Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - SYD-AKL-HLZ: Routing/Cost & Min Intl-Dom Connection in AKL?

Hi Everyone,

I need to fly to NZ in August and am looking at my options in terms of J fares. The best option looks like a EK flight from SYD-AKL with a 1hr 50min transit, followed by a short hop on a NZ pencil.

I am curious to know if that connection is do-able? Flight arrives early afternoon on a Friday, so am unsure about Intl immigration/customs capacity at that time. From my limited experience, AKL is generally a smooth run, but wouldnt want to take any chances, hence my post.

Next best option would be to fly the whole SYD-AKL-HLZ (&vv) on Air NZ. Should any delays arise, im sure NZ would arrange alternative arrangements, whereas a EK/NZ journey could open up a plethora of difficulties should delays/cancellations crop up.

Obviously cost is a factor, the EK fares to AKL are about $1600AU with the Air NZ legs being about $200 = $1800 Total. Air NZ is about $2050. Plus, I have SQ Krisflyer FFP (only silver) so points earning on NZ is a plus, but unsure if its worth a $250 difference.

Any thoughts?

Air NZ has direct flights between SYD and HLZ. That will be the cheapest option, but may not suit your schedule. There are not many flights between AKL and HLZ (mainly because it is such a short drive).

If the NZ schedule direct to/from HLZ doesn't suit then I'd just go to AKL and hire a car and drive down. Will be quicker and saves any misconnect risk.

Thanks Kiwi Flyer (BTW I'm a fan of your trip reports/posts! Long time lurker!)

Unfortunately i'm one of the few who do not drive... so the rental car option is out of the question. Im actually off to Tokoroa, so Rotorua would be closer than Hamilton... I've checked out the SYD-HLZ direct flights but the SYD-HLZ leg arrives close to midnight, and the return leg leaves around 6am! Anyway the schedule of these flights are pretty average so the connection through AKL seems the best bet. Have also checked out a connection through CHC on QF but it appears that pricing would be more than through AKL.

Might just bite the bullet and pay the $250 extra to go all NZ (with perfect connection times through AKL).

Have you looked at two one-way fares? NZ has a business sale on now ex-NZ, HLZ-SYD is $599 (each way) in business, includes taxes (except departure tax) for travel 1 July to 20 Dec, sale ends 24 July.

More details of the sale Kiwiflyer is talking about.


SHORTLIFE BUSINESS CLASS AUSSIE DEALS
Air New Zealand is pleased to release new shortlife business class fares
to Sydney, Brisbane & the Gold Coast for sales until 24 July 2008.

Business Class Fares:
Ex Hamilton and Dunedin
Brisbane $574 one way via CRS ($564 ow via internet) plus
airport & govt cost $35
Sydney $564 one way via CRS ($554 ow via internet) plus
airport & govt cost $45

Ex Auckland
Gold Coast $566 one way via CRS ($556 ow via internet) plus
airport & govt cost $43

Ex Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch
Gold Coast $579 one way via CRS ($569 ow via internet) plus
airport & govt cost $30

Booking class: Z class
Fare Basis ZBIZ18
Travel periods: Travel is to be commenced and completed between 01
July - 20 December 2008.
Restrictions: 1. Capacity is limited and will not be available on
all services.
2. Children permitted at 75% of adult fare
level.

Many thanks, however the HLZ-SYD schedules aren't convenient at all - given my earlier question re: connection times at Auckland, is 1hr 45 mins intl-dom connection stretching things?

In the afternoon rush it could be risky as it can take over 40mins to get processed when the airport is busy.

If you EK flight is 1hr late your screwed i believe that the domestic transfer desk closes check in 60mins before a flight.

Therefore you would have to take all your bags over to domestic and try check in there if its not to late.

Sorry, thought I'd answered it already. I wouldn't do 1:45 int->dom on separate airlines, especially not the combination of EK->NZ (onto HLZ). There is a good chance you'll misconnect.

How are you getting to Tokoroa if you aren't driving? If it is by bus then you can catch a bus just as easily from AKL. Depending on the bus schedules it may even work out just as quick as flying to HLZ, ROT or TRG.

For those following at home, I ended up using some Krisflyer miles for a return SYD-AKL-SYD in J on NZ. Am driving down to Tokoroa with family and will return from Taupo to Auckland on NZ to meet my Sydney flight (get to try out one of the Beech190's - almost like the metroliner days!!).
Thanks for the suggestions guys!
Hayden