Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to New Zealand

Direct flight routes to New Zealand

Currently only Air New Zealand operates non-stop flights between North America and New Zealand.

• Auckland (AKL) – Los Angeles (LAX): Air New Zealand, 13h flight time


• Auckland (AKL) – San Francisco (SFO): Air New Zealand, 13h 15m flight time


• Auckland (AKL) – Houston (IAH): Air New Zealand, 14h 15m flight time


• Auckland (AKL) – Vancouver (YVR): Air New Zealand, 14h flight time (seasonal)

Layover/stopover options

Sydney (SYD): Main hub for Qantas Airways. Average connection time 2-3 hours. Modern terminal with excellent shopping options and rest areas.

Fiji (NAN): Fiji Airways hub offering South Pacific stopover experience. Connection times typically 3-4 hours. Opportunity for extended tropical stopover.

Singapore (SIN): Singapore Airlines hub with seamless connections. Average layover 4 hours. Features world-renowned Changi Airport with indoor gardens and free city tours on longer layovers.

Time vs money

Non-stop flights generally command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. Flights with layovers often cost 15-30% less but require 18-30 hours total journey time.

Tips and recommendations

• Book non-stop flights 6-8 months ahead for best rates, especially during peak December-February season


• Consider overnight layovers in Fiji or Hawaii to break up the journey and adjust to time zones


• Flights via Asia typically offer lowest fares but involve longest travel times


• Mid-week departures often have better availability and lower prices than weekend flights


• Air New Zealand often releases special deals for non-stop routes during shoulder season (March-May, September-November)

• Air New Zealand’s direct flights from Chicago and Houston offer better value than traditional West Coast departures, with fares typically 15-20% lower due to less demand. These routes use the modern 787-9 with upgraded Economy Stretch seating (35″ pitch) at minimal surcharge.
• Consider flying through Fiji on Fiji Airways, which combines competitive pricing (often 25% below market average) with a free stopover option in Nadi. Their A350 aircraft feature superior 32″ pitch in economy, and the route network includes convenient connections from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver.
• Book United Airlines’ San Francisco-Auckland route during shoulder season (March-May or September-November) when fares drop by up to 30%. Their 777-300ER offers better Economy Plus seats than Air New Zealand’s premium economy at nearly half the price.
• Leverage Qantas’ extensive US network by booking multi-city tickets that combine New Zealand with Australian destinations, typically saving 20-25% compared to separate bookings. Their Dallas-Sydney-Auckland routing offers excellent connection times and uses their latest A380s with upgraded economy seating.
• Watch for Hawaiian Airlines’ deals from their US mainland hubs to Auckland via Honolulu, which frequently offers round-trip fares under $800. Their A330-200 aircraft provide a more relaxed, leisure-oriented service, and the Honolulu stopover can be extended at no additional airfare cost.

1. Booking direct flights only Many travelers miss out on significant savings by avoiding one-stop routes through Asian hubs like Sydney, Brisbane, or Auckland, which can be up to 40% cheaper than direct flights from Los Angeles or San Francisco.
2. Ignoring seasonal pricing variations Flying to New Zealand during their peak summer season (December-February) can cost twice as much as traveling during shoulder season (March-May or September-November) when weather is still pleasant and crowds are thinner.
3. Not considering alternative departure airports While most travelers default to LAX or SFO for Pacific flights, competing fares from Vancouver, Houston, or Chicago can offer better deals and more airline options to Auckland or Christchurch.
4. Booking too close to departure South Pacific flights typically reach their lowest prices 4-7 months before departure, yet many travelers wait until 1-2 months before, when fares are usually at their peak.
5. Missing connection buffer time When booking multi-leg journeys to smaller New Zealand airports like Wellington or Dunedin, travelers often schedule tight connections in Auckland, not accounting for customs and immigration processing times which can exceed two hours.

Air New Zealand

Best for: Most direct routes and best overall passenger experience from North America to New Zealand.

Operating from 7 North American cities (Vancouver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, New York-JFK, and Honolulu) with Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver being the main hubs. Known for exceptionally friendly crew and distinctly Kiwi service style. Economy seats feature good legroom (32-33 inch pitch) and award-winning ergonomic design. Their innovative Skycouch option allows converting three Economy seats into a flexible space. High-quality meals showcase New Zealand cuisine, with complimentary New Zealand wines.

Qantas

Best for: Most reliable connections through Australia with excellent lounge access during layovers.

Serves 4 North American cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, and Vancouver) with Los Angeles, Dallas, and San Francisco being primary departure points. All flights connect through Sydney or Brisbane. Economy seats offer 32-inch pitch and good recline. Notable for consistent service quality and generous meal portions. Their partnership with American Airlines provides seamless connections from other US cities.

United Airlines

Best for: Widest range of connection options within North America and best frequent flyer program value.

Operates from 3 US cities (San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston) with San Francisco being their primary gateway to New Zealand. Economy cabin features 31-32 inch pitch seats with personal entertainment screens. While not as luxurious as Air New Zealand, United offers competitive fares and excellent MileagePlus redemption options. Their extensive domestic network makes it convenient for travelers from smaller US cities.

American Airlines

Best for: Most competitive fares and codeshare options through multiple partners.

Flies from 3 major hubs (Los Angeles, Dallas, and San Francisco) to New Zealand, utilizing partnerships with Qantas and Air New Zealand. Economy cabin provides 31-32 inch pitch seats and good entertainment options. While their direct service is limited, their strength lies in competitive pricing and extensive codeshare agreements, allowing flexible routing options through Pacific rim hubs.

Using APAC regional carriers to save on New Zealand trips

Smart travelers can significantly reduce costs on New Zealand flights by leveraging regional Asian-Pacific carriers instead of booking direct routes. This strategy requires more planning but can yield substantial savings.

1. Break the journey in Asia – Consider flying to major Asian hubs like Singapore, Bangkok, or Manila using mainstream carriers, then continuing to New Zealand on regional airlines like Jetstar, AirAsia, or Scoot.
2. Utilize fare combinations – Book separate tickets: one from North America to Asia, another from Asia to New Zealand. This approach often costs less than single-ticket options through traditional carriers.
3. Time your bookings – Regional APAC carriers frequently run sales for their routes to New Zealand, especially during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November).
4. Consider multiple stops – Adding a stopover in Australia using carriers like Jetstar can further reduce costs while providing an extra destination.

While this approach requires longer travel time and careful planning of connections, savings can reach up to 40% compared to direct flights. Remember to factor in baggage fees and transit visa requirements when calculating total costs.