Cheapest way to fly to NZ in December?

boots_babe

Hi,

My sister emigrated to NZ last year, and we plan to go out and see her.

We thought it'd be nice to have Christmas with her, so that means flying during what we realise is peak season.

Also, due to holiday years, the vast majority of our holiday time needs to be during December, although if necessary we could go up to maybe 1 week into Jan.

Have spent ages playing around looking at options, but regardless of arrival airport, it seems to be approx £1300 to £1400 per person.

Unless, we return on 25th or 26th December, when it is £1000.

We would certainly consider doing that, we could have Christmas day with my sister then fly out the day after. There is a slight logistical issue with this though, in that flights directly to/from Dunedin (where she lives) are NOT cheaper on this date. But flights into Christchurch are, but I can't see how we could get from Dunedin to Christchurch on 26th Dec in time for the flight.

Anyway, I guess I'm just wanting to know are there any tips to getting the best deal?

I've tried skyscanner etc. Are there certain times of year or certain regular offers that people know crop up, as we can wait if needed?

I know we can't get away from the fact that it's an expensive time to travel, but obviously still want the best value we can!

Want to avoid Air NZ and Singapore Airlines as both only have 20kg or 23kg allowance, and we did look into cost of paying up to 30kg but it was extortionate and not worth it.

Many thanks.

Gloomendoom

Are you sure about the Air NZ baggage allowance? When we used them it was twice that.

Having said that, do you really need so much?

boots_babe

I think so yes, unless I have misunderstood. We would only be in economy, not premium economy or anything.

We definitely need that much yes! Never been ones to travel light I'm afraid. We struggle for 2 weeks in the sun to keep to 20kg. Went to SA for 3 weeks last year and only barely kept within the 30kg lol.

So yes, being realistic we will definitely need the higher allowance - given that we'll be needing to cater for changing weather from warm to cold and wet also.

Having said that, we have now slightly opened up our options. Because we happened to pick Singapore Airlines to check on excess baggage - it worked out at over £400 for 30kg. So obviously not worthwhile, and we assumed this was indicative of all airlines.

However have found most change much less e.g. BA £40, and I think Air NZ was actually reasonable too.

Still struggling to find any good deals though. Have just tried open jaws flying into Christchurch, and out of Dunedin, but not much cheaper.

Archergirl

You will be staying with your sister (or at least visiting ) so you will be able to do washing, you may also be able to use their shampoo body wash etc, I am sure you can manage with less stuff.

In order to get cheaper flights to NZ and OZ in Dec I think you really need to book in Feb.

Gloomendoom

I certainly wouldn't be hauling stuff like shampoo and body wash half way around the globe. They have shops in NZ.

If the excess baggage is going to cost a bomb, it might be worth buying heavier items of clothing out there too... or wearing them on the flight. You can always take them off and stow them in the overhead lockers.

richardw

23kg is enough luggage per person. Just do a bit of planning of what you don't really need to take with you.

Dunedin has Jetstar flights from AKL if you were thinking of a stop in the capital.
Also Virgin Australia has flights from Brisbane.

AirNZ and their star alliances code share partners have the most flights to Dunedin.

boots_babe

Hi all,

I know you're trying to help and I appreciate you taking the time out to reply to my thread.

But honestly, I know from experience we will need the 32kg. To be honest even with including Singapore Airlines (which are the only ones I've found which have prohibitive excess baggage fees), the prices don't come out much cheaper. So really the baggage allowance isn't so much of an issue as I'd originally thought

Archergirl - as I mentioned in the OP, I do appreciate that other times of the year are going to be cheaper. We definitely want at least 3 of our 4 weeks to be during December though (partly so I can spend Christmas with my sister, and partly due to holiday years).

So whilst I know this is never going to be a 'cheap' flight, I am just wanting to know any tips or tricks in respect of getting the best value I can, for the time of year.

e.g. I've already looked into open jaw flights, flying back a week after new year, flying back on 26th December, and flying into various airports in NZ.

Others with more experience than me at NZ travel have probably picked up useful info, I was just wanting to see if anyone has any suggestions.

Many thanks.

richardw

Singapore airlines fly from MAN, would that be less hassle than going via Heathrow or the Middle East ?

Doshwaster

If you are visiting family then it's crazy taking 3 weeks worth of clothing with you. Since NZ is a reasonably civilised country then I'm sure the family owns a washing machine. You should be able to travel very light especially as it will be summer Down Under.

Archergirl

Doshwater, I think the OP just sees what they want, yes they can travel lighter, but they don't want to, goodness knows why.
I said to get a better price for Dec flights you need to book in Feb, I think they read it as go in Feb.
We did 6 months travelling on 23 kg in various climates and still took too much!!

boots_babe

Hi archergirl,

Yes sorry, I misunderstood, I didn't realise you meant to book in Feb, I thought you meant to travel in Feb instead.

I wish I had known that info before! Unfortunately I've missed the boat on that one though

Again please can people stop suggesting we take less luggage - I completely understand why others think it is possible to manage with less, but when going on holiday we like our little luxuries and certainly don't want to have to cut back. In SA last year we did washing after 2 weeks out of our 3 week holiday and we were DESPERATE to get it done, we barely managed. I don't want to do that again, a holiday is to enjoy, not be worrying about eking our your clothing lol.

My sister is the total opposite of me - she will go on a 3 week holiday with literally a backpack and nothing else, so I know what you guys mean, but that's not for me I'm afraid!

As already mentioned, even if we DID take less luggage it still doesn't help with flight prices unfortunately.

The original question I had, was whether there are any tips to getting cheaper flights, I wondered about weird routes, or specific travel agencies perhaps, or anything else I haven't thought of.

I don't seem to have had any suggestions along those lines though so looks like we just need to pick the best out of the options we have found so far.

Many thanks.