New Zealand: Airlines

New Zealand is well serviced by airlines ranging from the large international airlines to the smaller domestic airlines. The national flag carrier Air New Zealand dominates much of the market. However in the last few years the number of airlines offering international services from Australia and beyond, to New Zealand's main centres has increased dramatically. This increased level of competition has meant that airfares are currently very attractive.

The three main international airports are in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, with Auckland being the principal port. New Zealand is approximately 24 hours from the United Kingdom, 14 hours from Los Angeles, 10 hours from Singapore, Hong Kong and Tokyo, and 3½ hours from the east coast of Australia. Many larger Pacific Islands offer regular scheduled services to Auckland on their national airlines.

There are frequent internal flights connecting international arrivals with numerous locations throughout New Zealand; all cities and major towns within New Zealand have an airport. Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Origin Pacific provide internal flights. Compared to world prices, domestic travel is reasonably priced, especially if booked well in advance; If you book a flight at short notice you should expect to pay a lot more for it. Overseas visitors may benefit from arranging internal flights as part of their international flight package.

Numerous smaller airlines offer services to/from the smaller airports, many of which do not have regular scheduled services from the larger airlines. In addition, many airlines offer charter services which can prove cost-effective if travelling with a large group of people.

Domestic Airlines:

Air New Zealand		The largest & dominant domestic carrier. Flies to/from 26 local airports.
Qantas		Currently flys between the 4 main 'trunk' destinations: Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Wellington.
air2there		Provides an air shuttle service around Wellington, Paraparaumu, Blenheim, Nelson, Wanganui, Palmerston North and Masterton.

International Airlines Servicing New Zealand:

Air New Zealand		The national flag carrier. Offers regular services to many worldwide destinations in association with it's partners.
Qantas		Currently flys to/from Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington as part of its extensive Worldwide network.
Pacific Blue		Part of the Virgin empire, Pacific Blue flys from/to Wellington and Christchurch to its extensive Australian network.
Emirates		Currently offers a daily international service to Auckland.
Aerolineas Argentina		Currently offers a twice weekly service non-stop from Auckland to/from Buenos Aires.
Singapore Air		Currently offers a regular service from Singapore.

*Please note that the above list changes on a regular basis. Please check with the individual airline for full details of their services. Many other international airlines offer New Zealand destinations as part of their network due to code sharing arrangements.