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Cheap Domestic Flights within New Zealand

Domestic Flights within New Zealand

Search and buy domestic flights within New Zealand with Alternative Airlines! Discover airlines that offer domestic flights, complete with check-in and baggage information. Also, check out our list of FAQs

New Zealand

What are domestic flights?

 Domestic flights depart and land within the same country. Internal flights in New Zealand are all short-haul, all with a duration less than 2 hours; the longest flights is Auckland to Queenstown, which takes one hour and 45 minutes.  

Airlines that offer Domestic Flights within New Zealand

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is the national airline of the country and is based in Auckland Airport. If you're after a premium experience while flying, Air New Zealand could be the choice for you! Even in Economy, passengers can enjoy an entertainment system and complimentary snacks.

Air New Zealand also has a subsidiary airline, Air New Zealand Link, which serves over 20 destinations.

- Check-in online: Online check-in is available, open 24 hours before flight departure. You will receive an electronic boarding pass, which is accepted at all domestic airports.

- Check-in at the airport: Always arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check-in. Recommended check-in time depends on the airport.

- Is a passport required: If you're travelling from Christchurch to Auckland the flight will depart from the International terminal and a valid form of photo ID is required (passport recommended). Otherwise, the following forms of photo ID are acceptable: passport, drivers licence, student ID card, Airpoints card/alliance partner frequent flyer card, major credit card, birth certificate, farmers card, PSIS card or community services card.


Jetstar

Jetstar is the budget-friendly and more low-cost option, offering cheap flights to customers. The airline is actually based in Melbourne, in Australia, and is a subsidiary of Qantas. Did you know you can book Jetstar flights on finance? Check out our Fly Now Pay Later with Jetstar guide for more information.

- Check-in online: Online check-in for New Zealand domestic flights opens 28 days before and closes one hour before scheduled departure.

- Check-in at the airport: Please arrive at the airport with plenty of time to check-in.

- Is a passport required: All passengers may be required to provide ID on domestic flights in New Zealand. Accepted ID types are passports, drivers licence, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate or citizenship document, student id, aviation or airport authority issued ID.

 

 

Other airlines

 

These smaller airlines offer domestic flights to more remote locations:


Air Chathams

This small airline is based in Te One in the Chatham Islands in the country. The airline flies to/from Auckland Airport.

Check-in online: Available via the airline website.

Check-in at the airport: Passengers must check-in at the airport, which is open 90 minutes and close 30 minutes before the flight is scheduled to depart.


Sounds Air

Sounds Air is a small regional airline, offering scheduled and chartered New Zealand flights from Wellington International Airport.

Check-in online: Not currently available.

Check-in at the airport: Passengers must check-in at the airport, at least 30 minutes prior to departure.


Stewart Island Flights

Stewart Island Flights is a small domestic airline that operates between Stewart Island and the mainland, with a fleet of Britten Morman Islander, Piper Cherokee Six and Cessna 185.

Check-in online: Not currently available.

Check-in at the airport: Check-in must be done at the airport 30 minutes before departure.


Barrier Air

This is a smaller domestic airline. It is based at Auckland Airport and flies to Great Barrier Aerodrome, Kaitaia Airport and North Shore Aerodrome.

Check-in online: Not currently available.

Check-in at the airport: Passengers must check-in at the airport, no later than 45 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Golden Bay Air

Golden Bay Air is a smaller domestic airline, operating scheduled flights from Takaka to Wellington and Karamea, in the Golden Bay region of New Zealand.

Check-in online: Not currently available.

Check-in at the airport: Passengers must check-in at the airport, no later than 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Originair

Originair is a commuter airline based in New Zealand that operates out of Nelson Airport. It flies between 4 destinations - Hamilton, Nelson, Palmerston North and Wellington.

Check-in online: Not currently available.

Check-in at the airport: Passengers must check-in at the airport. Check-in counters are open 1 hour and 15 minutes before departure, and close 30 minutes before takeoff.

New Zealand city life

Why book domestic flights within New Zealand?

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. There are two main landmasses, the North Island (Te Ika-a-Māui), and the South Island (Te Waipounamu). There are also around 600 smaller islands. The country has embraced air travel, which is a convenient way to travel between the country’s larger airports.


Domestic flights within New Zealand are usually cheap, and a great way to jump between all of New Zealand’s cities and top destinations in an otherwise difficult to traverse the natural landscape. Furthermore, domestic flights within New Zealand are easy to search for and book through Alternative Airlines, and offer a great way to take in the stunning and diverse landscape of New Zealand.

There are two main domestic airlines in New Zealand: JetStar and Air New Zealand.

There are also a few smaller domestic airline options, which offer flights to more ‘off the beaten track’ locations. Private charter companies offering scenic flights also operate.

Book a Domestic Flight With Alternative Airlines

It's quick and easy to use the Alternative Airlines search bar to discover domestic flights within New Zealand!

Popular Routes

 

Wellington

 

Best Airport to Fly Into:

Fly direct to Wellington International Airport from destinations around the world, or catch a domestic flight from Auckland (1 hr approx).

Airlines that fly to Wellington:

Airlines that fly to/from Wellington to other destinations within New Zealand include Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, Sounds Air, and Air Chathams.

 

Christchurch

 

Best Airport to Fly Into:

Fly to Christchurch International Airport, on the South Island and close to many popular tourist highlights.

Airlines that fly to Christchurch:

Airlines that fly to/from Christchurch to other destinations within New Zealand include Air New Zealand, Jetstar Airways, Sounds Air, and Air Chathams.

 

Rotorua

 

Best Airport to Fly Into:

Rotorua is a town on New Zealand's North Island, renowned for its lakes, geothermal activity and Maori culture. Fly to Rotorua Regional Airport.

Airlines that fly to Rotorua:

Airlines that fly to Rotorua include Air New Zealand Link and Sunair.

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Domestic Flights New Zealand FAQs

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 can I find cheap New Zealand internal flights?

When you book with Alternative Airlines, you can choose flights from over 600 airlines! Making it easy to compare prices. You can even find the cheapest day to fly by using our best fare finder.


Start browsing flights using our search form. Your next flight is only a few clicks away!

What New Zealand airlines can I use for domestic travel?

There are a handful of airlines in New Zealand that offer domestic flights within the country including Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Air Chathams, Golden Bay Air and more.

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.