If you’re based in New Zealand, you’ll know that flying overseas can get expensive fast. Long distances and less direct routes often means flights take a big chunk out of your travel budget.
The good news? With Alternative Airlines, you don’t have to wait to save. You can grab a seat now and pay later, spreading the cost of your flight over time without missing out on your plans.
This guide will show you how to find the cheapest flights from New Zealand and make them more affordable with flexible payment options.
Whether it’s a short domestic escape, a weekend in Australia, or a long-haul adventure further afield, these tips will help you secure the cheapest flights from New Zealand and pay in a way that suits you.
Flying from New Zealand doesn’t have to mean paying for your trip all at once. With Alternative Airlines, you can secure your flights today and spread the cost over time using flexible pay later options like Afterpay, Klarna, Zip, and Slice Pay.
These payment options make it easy to secure your seat now and pay in instalments that suit your budget.
Booking your next trip is simple: just select your preferred pay later provider at checkout and start planning your journey without the upfront cost.
Afterpay lets you split your flight cost into four equal instalments, paid every two weeks. There are no interest charges, making it an easy way to book your trip from New Zealand now and manage your payments over a short period.
Klarna makes booking flights from New Zealand easier by giving you flexible ways to pay. You can choose to pay in instalments over a few weeks or spread the cost over several months, depending on what works best for your budget.
Zip gives you the freedom to book your flights today without paying the full cost upfront. Instead, you can spread the payment over time with simple and transparent instalments.
Slice Pay works a little differently from a traditional Buy Now, Pay Later. It lets you secure your flight at today's prices with a small deposit. You'll pay off the remaining balance in weekly instalments until at least 7 days before your departure date. Travel debt-free and stress-free.
Be 18 or over
Be a resident of New Zealand
Have a valid mobile number
Be able to make the first payment or deposit upfront
Easily spot the cheapest dates to fly from New Zealand with our Best Fare Finder tool, which highlights the best fares in green so you can plan your trip around savings.
When searching on Alternative Airlines, quickly find budget-friendly flights by using the 'Cheapest' filter to see flights from New Zealand with the lowest prices first.
Flying midweek or outside peak travel periods can help you secure cheaper fares. For example, Auckland to Sydney fares can drop from NZ$250 one-way on weekends to NZ$150 midweek. Check out our blog on the cheapest days to buy flights to find out more.
Sometimes smaller airports like Hamilton or Dunedin can save NZ$50-100 on domestic routes. Check all departure options to get the best deal.
Explore our latest promo and discount codes and save more when you pay with trusted providers like Klarna, Afterpay, Zip, or Slice Pay.
Book your flights now and spread the cost over weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly instalments with trusted pay-later providers, making travel from New Zealand more affordable and manageable.
💡 Ready to start planning? Grab a seat today and make your next trip more affordable with Alternative Airlines.
An easy way to start finding cheap flights from New Zealand is to fly with a low-cost carrier, which offer lower fares in return for basic services, or a budget-friendly airline. Here's a list of the most popular ones:
While a full-service airline, Air New Zealand frequently offers seat sales that make domestic travel more affordable. Popular domestic routes like Auckland to Christchurch or Auckland to Queenstown can be up to 30% cheaper during seat sales.
Sounds Air is a small regional carrier connecting places like Blenheim, Nelson, Wellington, and Picton. It’s ideal for quick, affordable flights between smaller New Zealand cities and is known for its straightforward, no-frills service.
Originair operates regional flights within New Zealand, such as Nelson to Palmerston North and Nelson to Wellington. It’s a great option for travellers looking to reach regional hubs without paying big-city airfares.
Beyond domestic flights, Jetstar offers affordable international connections from Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. It’s one of the cheapest ways to fly trans-Tasman, with fares often starting around NZ$150-200 one-way.
Scoot, Singapore Airlines’ low-cost subsidiary, operates flights from Auckland and Christchurch to Singapore, with connections to popular Asian destinations like Bangkok, Tokyo, and Kuala Lumpur. It’s a budget-friendly option for long-haul travellers heading to Asia.
AirAsia X connects Auckland with Kuala Lumpur, offering affordable access to Malaysia and onward destinations across Asia, including Thailand, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Operating through Singapore, Jetstar Asia links New Zealand with destinations across Southeast Asia such as Jakarta, Manila, and Phuket, often at lower fares than full-service carriers.
At Alternative Airlines, you can choose from any of the 600+ airlines we can ticket and pay later with our flexible payment partners. Whether you’re booking a short domestic flight, a quick trip to Australia, or a long-haul adventure, you can secure your flights now and spread the cost over manageable instalments.
Another way to save on flights from New Zealand is to pick a more budget-friendly destination. It might be somewhere close like Australia or Fiji, or a longer trip to a spot that's further away but still affordable.
If you’re looking for a quick trip without spending too much, these nearby spots are often the cheapest:
Flights from New Zealand to Australia are frequent and usually the most affordable international option. Sydney and Melbourne are popular for nightlife and city breaks, while Brisbane and the Gold Coast are great for sunshine and beaches.
Often cheaper than other Pacific islands, Fiji is a go-to for flights from New Zealand as it offers a tropical escape that doesn’t stretch the budget.
A laid-back option with cultural experiences, beaches, and fewer crowds than some of its neighbours, plus fares can be surprisingly low.
Another Pacific island destination where deals appear often, especially if you’re flexible with dates.
For those wanting to travel further, these destinations tend to have lower fares compared to other long-haul options:
A popular holiday spot for New Zealanders, with affordable flights and a wide range of budget-friendly stays once you arrive.
Known for frequent sales on flights, Kuala Lumpur is also a great spot for connecting across Southeast Asia.
Flights are often priced competitively, and once you're there, you’ll find that food, transport, and accommodation are all wallet-friendly.
Growing in popularity with New Zealand travellers, Manila is one of the more affordable gateways into the Philippines.
Use our search form to find cheap flights from New Zealand. Once you’ve picked your perfect trip, you can choose a flexible pay-later option to spread the cost instead of paying it all upfront.
Travel should fit your life, not the other way around. That’s why we give you access to over 600 airlines worldwide - from budget airlines to full-service international flights - so you can find the right option for your schedule and budget.
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Use our smart flight filters to see the lowest prices for flights from New Zealand, use our Best Fare Finder tool to see the cheapest dates to fly, adjust your travel dates, consider alternative airports, and consider flying with budget-friendly airlines.
Booking with our flexible pay later options like Afterpay, Klarna, Zip, or Slice Pay can also make it easier to manage your budget.
Budget-friendly airlines from New Zealand include Jetstar (international), Sounds Air and Originair (regional), and Air New Zealand during seat sales. For long-haul flights, carriers like Scoot, AirAsia X, and Jetstar Asia often offer competitive fares.
Generally, we recommend booking 6 to 8 weeks in advance for domestic flights and 2 to 4 months ahead for international flights as this can help you secure lower fares. Midweek departures and off-peak travel periods also usually offer the best savings.
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, we offer flexible pay later options to help you split the cost of your New Zealand flight. You can book your flight now and pay over time using Afterpay, Klarna, Zip, or Slice Pay, depending on your preference and eligibility.
Often, yes. Departing from airports like Hamilton or Dunedin can sometimes save you NZ$50-100 compared to larger hubs like Auckland or Wellington.
Short-haul budget-friendly destinations include Australia, Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, while long-haul affordable options include Bali, Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, and Manila. Fares can vary depending on the season, so it’s worth keeping this in mind.
Yes! At Alternative Airlines, we frequently offer promo codes that can be applied at checkout for additional savings, especially when using pay later options.
