand without overpaying.
Book at the Right Time
Timing matters. Usually, the best time to book flights to New Zealand is around 2-3 months before you plan to fly. Airlines tend to release cheaper seats early, and they gradually increase prices as the flight date gets closer. If you’re planning during peak seasons like summer (December to February in New Zealand), aim to book even earlier, around 4-6 months in advance.
Did you know that you can get up to 40% cheaper prices on flight and hotel bookings by using a VPN? Try NordVPN today! They offer a free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee!
If you’re flexible with your dates, you have an advantage. Use tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner’s calendar view to see if prices change based on travel dates. Flights mid-week (Tuesdays or Wednesdays) are often cheaper, and traveling in New Zealand’s off-season (March to November) can save you a lot.
Use Flight Comparison Tools
One of the best ways to land a good deal is by using flight comparison tools. Sites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak let you compare prices from many airlines. These platforms not only show you the cheapest options but also allow you to set up price alerts.
How do price alerts work? If you’re not ready to book, set a price alert, and you’ll get notified when the price drops. Skyscanner and Momondo are well-known for this feature. It’s an easy way to stay on top of the best flight deals without having to check multiple times each day.
Check Out Budget Airlines
While there aren’t many budget airlines flying direct to New Zealand due to the long travel distance, you can still find cheaper fares by using budget carriers for portions of the trip. For example, you might find a good deal on a long-haul flight with a major airline to a hub such as Singapore, Bangkok, or Los Angeles, and then switch to a budget airline from there to New Zealand.
AirAsia, Jetstar, and Scoot are some budget airlines that connect from hubs to New Zealand. These might not be as fancy, and you might have to pay for extras like luggage or meals, but if saving money is your main priority, they can be a good option to consider.
Consider Layovers
Direct flights to New Zealand from places like the U.S., Europe, or even Asia can get expensive. Adding a layover can sometimes result in significant savings. For example, flying to Auckland via a stopover in Australia, Singapore, or Hawaii might be cheaper than a direct flight.
If you’re open to a longer journey, look at flights with layovers of 6-12 hours. These “travel hacks” often save hundreds of dollars. Plus, you can take a break, stretch your legs, and even explore another city briefly before continuing your journey. Look for multi-city or open-jaw fares via Google Flights to see if a layover works for you.
Look for Sales and Error Fares
Sometimes airlines make mistakes when pricing their flights. These are called error fares, and if you catch one, you can get a ridiculously cheap flight. Sites like SecretFlying.com and The Flight Deal are great places to monitor these kinds of deals.
You can also check airline sales. Most airlines run big sales a few times per year, usually around holidays or during off-seasons. Following major airlines like Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines on social media or signing up for their newsletters can help you stay in the loop when sales pop up.
Use Airline Miles and Points
If you’re a frequent traveler, using airline miles and points could get you to New Zealand for almost free. Many airlines and credit cards offer loyalty programs where you earn points for every flight or dollar spent. These points can be redeemed for flights, sometimes at huge discounts.
If you don’t have a lot of points yet, consider using a travel rewards credit card to accumulate them faster. Some cards offer sign-up bonuses that can be enough for a free flight or a big discount on international travel. If you already have points or miles, check out availability with airlines like Air New Zealand, United, or Qantas, as they often offer award seats to New Zealand.
Alliance Programs
Consider sticking to one airline alliance like Star Alliance or Oneworld. This way, you can pool miles from different airlines within the same alliance. Chances are you’ll be able to find flights to New Zealand through these alliances and use miles to lower the cost.
Consider Nearby Airports
If you’re flying to New Zealand, Auckland is usually the cheapest and most convenient airport. However, it’s worth checking other main airports like Wellington or Christchurch. Sometimes connecting through these airports can be cheaper, especially if you’re flying from Australia or Asia.
If the price looks better to Wellington or Christchurch, don’t hesitate to take a domestic flight to your final destination. New Zealand has several budget airlines for local travel, including Jetstar and Air New Zealand. Domestic flights in New Zealand are usually quick and affordable.
Be Flexible with Airports
If possible, also check flight prices from other nearby cities in your home country. You might find flying from an alternate airport to be more affordable. For instance, flying out of Chicago instead of New York could save you hundreds.
This might sound like extra work, but if it means significant savings, it’s worth considering. Of course, don’t forget to include transportation costs between the alternate airport and your home city to see if it truly saves you money.
Remove Extras You Don’t Need
When browsing flights to New Zealand, you might see airlines offering various extras like seat upgrades, checked baggage, or in-flight meals. If you’re on a budget, opt for just the base fare. You can always bring your own snacks or avoid adding extra baggage if you pack light.
Budget airlines especially will charge for tons of extras, and these can start to add up. Be sure to compare not just the price of the base ticket but also the final price once extras are factored in. Always double-check if meals and baggage are included before you book your flight.
Look for Stopover Programs
Some airlines offer free or low-cost stopovers on flights to New Zealand. For example, Air New Zealand often allows stopovers in places like Fiji or Hawaii, letting you turn a long layover into an extra mini-vacation. Singapore Airlines also offers long layovers in Singapore at no additional cost.
These stop programs not only save money but also break up your long journey into more manageable chunks. Plus, who wouldn’t want to sneak in an extra country or two when flying to the other side of the world?
Check Local and Regional Airlines
Always check regional airlines for deals. Airlines like Virgin Australia, Qantas, and Fiji Airways sometimes offer great deals, especially if you’re flying from nearby regions like Australia or Southeast Asia. Keep an eye out for regional hubs like Sydney or Brisbane.
Another good trick is to fly to a major regional hub and then book a separate regional flight to New Zealand. Just make sure you research the visa policies and potential travel issues when booking separate tickets, as you may have to go through customs or immigration at each stop.
Last-Minute Booking Isn’t Ideal
You might hear about last-minute deals, but when it comes to long-haul international flights like those to New Zealand, this strategy doesn’t usually pay off. Prices generally go up the closer you get to your departure date. Last-minute flights are more expensive, so avoiding last-minute booking is a good idea unless there’s a rare sale going on.
Final Thoughts
Finding an affordable flight to New Zealand is all about being flexible and looking at all your options. Use flight comparison tools, sign up for price alerts, be open to layovers, and consider booking early. By using the strategies outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to securing a great flight deal and saving more money for your New Zealand adventure!
Leave a reply