Hi all. I have done a lot of lurking and reading but now want to ask a question. I need to purchase two one way tickets from the UK to NZ in August, which I understand is peak time. I would like couple of days in Dubai en route.

I have a quote from STA Travel, which is ~£550 each. I understand this books into K class which may book into the Saver fare class.

If I try and book the exact flights through Emirates.com, the price is £876 each. This is a Flex fare according to the conditions.

Is there anywhere else I should be checking, in terms of getting a cheaper price or getting flex fare at cheaper price. I tried Expedia, Netflights etc and nothing could touch STA. I'm not about to spend the £300 for 5k tier miles each, but they would be nice to have... Usually I buy direct through Emirates as that has always been cheaper - but not in this case.

I will also be requiring a return to the UK at some point, and then a flight back out to NZ ( sometime in late 2011 or early 2012) but I am currently intending on doing that separatelt unless anyone has any words of wisdom?

I am going to try and suss out Expertflyer? or KVS? to see what the loads are like and anticipate how quick I need to book.