There is a lot of competition trans Tasman. Flights take about 3:00 to 3:20 (east bound is faster due to prevailing winds). Both economy & business fares can be low. Or at peak times can be very high (double or triple the lowest)
Economy awards are poor value when pay cash for the taxes/fees of about NZ$50 Au$100 one way. CI were selling one way economy full service MEL-CHC & CHC-MEL fares for NZ or Au $200-$220 one way. JQ can have from $150 one way on sales. A few weeks ago base fares were NZ$99 one way on some routes. Next week I am flying CHC-MEL on JQ for NZ$149 (USD$103)+ $15 baggage.
For trans Tasman flight carefully check what is included in the price. Depending on the airline and/or fare class food, water, baggage, seat selection and/or in flight entertainment can all be extra to the base fare.
There is no advantage in booking return flights. NZ-Aust one way is often cheaper than the same flight purchased as the second segment of a return ex Aussie.
Airlines that fly Australia (CNS* MCY* BNE OOL SYD CBR MEL ADL PER) to/from New Zealand (AKL WLG CHC DUD ZQN) (not from all airports to all airports)
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Air New Zealand NZ (codeshares with VA) [Star Alliance] {* winter seasonal}
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Virgin Australia VA (codeshares with Air NZ) (Delta partner)
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Jetstar JQ (owned by QF)
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Qantas QF (codeshares with EK) [OneWorld Alliance]
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Emirates EK (codeshares with QF)
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LAN LA (SYD AKL) [OneWorld Alliance]
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China Airlines CI (BNE SYD MEL* – AKL CHC*) [Skyteam Alliance] {* summer seasonal}
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Singapore SQ (CBR WLG) [Star Alliance] from Sept 2016
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Air Asia D7 (OOL - AKL) from March 2016
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Philippines PR (CNS - AKL)