The deal
Travelers often think of New Zealand as just beautiful vistas (remember “Lord of the Rings”?). While it does boast stunning landscapes, you’ll also find a fantastic wine scene, unbelievable lodges and happening cities. Even if you’re not a hiker, a New Zealand trip will convert you to the great outdoors.
And great they are. Comprised of two main islands, together the size of California, the Kiwi nation is positively littered with gorgeous alpine passes, grassy plains and glacier-fed rivers. For a limited time, get there for less, with discounted Air New Zealand fares priced from just $798 round-trip.
Lock in these lowest promotional rates to Auckland via West Coast cities at Los Angeles or San Francisco — even when factoring in the approximate $80 in extra taxes and fees, this is still one steal of a deal! Plus, this promotion allows for an additional stopover at one of 25 other destinations throughout New Zealand, like Christchurch, Queenstown, Wellington and more — at no additional cost. Or, opt to touch down for a free stopover in the South Pacific, where Air New Zealand operates routes to exotic destinations like the Cook Islands, Samoa or Tonga.
Travel is valid from May 1 through Sept. 21, which falls largely over New Zealand’s winter — we recommend travel in May or September, which boasts plenty of crisp, clear days for sightseeing.
June and July, the coldest months (average temperature: 43 degrees Fahrenheit), are the best for skiing, which means that ski resorts boom while the rest of the island slumbers. Note that this deal expires as soon as March 17.
Be sure to consult with ShermansTravel.com’s New Zealand 101 Guide and New Zealand Travel Guide to start planning your trip!
Plus, read about Air New Zealand's late-breaking Australia sale, featuring jaw-dropper rates from just $675 round-trip, on the Savvy Flyer blog.
The dollars
While fares from Los Angeles and San Francisco to Auckland are advertised from $798 round-trip, we were able to find even cheaper rates while conducting sample searches for dates in June. Book tickets from as little as $738 round-trip, which works out to about $815, with all taxes and fees included!
Though unadvertised, sale fares are additionally available from gateways across the U.S. — for example, we turned up base fares from the East Coast from as low as $918 (via NYC) during our editor's sample searches.
The catch
The flight to Auckland clocks in at 12 hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco — and you’ll need some 20 hours to get there from the eastern U.S.
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