Everything you need to know about domestic flights in New Zealand
Keep reading to learn more about the main airlines, key airports, and popular domestic routes from Auckland and Wellington 👇
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Looking for an easy and affordable way to get around New Zealand? ✈️
New Zealand might look small on a map, but don’t be fooled. Those winding roads and mountain passes can take hours, even days, to get through.
With limited annual leave, you want to make the most of your time off. And for those 3-day long weekends, spending half your break driving just isn’t worth it.
Domestic flights, though? Way quicker. Most domestic flights in New Zealand are under two hours, which means you get there faster without losing half your trip on the road!
And with Alternative Airlines, you can line up all your options in one spot. Compare domestic flights in New Zealand with over 600 airlines and choose from 40+ ways to pay ✈️
Why choose domestic flights in New Zealand?
New Zealand is made up of two main islands and hundreds of smaller ones, which makes flying the quickest way to travel between cities.
While road trips are popular, flying can save you hours of travel time and often isn’t much more expensive than driving or taking the ferry.
Domestic flights also:
- Connect major hubs like Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch in under an hour
- Make it easier to reach smaller airports close to tourist highlights like Rotorua, Queenstown and Nelson
- Help you explore more remote destinations such as the Chatham Islands or Stewart Island
Pay later for domestic flights around New Zealand
Why wait to pay when you can book now? With Alternative Airlines, you don’t have to pay the full cost upfront. Choose from a range of flexible payment options that make booking a breeze.
Our payment options give you more flexibility in how you budget your trip, especially for last-minute bookings or group travel.
Pay later options for New Zealand residents:
- Afterpay - Split your flight into 4 easy instalments, paid every 2 weeks.
- Klarna - Choose from pay-in-3 or pay later options for more flexibility.
- Zip Pay - Pay off your flight over time, interest-free up to your limit.
- Slice Pay - Prefer lay-by? Secure your flights today with a deposit, then pay off the remaining cost at least 7 days before your departure date.
Book now, pay later, and spend more time enjoying New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, rather than stressing over your wallet! ✈️💙
How to book domestic flights within New Zealand
Flying around New Zealand is quick, easy, and stress-free when you know where to look. Here’s how to make the most of your booking with Alternative Airlines:
- Search all the options in one place. Compare flights from all major domestic airlines, including Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and regional airlines. Just pop in your departure city, destination, and travel dates to see what’s available.
- Choose the payment that suits you. Spread the cost with our flexible options like Afterpay, Klarna, Affirm.
- Pick your trip type. One-way, return, or multi-city? Build an itinerary that fits your schedule and your plans.
- Confirm and get ready to fly. Once you’ve selected your flight and payment method, you’ll get instant confirmation and your e-ticket straight to your inbox. No waiting, no fuss.
Airlines offering domestic flights in New Zealand
Flying around New Zealand is easy! From major cities to remote destinations, a variety of airlines connect cities across the North and South Islands.
Air New Zealand 🌟
Fly New Zealand’s flagship carrier from Auckland and enjoy premium in-flight entertainment, snacks, and friendly Kiwi service. With Air New Zealand Link serving 20+ destinations, exploring the country is easy. Make paying for your Air New Zealand flight simple by spreading the cost with a Pay Later option.
- Check-in: Online 24h before departure or at the airport.
- ID: Passport recommended for Christchurch to Auckland flights; other accepted ID includes driver’s licence, student ID, Airpoints card, or major credit card.
Jetstar 💸
Perfect for budget-friendly travel, especially when paired with our pay-later options.
- Check-in: Online 28 days to 1h before departure; airport check-in recommended.
- ID: Passport, driver’s licence, certified birth certificate, student ID, or aviation-issued ID.
Regional airlines 🌏
Smaller airlines connect you to remote locations:
- Air Chathams: Chatham Islands to Auckland. Online check-in available; airport check-in 90-30 min before departure.
- Sounds Air: Wellington-based, scheduled & charter flights. Airport check-in 30 min prior.
- Stewart Island Flights: Stewart Island to mainland. Airport check-in 30 min prior.
- Barrier Air: Auckland to Great Barrier, Kaitaia, North Shore. Airport check-in closes 45 min prior.
- Golden Bay Air: Takaka to Wellington & Karamea. Check-in closes 20 min prior.
- Originair: Nelson to Hamilton, Palmerston North, Wellington. Airport check-in 1h15–30 min before departure.
With over 600 airlines to choose from at Alternative Airlines, wherever you're flying there’s an airline to fit your schedule, budget, and adventure style.
Domestic flights from Auckland
Auckland’s your main start for exploring New Zealand. And with so many short domestic flights, it’s easy to see more of the country without spending hours on the road or ferry.
Popular routes from Auckland 🏙️
- Auckland to Wellington - The country’s busiest route. Flights take just over 1 hour, with departures throughout the day.
- Auckland to Christchurch - Connects the North and South Islands in around 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Auckland to Queenstown - One of the most scenic routes in the world. Around 1 hour 45 minutes each way.
- Auckland to Dunedin - Head to the South Island’s southern coast in under 2 hours.
- Auckland to Nelson - A quick 1 hour 30 minute flight to sunny Nelson.
- Auckland to Rotorua - A short 45-minute flight gets you to the heart of New Zealand.
Most routes are operated by Air New Zealand and Jetstar, with frequent daily services and flexible fares. These are ideal for both weekend trips and connecting flights across the country.
Domestic flights from Wellington
Wellington is your gateway to the North Island and beyond. With short, frequent domestic flights, you can easily connect to other major cities or reach more remote destinations without spending hours on the road.
Popular routes from Wellington ⛰️
- Wellington to Auckland - The busiest domestic route in the country. Flights take around 1 hour.
- Wellington to Christchurch - Fly to the South Island in just 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Wellington to Queenstown - Reach New Zealand’s adventure capital in about 1 hour 20 minutes.
- Wellington to Napier/Hastings - Just under an hour, perfect for a weekend escape.
- Wellington to Nelson - Around 1 hour, great for beaches and vineyards.
- Wellington to Hamilton - Fly north in roughly 1 hour 10 minutes.
Air New Zealand and Jetstar both operate multiple daily flights from Wellington, offering flexible fares and connections to nearly every major airport in New Zealand.
Main airports for domestic flights in New Zealand
Whether you’re flying between the North and South Islands or heading somewhere a little more remote, here are the main airports to know for domestic travel:
- Auckland Airport (AKL): The country’s busiest airport and Air New Zealand’s main hub. Most domestic routes connect through here, with regular flights to Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and smaller regional airports.
- Wellington Airport (WLG): Ideal for quick trips between the North and South Islands. Frequent services link Wellington with Auckland, Christchurch, Nelson and Dunedin.
- Christchurch Airport (CHC): Perfect for exploring Queenstown, Dunedin, and other southern destinations. Flights are frequent and usually under 2 hours.
- Queenstown Airport (ZQN): Connects to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Great for both ski trips and summer holidays.
- Dunedin Airport (DUD): A key connection for southern New Zealand, with regular flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
- Other useful airports: Smaller airports like Nelson (NSN), Rotorua (ROT), Hamilton (HLZ), and Napier (NPE) also offer domestic routes, giving travellers plenty of options to connect across the country.
Book domestic New Zealand flights with Alternative Airlines
Make exploring New Zealand even easier. Fly now and spread the cost over time with our flexible payment options and over 600 airlines to choose from!
Why book New Zealand flights with Alternative Airlines?
Travel your way with ease ✈️
Flying should be simple, flexible, and fit around you, not the other way around. We make it easy to find the right flight.
Book with Alternative Airlines and...
- Compare 600+ airlines from a single search 🌍
- Spread the cost with pay-later options like Afterpay, Klarna, and more 💳
- Find flights quickly with our easy-to-use search and comparison tools 🔍
- Grab last-minute deals and flexible routes ✈️
- Add extras to make your flight more comfortable 🛫
- Get help from our friendly customer service team, 7 days a week 👋
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Frequently asked questions
Can I book domestic flights in New Zealand with flexible payment options?
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, you can book domestic flights with Air New Zealand, Jetstar, and regional carriers, and spread the cost using any of our pay-later options like Afterpay, Klarna, and more. Payment partners available in your region will appear at checkout.
What is the baggage allowance on domestic flights within New Zealand?
Baggage allowance will depend on the airline you are flying with, as well as the cabin class and/or applicable tariff. For more information follow the links above to discover the baggage allowance for each airline.
Where can I book domestic flights in New Zealand?
Through Alternative Airlines it is easy to use the search form above to search for domestic flights within New Zealand! Simply type in your destinations and we'll show you all available flights.
How do I find cheap domestic flights in New Zealand?
Use our search tool to compare airlines, dates, and routes. Being flexible with travel dates and booking in advance can help you find the best deals. You can even find the cheapest day to fly by using our best fare finder tool.
Which airlines offer domestic flights within New Zealand?
Air New Zealand, Air New Zealand Link, Jetstar, Sounds Air, Air Chathams, Stewart Island Flights, Barrier Air, Golden Bay Air, and Originair all operate domestic routes connecting major cities and remote destinations.
What items are prohibited on domestic New Zealand flights?
A list of items that you cannot bring onto flights within New Zealand can be found on the New Zealand Government website.
What are the main airports for domestic flights in New Zealand?
Major airports include Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Rotorua, and Nelson. Smaller regional airports are served by airlines like Sounds Air, Air Chathams, and Stewart Island Flights.
Are there budget-friendly options for domestic flights in New Zealand?
Yes! Jetstar and regional carriers often offer low-cost flights. Pair them with our Pay Later plans to make travel even more affordable.