Qantas Frequent Flyer is introducing another innovative way to turn your points into a dream holiday – you can now access earlybird lift passes on up to five slopes in New Zealand. At this stage, it’s only available for a limited time on the Qantas Rewards Store, but there’s nothing stopping Qantas from making it a recurring seasonal offer.
For those whose balances are flush with points, you’re now able to lock in the majority of your upcoming New Zealand without spending much cash: flights, accommodation and lift passes can be all sorted. Here’s how to start skiing at Cardrona, Treble Cone, Remarkable, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt in 2021 with Qantas Points.
How do I buy New Zealand lift passes with Qantas Points?
The Qantas Rewards Store are offering earlybird lift passes for the New Zealand 2021 season via partner Ski Express. Currently, you have until 29 May 2021 to lock-in your passes with points. There are two separate options available, each with adult and child pricing over three to six days:
1. Multi Lift Pass for Cardrona & Treble Cone
This lift pass is valid at both Cardrona and Treble Cone, for three to six days.
| Adult | Child (8-17 years) | |
| 3 days | 33,000 points or $259 | 17,000 points or $129 |
| 4 days | 42,000 points or $325 | 20,000 points or $154 |
| 5 days | 47,000 points or $359 | 23,000 points or $179 |
| 6 days | 56,000 points or $429 | 29,000 points or $219 |
2. Mountain Lift Pass for Remarkable, Coronet Peak & Mt Hutt
This lift pass is valid at Remarkable, Coronet Peak and Mt Hutt, for four to six days.
| Adult | Child (8-17 years) | |
| 4 days | 43,000 points or $324 | 21,000 points or $160 |
| 5 days | 46,000 points or $357 | 23,000 points or $176 |
| 6 days | 52,000 points or $399 | 26,000 points or $199 |
Is it worth using Qantas Points for lift passes?
With the New Zealand 2021 season pricing, you’re getting an average of 0.767 cents per Qantas Point – this is much less than what we currently value Qantas Points, 1.90 cents per Qantas Point. This should come as no surprise, given that using points on the Qantas Rewards Store often gives a poor return in terms of value.
This means that you’d be better off buying the lift passes with cash, earning 2 Qantas Points per dollar spent, and saving your points for flights – perhaps flying Business Class to New Zealand. The prices on Ski Express are identical to the Qantas Rewards Store, so this option makes the most sense.
Having said that, if you’re extremely points-rich or conversely, very low on points, then you may want to look at redeeming points towards the lift passes. Those with small balances who are unlikely to earn many points in the near future may prefer to see some immediate savings with ‘points plus pay’, rather than save up for a bigger reward; that’s totally fine.
Summing up
It’s always great news when Qantas Frequent Flyer comes up with yet another way for members to redeem their points. Given the current travel climate, those who are taking part of the trans-Tasman bubble will likely be looking to go all-out on their holiday. What’s better than a week on the slopes?
Take note that our official analysis is ‘not worth it’, but if you’ve got the points and want to treat yourself now rather than later, then go for it. Of course, you’re still able to just buy those lift passes with cash and earn up to 858 Qantas Points per person, while saving your points for premium flights.
Also read: Qantas Double Status Credits with New Zealand in 2021
Hit the slopes with our latest Qantas Points sign-up offer.
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