Cheap (or inexpensive!) flights to New Zealand

[Polotoo]

Hi all

My best buddy is currently in New Zealand, and we'd really like to go and visit her, the trouble is the flights all seem to be coming back at around �1000 each - does anyone know where we can get something cheaper?

She's likely to be out there for a year or so, and we're not worried about when we go and visit - depends on the price!

She is travelling around so would be able to meet us wherever we fly into, but if its cheaper to do some sort of package deal with hotel thrown in we are open to ideas!!

I've been looking at Christchurch as I know thats were she flew into, but as long as its NZ, she tells me she can meet us! We would be travelling from the UK, ideally a London airport but can travel internally if the price is significantly less!

Anyone got any suggestions?

Thanks in advance

:-)

[dzug]

I'm sure I've seen flights to NZ cheaper than that - not much more than �500-600. Off season would be better - not sure what that is in this case.

[Polotoo]

Hi Dzug,

Thats what I thought too, but I don't know when the off-peak season is, I've been told booking well in advance to get the best prices, but for a years time they are over �1200 each!!

I'm hoping that a travel agent, or someone with experience will be able to point me in the right direction!!

Thanks!

[jno]

try those ads to the right. travelsupermarket.com can get you there on Malaysian from �650 for June. Watch out for cheap deals in summer (their winter), which usually appear from May or June.

[STAH]

Hi there Polotoo.

We went to New Zealand last year for the Lions Rugby Tour. You may find it a good idea to get a flight to Sydney, Australia; and then get an Air New Zealand (or Qantas) flight to Christchurch. This is what we did.

We flew with Japan Airlines from Heathrow to Sydney via Tokyo. We had the day in Sydney before flying onto Wellington with Air New Zealand. The benefit of doing it this way is that get to see two countries for the price of one!!

Direct airlines that fly to Christchurch from the UK are Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Air New Zealand.

Christchurch was beautiful - but not as lovely as Wellington. Good luck with your search, and I hope that you come up trumps and have a fab holiday with your buddy.

Scott

[STAH]

PS For the pair of us, this was �1150. We did, however, have to book 7 months in advance. This was with last minute dot com.

I have heard outstanding reports about STA travel. (No connection to me!) I have never used them, but they specialise with your types of trip (back packing etc). I am really excited for you! New Zealand is stunning. Warning!! When you get out there, you may not want to return......

[Polotoo]

Hi Scott

Thanks for all the info.... We probably won't want to come back, my best friend has been out there nearly 12 months this time, she went over for a couple of months last year - I spoke to her last night and she's already planning back as soon as she can sort out another visa! Think she'll disappear permenantly then!

Hadn't thought about going via Australia, will do some research into it, but that may be a good way of seeing a bit of oz too. 7 Months in advance is not a problem for us, gives us time to save up some spending pennies! Thanks for all the suggestions, always happy to hear more though - so keep on posting if you have any more ideas!!

Thanks, I'm all excited myself now!!

[jno]

I've used www.trailfinders.com and found them good

[nickmo]

Have a look at : http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/flights/Wellington/Heathrow/ for a few suggestions.

[jno]

incidentally, Auckland is the main entry point, so you'll probably find the most, and cheapest, flights go there. Christchurch is number 2. I don't think international flights go to Wellington at all, on account of the hair-raising situation of its airport (basically in a wind-tunnel with the sea at each end) but as STAH says it is much the most beautiful city.

[Gef]

Hi polotoo,

I am going to visit my daughter at the end of June. I spent hours and hours on the internet but none of the so called "deals" suited my holidays (I am a teacher). Eventually I went into The Flight Centre. Very helpful and found me a flight from Glasgow for �787 on 30th June. Once into July the price was over �900. Seems that the "cheapest" time to go is before 15th June or else wait until mid-September.

Have a look at http://www.flightcentre.co.uk/flights/


No online booking but you can book by phone or look up the nearest shop. Good luck.

[spk]

try STA travel- I booked a round the world ticket with them return for 1400 sterling. I know thats alot but I have 5 stops on my ticket- but they give dicounts if you are under 25 and can book you a hotel or accomodation as well quite cheap. Im in Oz at the moment- quiet season is coming up so May, June will be your cheapest times to come. Enjoy it, its fab in NZ !!!