Best option for travel to New Zealand

[Whitty]

Hi I intend to travel to new Zealand in about 5 years so I want to start saving points for the travel for flights and hotels.At the moment I save virgin points is this the best or should I be looking at other options.Many thanks

[MF176]

There are loads of different routes to NZ with most of the major carriers, and in both directions, ie going east or west.

In this context 5 years is quite a long time too – airlines, routes and loyalty schemes can all change significantly in that time frame.

Rob ran a series of articles recently on the benefits of convertible schemes, ie AMEX Membership Rewards points.

I think this is your best bet for the next 3-4 years – build up a decent pot that can then be converted into something more specific once you’re closer to travel / booking.

[MilesOnPoint]

Currently the best redemption is on Qatar airways using Avios, if you can find availability.

UK airports to Auckland via Doha (e.g. LHR-DOH-AKL) is 90,000 Avios in business class. Worth checking other UK airports like BXH/MAN as availability out of London is thin on the ground.

Alternatively, you could look at a BA 2for1 voucher to HKG and use Avios for a separate flight on Cathay Pacific to Auckland/Christchurch.

This all being said, 5 years is long time in the points game. So flexibility is important, in that respect building an Amex rewards balance could be advantageous.

[phantomchickenz]

I’m always on the lookout for points options to NZ, and have just returned after using the Qatar option mentioned above. I also have a stack of Virgin points, and whilst joining SkyTeam has been a big help, options to NZ aren’t great. Based on how things stand now, Avios is probably your best bet, with Membership Rewards even better where possible due to their versatility (also as mentioned above)

[Whatsthepoint]

Might be worth looking at the partner reward chart too. Have you read this? https://www.headforpoints.com/2023/07/03/how-to-use-avios-points-to-fly-to-australia-and-new-zealand/

If you can buy Avios at .92p through subscription or boosting, doesn’t that make Qatar return to NZ for 180000 x .92p = £1656 plus taxes.

[Mouse]

With Virgin points, Virgin to LAX then Air New Zealand to Auckland is a good option. See the recent HfP article about ANZ business class seats being released 30 days out.