Air New Zealand Air Points - CHC connection -- too risky?

I'll be going to New Zealand for the first time later this year. Wasn't worried about my itinerary until I came across accounts of delayed and cancelled flights on the south island.

I want to fly Dunedin-CHC on NZ, leaving at 1540, arriving CHC at 1635 and then connect (on a separate ticket) to Emirates to SYD departing at 1845. Is this too risky given potential weather problems, etc? I'll have to be in SYD that evening to connect onto BA the next day. Thanks in advance.

It is Queenstown in particular that need to be wary of. 2 hours is enough time, depending on EK's closure of check in. Doesn't leave much room for delays. You can check out reliability on www.flightstats.com

Worst case the early next morning flights (QF, NZ) will arrive in SYD early enough to connect to BA.

Thanks! That's a fantastic link.

Just be aware Air NZ has different subsidiaries operating each aircraft type, and thus depending on how you use the flightstats site you may need to seach separatelyon each subsidiary. Best to leave airline out altogether - no other airline operates DUD-CHC.

It is Queenstown in particular that need to be wary of. .

Are weather/fog related delays a year-round or specific seasonal issue ex-Queenstown?

Queenstown (ZQN airport) is surrounded by mountains. Weather closures at ZQN can happen at any time. ZQN also has a night curfew due to the terrain.

CHC & DUD will sometimes have closure due to fog, but almost exclusively early in the day and mainly autumn/winter rather than spring/summer. It is rare enough that I don't worry about it when booking.

You'll be fine.

Arrvial at CHC is a piece of piss, you get your bags from the dingy arrival area then walk around the corner and your in the International Terminal.

2 hours will be heaps!

The ATR is quite a nifty lil plane and time flys. Make sure you go on the Taieri Gorge Railway when you are in Dunedin!! :)