Cheap flights to New Zealand

There’s plenty to tick off your bucket list in New Zealand; whether it’s road tripping around the north and south islands and checking out the beautiful scenery, getting your heart pumping with adrenaline-inducing activities in Queenstown, visiting the must-see Milford Sound or indulging in the wineries and endless dining options available. 

But, you’ll need to get there first. Fortunately for Aussies, New Zealand isn’t too far away to make this dream a reality. Check out Traveloka’s travel guide to New Zealand below and get your itinerary sorted, pronto.

How long is the flight to New Zealand?

Flight times vary a bit depending on where you’re going and where you’re departing from. Generally, for direct flights from the east coast, you’ll be landing within 3 to 3.5 houre.

Flights to Auckland

• Brisbane to Auckland: 3 hour 5 min
• Melbourne to Auckland: 3 hour 40 min
• Perth to Auckland: 6 hour, 15 min
• Sydney to Auckland: 3 hours, 5 min

Flights to Christchurch

• Brisbane to Christchurch: 3 hour 25 min
• Melbourne to Christchurch: 3 hour 25 min
• Sydney to Christchurch: 3 hours, 5 min

Flights to Queenstown

• Brisbane to Queenstown: 3 hour 25 min
• Melbourne to Queenstown: 3 hour 10 min 
• Sydney to Queenstown: 3 hours

Flights to Wellington

• Brisbane to Wellington: 3 hour 25 min
• Melbourne to Wellington: 3 hour 35 min
• Sydney to Wellington: 3 hours, 10 min

Which airlines fly direct to New Zealand

There are several airlines that fly direct from Australia to New Zealand, so consider your options when flying this Trans-Tasman route to choose the best fare that suits your needs. 

• Jetstar: A low-cost carrier for those on a budget, Jetstar offers fares with a 7kg carry-on luggage allowance included. Travellers will need to pay extra for check-in baggage and meals on board if desired.
• Qantas: Qantas is a full-service carrier with free meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment. Frequent flyer points can be earned through Qantas Points. 
• Air New Zealand: Air New Zealand has several fare options to suit different traveller needs. The basic “seat” option includes 1 x carry-on bag plus a snack and in-flight entertainment while “theworks” option is an all-inclusive experience with checked bag, meal service and free standard seat select included in the fare. 
• Virgin Australia:Virgin Australia uses a hybrid model on its international short-haul flights. In economy, there are “saver” fares, which are cheaper and travellers can purchase food and drink on board whereas if they select the “flexi” fare, a complimentary meal is included. Frequent flyer points are earned through its Velocity program.

Where you can fly directly to New Zealand from with these airlines

• Jetstar: Sydney, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and Melbourne
• Qantas: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane
• Air New Zealand: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart, Cairns, Sunshine Coast, Canberra 
• Virgin Australia: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Gold Coast, Adelaide, Hobart (Seasonal)

Where is the airport in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, there are four major international airports: Auckland Airport (21km south of Auckland’s CBD), Christchurch Airport (12km northwest of Christchurch), Wellington Airport (5.5km southeast of Wellington) and Queenstown Airport (located 8km from Queenstown). There are a number of transport options to help you continue your journey into the city centres once you arrive in the country

Auckland Airport

• Bus: The AirportLink bus can take you from Auckland Airport to Puhinui Station in Auckland’s city centre in around 18-20 minutes. It runs seven days a week and operates every 10 minutes from 4:30am to 12:40am. Another option is the 38 bus, which operates between Auckland Airport and Onehunga via Mangere Town Centre. It runs every 15-20 minutes, seven days a week during day time hours.
• Taxis: You can travel via taxi from the airport to Auckland’s city centre – the designated pick up zone is located in lanes 2 and 3 outside door 11 at the arrivals area. A taxi fare is estimated to be around NZ$38–$95 (AU$35–$88) and the journey will take about 20 minutes depending on traffic.
• Ride share: Ride share options such as Uber are also available and there is a designated pick-up spot for this in lane 1 outside door 11 at the arrivals area. Like a taxi, the journey is estimated to take around 20 minutes.
• Rental cars: Car rental is available at Auckland International Airport. Among the car rental companies available are Europcar, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz, Thrifty, National Car Rental and more. You can also rent campervans and motorhomes at the airport – which is great if you’re planning a road trip around New Zealand.

Christchurch Airport 

• Bus: Two bus lines (the number 29 and the purple line) connect Christchurch Airport with the city centre and the journey takes approximately 35 minutes. Adult fares can be bought from the driver for NZ$8.50 (AU$7.85) one way or NZ$15 return (AU$13.85).
• Shuttle: A shuttle bus is available to book for NZ$19 (AU$17.55) for one person or NZ$24 (AU$22.20) for two people. A journey into the city takes around 30 minutes and will take you door-to-door from the airport to your hotel.
• Taxi/ride share: Taxis are available with rides of 15 to 20 minutes into the city estimated to cost around NZ$45 (AU$41.60) to NZD$65 (AU$60). Ride share options such as Uber are also available to book.
• Rental cars: Car rental from Christchurch Airport is available via several major operators. Booking ahead of time is recommended.

Wellington Airport

• Bus: Wellington Airport provides the Airport Express shuttle bus which runs seven days a week and connects the airport with Wellington Station, running via Kilbirnie and along Lambton Quay. The journey takes around 25-35 minutes depending on traffic and comes every 10-20 minutes. Local bus services including the Metlink Route 2 Bus and InterCity buses are also available.
• Taxi/ride share: The taxi rank can be found directly outside the baggage claim area on the Ground Floor of the main terminal. There are a number of taxi companies and fare will cost approximately NZ$40-60 (AU$36-55) for the trip which will take around 20 to 30 minutes. Ride share options such as Uber are also available.
• Shuttle: Shuttle prices start at NZ$18 (AU$16.60) and are available to and from Wellington Airport. Tickets can be booked online in advance or bought with cash or credit cards prior to boarding.
• Rental cars: Car rental from Wellington Airport is available via several major operators. Booking ahead of time is recommended.

Queenstown Airport

• Bus: The Orbus, is available to take passengers into the city centre for NZ$10 (AU$9.30) if you pay the driver in cash. If you order a Bee Card online, the adult fare lowers to just NZ$2 (AU$1.80). It comes every 15 minutes, services most hotels and takes about 25 minutes. There are also private shuttle bus options available.
• Taxis/ride share: You can travel via taxi from the airport to Queenstown’s city centre from the airport. A taxi fare typically costs around NZ$45 (AU$42) and the journey will take approximately 15-20 minutes. Ride share options such as Uber are also available, which can be booked via an app. This journey will take a similar amount of time as a cab.
• Rental cars: Car rental is available at Queenstown Airport. Sixt, Europcar, Avis, Enterprise and Go Rentals are just some of the car rental companies offering their services here. Want a rental that does double duty as your wheels and your accommodation? You can also rent campervans and motorhomes at Queenstown Airport.
• Limousines/ VIP service: If you want a more luxe way to travel in style, you’re in luck! For a higher price, limos and other VIP car services offer transport options to and from the airport – driver included. 

When is the cheapest time to fly to New Zealand

New Zealand is a beautiful place to visit no matter what time of year it is, and the most ideal season to plan a trip depends on what you’re planning on getting up to once you arrive. Summer is nice to get outdoors in pleasant weather while the ski season also tends to draw in a lot of tourists, making them the most expensive periods. The cheapest time of year to fly to New Zealand is between these peak periods, in either June or or October and November. Airfares to New Zealand are generally at their lowest at this time.

Visa and passport requirements for Australians when flying to New Zealand

A valid passport is required for international travellers, including Australians to enter New Zealand.

You won’t need a visa when travelling to New Zealand (unless you have a criminal record or have been deported from a country in the past). Australian travellers will need to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (NZTD) either online or via the NZTD app prior to arriving at passport control in New Zealand. This form is free to complete.

How early to arrive at the airport for a flight to New Zealand

If you’re flying to New Zealand from Australia, it’s considered an international flight so it’s generally recommended to be at the airport at least three hours before your flight departs. This allows enough time to check in, drop off your luggage and get through security.

Planning your trip to New Zealand is easy! Just use Traveloka to book everything from hotels or accommodation to activities to car rental and more!