Flights to New Zealand

Air Travel to New Zealand

Ki Ora from New Zealand.  If you’re reading this, you’ve accepted an offer to study at one of our beautiful universities, or are considering applying for a place.  Congratulations, you’ve made the right choice!  Now that you’ve got your studies sorted, it’s time to organise a flight.  Air travel to New Zealand is a piece of cake if you keep the following points in mind.


Booking your ticket

In almost all cases, the internet is the best place to purchase airline tickets.  Not only is it convenient, it is also quite often the cheapest option.  Keep in mind that your flight will be cheaper if you book early.

The availability of direct flights to your chosen city depends on where you’re coming from. Nearly all cities worldwide offer direct flights to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch; direct flights to smaller cities (such as Hamilton, Queenstown or Rotorua) are often harder to find.  If you can’t find a direct flight to your city, you will have to organise a connecting flight from one of the international airports.  Alternately, you may find it cheaper to hire a car or catch a train or bus.
When booking connecting flights, be sure to take into consideration the time it will take you to pass through customs.  You also need to check in one hour early.  Typically, you should allow four hours between entering the country and boarding a domestic flight.


Entering the country

The New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has imposed tight quarantine guidelines in order to protect New Zealand’s delicate agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries. When you board your flight to New Zealand, you will be given a declaration form.  You need to declare anything in your possession (in your luggage and carry-on) that contains plant or animal matter.  This includes (but, of course, is not limited to) lei’s, dried fruit and jewellery made from coral, bone or similar.  Even a wooden key ring needs to be declared.  

If you’re not sure, declare it anyway – nobody will care if you declare something unnecessarily, but not declaring something can result in a large fine or, in extreme cases, a denial to enter the country.

It is a good idea to place anything that is likely to be inspected at the top of your luggage. You also need to thoroughly clean all footwear and outdoor equipment, such as sporting equipment (including surfboards and ski’s) and camping gear.
If you are carrying more than NZ$10 000 (or the foreign currency equivalent), you will also need to declare that.

Allow three hours to be processed by customs.


Getting around

If you are catching a connecting flight, you’ll be happy to know that most airports in New Zealand offer inter terminal shuttle buses.  This service is quite often provided free of charge.  Someone at the check in desk should be able to direct you to the inter terminal bus depot.

All New Zealand airports offer a transfer service.  This can cost up to $20.  In most cases, your university should provide the same service free of charge.  It is a good idea to organise this before you leave.

Follow these guidelines and you’ll enjoy a hassle free journey to your new home.  Kare manamanata!