Transport > New Zealand & Pacific Islands > New Zealand > Air travel
Air travel in New Zealand
New Zealand is well connected by a dense network of air routes making it easy to travel around the country by air.
The major airlines are Air New Zealand (tel 0800 737 000), Qantas (tel 0800 808 767), Pacific Blue (tel 0800 670 000) although there are minor airlines such as Soundsair (tel 0800 505 005), Great Barrier Airlines (tel 0800 900 600) and Stewart Island Flights (tel (03) 218 9129). The smaller airlines serve a limited geographic region, but can be useful for getting to places not served by the big carriers.
There are cheaper ways to get around New Zealand; but both Air New Zealand and Pacific Blue often have specials so it is worth checking whether there are any good deals going.
As New Zealand is a small country, most backpackers limit domestic flights, using them as an alternative to the ferry connection between the North and South Islands, with some airfares priced competitively with the ferry. Soundair flies from Wellington to Kaikoura and Picton and Air New Zealand flies from Wellington to Blenheim and Nelson.
Other flights popular among backpackers include flights to Great Barrier and Stewart Islands. Many travellers book the sail/fly option to visit Great Barrier Island, which involves a ferry trip one way and a flight back. Also stand by fares on flights operated by Stewart Island Flights make this an affordable alternative to the ferry journey.
When you leave the country you are required to pay a $25 departure tax at the Bank of New Zealand or Travelex branch in the airport terminal building.
|
|
