Flights from New Zealand to Australia

There is a "sweet spot" for booking international flights. For the best prices, it is generally recommended to book your flight about 2 to 8 months in advance. Some data suggests that booking 4 weeks before departure can save you around 26% compared to last-minute bookings. However, for the absolute cheapest fares, booking as far as 6 months in advance may be ideal, especially for travel during peak periods.

The most affordable months to fly are typically during the off-peak and shoulder seasons (April, May, September and October), when there is less demand. Furthermore, prices surge during the summer holidays from December to February, as well as during school holidays in Australia and New Zealand. If you must travel during these months, booking well in advance is even more critical.

Who is Air New Zealand?

As the flag carrier of New Zealand, Air New Zealand is a major player in the Tasman Sea routes, offering a wide range of flights between New Zealand and Australia. Known for its strong network and service, the airline connects numerous cities in both countries, making it a popular choice for both business and leisure travellers.

Air New Zealand flights to Australia

Air New Zealand's flight schedule between New Zealand and Australia is extensive, with a high frequency of flights, particularly on popular routes. Air New Zealand has been reported to have over 220 flights in a month, which averages to about three to four flights per day in each direction.

Air New Zealand's Fleet

Air New Zealand's fleet is a diverse mix of aircraft designed to serve a wide range of routes, from short domestic hops to long-haul international flights. Its short-haul international and domestic jet services, particularly those across the Tasman to Australia and to the Pacific Islands, are primarily operated by a fleet of Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft.

Skytrax Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Who is Jetstar?

Jetstar is a low-cost Australian airline and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Qantas Group. Positioned as the budget-friendly option, Jetstar is known for its competitive fares and extensive network of direct flights between New Zealand and Australia. It is a popular choice for travellers seeking affordable air travel.

Jetstar flights to Australia

The airline operates numerous direct routes connecting New Zealand cities, such as Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, to Australian destinations including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast. For example, there can be multiple flights per day on the Auckland to Sydney route. Jetstar recently expanded its network to include new services, such as flights between Hamilton and the Gold Coast or Sydney, running several times a week.

Jetstar fleet

Jetstar's fleet is primarily composed of Airbus A320 and A321 family aircraft, which are well-suited for its short-to-medium-haul routes, including those across the Tasman. The airline is in the process of a major fleet renewal, with a significant investment in the more fuel-efficient A320neo and A321neo aircraft.

Skytrax Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The top and most frequent flight routes from Auckland, New Zealand, to Australia are to the major east coast cities. These routes are highly popular for both business and leisure travel due to their proximity and the strong ties between the two countries.

• Sydney: This is a very high-volume route with multiple flights a day from Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar.
• Melbourne: Another major hub-to-hub route with frequent service from all three above airlines.
• Brisbane: This is a key route for connecting Auckland to the state of Queensland, with numerous daily flights.

Beyond the major hubs of Auckland and Wellington, several other New Zealand cities have direct flight connections to Australia. These routes are crucial for regional travellers and are often served by the top three airlines, as well as others like Virgin Australia.

• Christchurch to Sydney: This is a popular and well-served route with daily non-stop flights from Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.
• Christchurch to Gold Coast: This route is a favourite for leisure travellers, with direct flights offered by Jetstar and Air New Zealand.
• Queenstown to Sydney: This is a seasonal and very popular route, particularly during the ski season, with direct flights available from Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar.
• Queenstown to Melbourne: Another essential route for accessing Victoria, with direct flights from Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Virgin Australia.
• Dunedin to Gold Coast: A direct route from the South Island to a popular Queensland tourist destination, primarily served by Jetstar.