The only way to get to New Zealand is by plane. Many of the international airlines fly to NZ and both Christchurch and Auckland have international airports. There are two options available for flights either direct or round the world.
Direct Flights
Flying direct to New Zealand is usually the cheapest and with most airlines you are usually allowed a stopover en route. If you are planning to just visit New Zealand during your travel then this is probably the best bet. In the majority of cases booking ahead can save money and allow you to take advantage of offers which airlines regularly have. Check how flexible your ticket is including issues such as the possibility to change dates and flights paths and the costs involved.
Sometimes it can be more cost effective to get a direct flight to Sydney and then get a discount airline flight such as Virgin Blue or Freedom Air to Auckland or Christchurch. Shop around and make sure you get a good agent to hunt around the current deals and availability. The earlier you book ahead the cheaper it will be.
Round the World Flights
Many of the Airline alliances such as the Star Alliance operate Round the World tickets such as the Great Escapade. These allow travellers to define their own route around the world usually restricted by distance and direction. These are much more flexible than direct tickets and allow you to change plans whilst on the move. Once again check how flexible your ticket actually is and the costs involved with making changes. Note that Aiport tax will greatly increase the base price of your ticket. If you leave changing your dates to the last minute then you'll find especially with South Pacific Island flights that there aren't any spaces for weeks - you have been warned! For the best deals and advice on RTW tickets, we recommend going to a specialist agency like Travel Nation, www.travel-nation.co.uk, who can help you plan your trip of a lifetime.
Departure Tax
It is worth noting that within New Zealand and the nearby Pacific Islands there is a tax payable on departure from the country. this ranges from NZ$25-40 and is payable at the airport before you leave. Remember to save some cash!
