BT_Traveler

Is it less expensive to book domestic air fare in New Zealand from within New Zealand? Does this mean that I should use a travel agent to arrange this if I am from the US? I will be flying from LA to Sydney and then to New Zealand. It looks like Quantas offers a free stop over in New Zealand (not sure if this is only to Auckland or if there are any choices on the South Island).
1.We need to get to Dunedin to start our travels in NZ.
2.We end our trip in Picton. Is it cheaper to fly to Auckland from Blenheim or to take the ferry across to Wellington and fly to Auckland from there?

charli47

I don't know if cheaper but I bought tickets online from Air New Zealand leaving Auckland to Nelson (I am in Houston). I plan to buy tickets on Jetstar from Christchurch to Auckland online. Jetstar is much cheaper (it is Qantas' domestic airline) but they don't go to as many places at Air New Zealand (e.g. Nelson) but they cover the main cities.

The ticket you are talking about is the Discover Australia pass which gives you one stopover in New Zealand. We were told you can only buy this in the US or outside of Australia. We are flying LAX to Auckland, Auckland to Cairns (via Brisbane), Cairns to Sydney, Sydney to LA - all for US$1,400 per person. We did this direct with Qantas, no need for a travel agent. Auckland is the only stopover they allow on this "pass."

Fly directly from Auckland (no need to stay in Auckland from what I hear on this and other sites) to Dunedin (if there is a flight on Air New Zealand). I don't know about cheaper from Blenheim but it seems you waste a lot of time taking the ferry over to Wellington.

Hope that helps.

Charli47

mlgb

Try logging on to the New Zealand website (ending co.nz)

www.airnewzealand.co.nz

Look for the Smart Saver fares

If they have one on your desired date I would jump on it.
They do sell out.

Orlando_Vic

Jetstar does have sales and will notify you of such by email, if you sign up. If time is on your side, you could wait until you see a sale announced. I would also recommend that you monitor Flyertalk http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/airline-programs-374/ as these people are very savvy and attentive to things like price reductions.

Regarding Qantas (Q-A-N-T-A-S) stopping over in NZ, I believe that they stop in AKL (as do approximately 75-80% of international flights).

_______________________________________________
Vic's travels: http://my.flightmemory.com/vogilvie

DalaiLlama

There are other airlines than the ones mentioned so far. Google each airport you're likely to use, and see what airlines serve it. Then go to the airlines' websites. For example, we flew dirt-cheap with Emirates from SYD to Christchurch (yep, Emirates - it was the last leg of their long flight from the Mideast via Bangkok and Sydney), and by golly, it was like something out of a fairytale, 2nd class felt like first, and we got a nice hot meal...

We booked everything ourselves from the US before leaving, all with different airlines, whatever came up as best time and cheapest fare, it all worked out.

Before you try and book, tell the bank that issued your credit or debit card what you're about to do, or the foreign transaction may get denied because of "unusual activity" and such.

mlgb

Good luck finding anyone else that serves Dunedin.

DalaiLlama

No nonstops from SYD to Dunedin, fly Pacificblue or Air NZ.
Via Brisbane or Wellington or Auckland or Christchurch.
Or a good 5-hr drive from Christchurch.
Or take the bus (Intercity) from Christchurch, 3 services daily. There are direct flights SYD-Christchurch.

yentakvetch

Jetstar can be booked online. I just used them to do a 3 day side trip from Christchurch. Very cheap, but remember they have fees for any checked bags. Better to do all hand luggage.

mlgb

Pacific Blue ceases service in October.

If you see a good domestic airfare to Dunedin I would grab it now. There is a fare war, I think Jetstar and ANZ are battling for the PB market share.