How to hack your way to New Zealand with points

A hop across the Tasman greets you with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture and friendly, laid-back locals. And when you throw thrilling outdoor adventures, world-class wine and unique wildlife into the mix, it’s not hard to see why New Zealand is firmly atop many travellers’ to-do lists.

And it’s easy to travel to New Zealand from Australia using frequent flyer points. While Qantas and Virgin Australia are likely top of mind, you can also fly from Australia to New Zealand with LATAM, Air New Zealand and even Emirates – all of which we cover below.

We look at direct flights mainly to Auckland and Christchurch, the two main entry points for the North Island and South Island, respectively. But of course, you can fly from other cities in Australia not listed below. And similarly, connect onwards to other destinations in New Zealand.

Read on for everything you need to know about planning your own New Zealand getaway, including our top tips and how to earn points from accommodation.

Travelling to New Zealand from Australia on points

Flying across the pond is fast, easy, and more importantly, can be far more affordable when using points. Redeeming frequent flyer points can not only save you cash but is an effective way to nab a seat up the pointy end.

We dive into various frequent flyer programs below and how you can put your points towards flights to New Zealand.

Flying Qantas

Qantas Frequent Flyer members can redeem Qantas Points to fly to New Zealand from Australia. Qantas operates a number of direct routes, or you can connect from other Australian airports via Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney.

Using Qantas Points

The number of Qantas Points needed to fly with Qantas direct to New Zealand is shown below.

using Qantas Points	Economy	Business
Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown	18,000	41,500
Melbourne, Sydney to Wellington	18,000	41,500

Ways to earn Qantas Points

Australia’s largest frequent flyer program offers plenty of ways to earn Qantas Points from your everyday spending.

You may already be doing this, but linking your Everyday Rewards card to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account is an easy way to earn points when shopping at Woolworths and other partners. Everyday Rewards Points convert to Qantas Points at a rate of 2:1. And if you’re taking advantage of weekly in-app points boosters or regular gift card promotions, you can build your points balance quickly.

If you’re planning to hit up one of New Zealand’s stunning wineries – but want to treat yourself to a delicious drop in the meantime – you can stock up via Qantas Wine. Eligible cases can earn you 10,000 bonus Qantas Points, or more during promotional periods. This is on top of the standard earn rate of one Qantas Point per $1, or three Qantas Points per $1 if you’re a Points Club or Points Club Plus member.

Taking advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses is a great way to earn points in bulk. You’ll need to apply for the card, be approved, and often achieve a minimum spend in order to receive the bonus points. But one bonus offer could be enough to get you over the line for a return Economy Class fare, or one-way in Business Class, plus fees and taxes.

Flying Emirates

Qantas Points can also be redeemed for Emirates’ Sydney to Christchurch fifth-freedom flight, including the luxurious First Class cabin. This is the most affordable way to experience Emirates First Class out of Australia for less of a points outlay than other alternatives.

using Qantas Points	Economy	Business	First
Sydney to Christchurch	20,000	43,800	64,500

Also read: How to book Emirates flights using Qantas Points

Flying LATAM

Chilean airline LATAM flies between Sydney and Auckland – another fifth-freedom route that doesn’t require you to fly through the airline’s county of origin. While LATAM is no longer a oneworld member, its partnership with Qantas remains, allowing you to redeem Qantas Points for LATAM flights.

Three cabin classes are available on the Sydney to Auckland route. LATAM+ is the airline’s version of Premium Economy, giving you extra legroom and comfort for the journey from Sydney to Auckland.

using Qantas Points	Economy	LATAM+	Premium Business
Sydney to Auckland	20,000	43,800	64,500

Flying Jetstar

Qantas Points can also be redeemed for flights with budget carrier Jetstar when booking via the Qantas website. Jetstar flights require 20% fewer Qantas Points than flying Qantas, plus you’ll receive 20kg of luggage with your redemption. While it’s not the most efficient use of points – and the cash fare is likely cheaper than other airlines flying the same route – it is an option if you want to save cash on your flights overall.

using Qantas Points	Economy	Business
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney to Auckland	14,400	31,000
Gold Coast, Melbourne to Christchurch	14,400	31,000

Flying Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia’s only New Zealand destination is Queenstown, with direct routes from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney.

The number of Velocity Points needed to fly to Queenstown with Virgin Australia is shown below.

using Velocity Points	Economy	Business
Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney to Queenstown	17,800	35,500

Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer miles can also be redeemed for flights with Virgin Australia. Though if you have KrisFlyer miles, you may find better value in redeeming them for Air New Zealand flights (which we cover more about below). Air New Zealand offers far more direct routes between Australia and New Zealand, and the number of KrisFlyer miles required for a redemption is slightly lower than those required for a Virgin Australia redemption.

Ways to earn Velocity Points

Velocity Points are easily earned on the ground in Australia.

Flybuys’ partnership with Velocity allows you to transfer Flybuys points to Velocity Points at a rate of 2:1. Coles, Kmart, Bunnings and Officeworks are just some of the retailers that participate in the Flybuys program. So your next grocery shop, home renovation project or bedroom revamp could land you closer to your New Zealand getaway.

Or you can pocket points in bulk by signing up for a credit card that earns Velocity Points. Many banks offer sign-up bonuses, which can be enough to cover a return trip to Queenstown in Economy, or one-way in Business Class. You’ll just need to apply and be approved and often meet a minimum spend in order to receive your bonus points.

For more tips, here are all of the best ways to earn Velocity Points.

Flying Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand offers a number of direct routes from various Australian cities. These flights can be booked via Singapore Airlines’ website using KrisFlyer miles. Alternatively, you could transfer Velocity Points to KrisFlyer miles – bearing in mind that the transfer rate of 1.55:1 will cause you to lose value. Still, it’s an excellent option if you’re looking to fly direct to New Zealand, particularly from cities that aren’t serviced by other airlines.

And when departing from select cities, you can enjoy the Air New Zealand lounge in Brisbane, Perth or Sydney.

using KrisFlyer miles	Economy	Business
Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Sydney to Auckland/Christchurch	13,500	34,500
Adelaide, Cairns, Hobart, Perth, Sunshine Coast to Auckland	13,500	34,500

Air New Zealand also operates direct routes from Melbourne and Sydney to Wellington and Queenstown, and from Brisbane to Wellington.

Of course, if you’re a member of Air New Zealand’s Airpoints program, you could also use Airpoints Dollars to book these flights.

But there are more ways to earn KrisFlyer miles in Australia, including from credit card spend. We’ve rounded up the highest earn KrisFlyer miles-earning credit cards to power up your balance.

Lounges at Auckland Airport

As New Zealand’s largest airport and a key hub for international travellers, lounge options at Auckland Airport are plentiful. For those returning to Australia from Auckland, we’ve rounded up where you can unwind before your flight.

Qantas Auckland International Business Lounge

Qantas operates a lounge in Auckland Airport, catering to both Qantas and Jetstar passengers. As this is a Qantas-operated lounge, there are more ways to gain access – namely for Qantas Club members and complimentary pass holders.

Here’s the full rundown of eligibility.

• Business Class passengers flying with Qantas, Emirates or LATAM.
• Jetstar Business passengers who have purchased a Business Max Bundle.
• Emirates First Class passengers.
• Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge.
• Other oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers.
• Qantas Club members prior to a Qantas or Jetstar flight.
• Digital complimentary lounge pass holders (when flying Qantas or Jetstar).

Emirates Auckland International Lounge

The Emirates Lounge in Auckland Airport is another option for travellers seeking a quiet respite before their journey. Here’s who’s eligible:

• Business Class and First Class passengers flying with Emirates on a QF or EK flight number.
• Business Class passengers flying with Qantas on a QF or EK flight number.
• Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge prior to Emirates and Qantas flights.

While it’s possible to gain entry when flying with Qantas, Emirates Lounge’s opening hours are aligned with Emirates departures from Auckland. So if you’re hoping to gain access before your Qantas flight, double-check that the lounge will be open. Also, priority is given to Emirates passengers – so if the lounge is full (or expected to be) with passengers flying with Emirates, Qantas passengers may be redirected to the Qantas lounge.

Air New Zealand International Lounge, Auckland

Air New Zealand’s flagship lounge in Auckland Airport is a stylish retreat worth arriving early for. And if you meet one of the below eligibility requirements when flying to Australia, you can relax here before your flight:

• Business Class passengers flying with Air New Zealand or Qantas.
• Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers prior to Air New Zealand flights.
• Air New Zealand Airpoints Gold, Elite and Elite Priority One prior to Air New Zealand or NZ codeshare flights.
• Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge prior to Qantas flights.
• Qantas Club members prior to Qantas flights.

Strata Lounge, Auckland

Auckland Airport’s Strata Lounge is part of the Priority Pass lounge program. But in addition to being a Priority Pass member, there are a number of other ways to gain entry if you’re flying to Australia, which we cover below.

• Members of the Priority Pass program.
• Members of the DragonPass program.
• Business Class passengers flying with Virgin Australia.
• Velocity Gold and Platinum frequent flyers.
• Virgin Australia Lounge members.
• Fee-paying passengers departing on any airline – guaranteed access when booking online at least 24 hours prior.
• ‘Pay on the door’ walk-up access (subject to availability).

Lounges at Christchurch Airport

If you’re home-bound from Christchurch, here are some lounges to consider in Christchurch Airport.

Manaia Lounge

This lounge isn’t affiliated with a particular airline alliance, but eligible Qantas passengers can access this lounge before their flight. You can also gain access with lounge membership programs, or by paying a fee to enter, irrespective of airline or cabin class. Here’s the full list.

• Members of the Priority Pass program.
• Members of the DragonPass program.
• Qantas Gold, Platinum, Platinum One and Chairman’s Lounge.
• Other oneworld Sapphire and Emerald frequent flyers flying with Qantas or Jetstar.
• Qantas Club members.
• Fee-paying passengers departing on any airline (subject to availability).

As this is an associated lounge, the use of Qantas complimentary lounge passes is not permitted.

Note that the Manaia Lounge’s opening hours in the morning are sporadic, and the lounge is closed from lunchtime daily. For up-to-date opening hours, check the Priority Pass website before you travel.

Air New Zealand International Lounge, Christchurch

Travellers returning to Australia on Air New Zealand flights can access this lounge if they meet one of the below requirements:

• Business Premier passengers flying with Air New Zealand.
• Star Alliance Gold frequent flyers prior to Air New Zealand flights.
• Air New Zealand Airpoints Gold, Elite and Elite Priority One prior to Air New Zealand flights.

Earning and using points on hotels in New Zealand

New Zealand offers an array of accommodation to cater to all travellers and budgets. And whether you’re on the hunt for a fun-filled family getaway or seeking a luxurious off-grid escape, there are many ways to earn rewards from your stay. Here are our top tips.

Book directly with the hotel

Want to earn or retain loyalty status with a particular hotel chain? Booking direct with the hotel is your best bet. There are a ton of perks that come with being a loyal member including early check-in or late check-out, room upgrades, daily breakfast or welcome amenities.

And many programs offer their own points currency that can be put towards future stays, car hire, or transferred to program partners. Explore programs like Accor Live Limitless, Marriott Bonvoy or World of Hyatt that offer several properties across New Zealand, plus plenty of opportunities for points redemptions.

Book through a third-party provider

Third-party sites don’t offer the same benefits that come with booking directly with the property. You won’t earn any points or status perks with the hotel’s loyalty program, but you can often earn points towards a frequent flyer program instead. This means you can still get rewarded when staying at boutique accommodation or independent lodging that may not be affiliated with a hotel loyalty program.

If you want to earn Qantas Points

New Zealand is dotted with stunning Airbnbs. And if you’re eyeing a unique stay, you can book an Airbnb through Qantas Hotels to earn Qantas Points. The standard earn rate is one Qantas Point per $1 spent on Airbnb bookings, plus an extra 500 bonus points for your first Airbnb booking via Qantas Hotels.

And of course, you can book regular hotels through Qantas Hotels, too. You’ll earn three Qantas Points per $1 spent on accommodation, excluding any extras payable to the hotel (for example, mini bar purchases and drinks don’t count!). Members of Qantas Points Club earn up to 50% more points on bookings, and there’s also the potential to earn even more points during promotional periods.

It’s also possible to redeem Qantas Points for accommodation via Qantas Hotels – though this often isn’t great value. But if you’re set on using points, keep an eye out for Classic Reward redemptions which require far less of a points outlay compared to Points Plus Pay.

If you want to earn Velocity Points

Velocity’s partnership with hotel booking platform Rocket Travel allows you to earn Velocity Points from your hotel booking. The earn rate is three Velocity Points per $1 spent.

If you want to save on the cost of your hotel bill

Some American Express cardholders can avail themselves of an annual Travel Credit. This can be redeemed for hotels, but also flights and car hire, helping you minimise overall expenses. For instance, the American Express Platinum Card includes a $450 Travel Credit, while the American Express Explorer Card and American Express Platinum Edge offer $400 and $200, respectively.

Point Hacker’s tips for travelling to New Zealand

Before you set off for the Land of the Long White Cloud, here are our final tips and tricks to help you plan your trip.

• When searching for flight redemptions using points, ensure you’re looking at reward seats only. These provide the best value, whereas Points Plus Pay is the cash fare converted to points. Find out more about how reward seats work.
• Travel insurance is a must for any trip. Thankfully, many credit cards in Australia offer complimentary travel insurance when you use your card to pay for your trip expenses and meet eligibility requirements. And if your card earns frequent flyer points, using it to book your trip can be a great way to give your balance a boost.
• One of the most popular ways to explore New Zealand is by road. Have a look at how you can earn frequent flyer points on car hire.
• Plan how you’re going to stay connected while you’re away. Here are some useful eSIMS to consider when travelling overseas.

And that sums up our guide on how to fly to New Zealand using frequent flyer points – it’s time to get exploring!

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