Smart Ways to Save on Air New Zealand Flights | Tips to Find the Best Deals

Flying with Air New Zealand is about more than getting from one place to another; it’s about experiencing the spirit of Kiwi hospitality from the moment you board. The airline, often ranked among the top carriers in the world, is renowned for its award-winning safety record, exceptional onboard service, and innovative approach to travel comfort.

From Economy Skycouch to Business Premier, Air New Zealand blends style, efficiency, and warmth in every flight. Yet, for most travelers, the biggest question remains how you can save on Air New Zealand flights when official discounts or promo codes aren’t always available.

While Air New Zealand may not constantly offer discount codes or coupons, there are several smart ways to book flights at lower prices. With the right timing, planning, and a few insider tricks, you can unlock significant savings on your next trip.

Keep an Eye on Sale Seasons

Air New Zealand runs seasonal sales several times a year rather than maintaining ongoing discounts. These sales typically occur around mid-year, Black Friday, Christmas, or New Year's, and include deals on both domestic and international routes.

For example, previous sale campaigns have offered reduced fares to popular destinations such as Sydney, Los Angeles, Singapore, and London, with limited-time booking windows.

To make sure you never miss one, subscribe to Air New Zealand’s special offers newsletter on their official website. Subscribers are often the first to know about fare drops, limited-time seat sales, or bundled vacation packages that may not be widely advertised elsewhere.

Pro Tip: Some offers are exclusive to specific routes or fare classes, so being flexible about your destination or date can increase your chances of finding a great deal.

Book Early and Stay Flexible

Timing is everything when booking Air New Zealand flights. The airline uses dynamic pricing, meaning fares rise as the aircraft fills. Booking early, especially for long-haul routes, can make a substantial difference in price.

Flights between Auckland and Los Angeles, for instance, can vary significantly in cost depending on when you book. Experts recommend securing your tickets 2–4 months before travel for international routes and 4–6 weeks ahead for domestic trips is ideal.

If your travel schedule allows flexibility, try adjusting your departure and return dates. Mid-week flights (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) are often cheaper than weekends, and off-peak seasons like March to May or September to November usually offer the best rates.

Tip: Use the flexible date search option when browsing flights, as it displays cheaper alternatives within a week of your preferred travel dates.

Use the “Find Our Lowest Fares” Tool

Air New Zealand’s website includes a valuable tool called “Find our lowest fares.” This feature helps travelers compare fare prices across multiple days, allowing you to visually identify when tickets are cheapest.

This tool is particularly useful if you’re planning a long-haul journey or an overseas vacation. By monitoring it regularly, you can catch price dips or flash fare reductions that may not be publicly promoted.

In some cases, Air New Zealand drops fares for specific routes for only a few days, so checking this page frequently pays off.

Insider Tip: Set fare alerts through Air New Zealand’s website or trusted flight tracking platforms like Flightsquest to get notified the moment prices drop.

Also Read: "How to Find Air New Zealand Cheap Flights Easily"

Consider Multi-City or Stopover Options

One of Air New Zealand’s best-kept secrets is its multi-city booking feature. Adding a stopover in Auckland can often cost little to nothing extra, and sometimes even reduce the total fare.

For example, if you’re flying from Sydney to Los Angeles, booking through Auckland instead of a direct route can sometimes offer a cheaper total price plus the chance to enjoy a short stay in New Zealand.

This approach also works well for travelers flying between North America, Asia, and Australia, as Air New Zealand’s Auckland hub conveniently connects these regions.

Check Partner Deals and Loyalty Programs

Air New Zealand’s Airpoints™ loyalty program is one of the easiest ways to save on future flights. Every dollar you spend earns Airpoints Dollars, which can be used like cash for flights, upgrades, or even rental cars and hotels.

The airline’s membership in the Star Alliance network means you can also earn and redeem points with partner airlines such as Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, and Lufthansa. This is a major advantage for frequent international travelers.

If you often fly within the Asia-Pacific region, joining Airpoints can add long-term value, especially if you combine it with partner airline promotions or credit card point conversions.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Air New Zealand’s official “Partners” page, where they sometimes promote limited-time earning bonuses or cross-partner fare discounts.

Compare Fare Classes Before Booking

When booking with Air New Zealand, it’s smart to compare what each fare includes — not just the price. The airline offers different fare types depending on your route (domestic, short-haul, or long-haul), allowing you to choose the level of comfort, baggage, and flexibility that suits your travel needs.

Economy Fare Options (Domestic and Short-Haul Routes):

Note: The “Works Deluxe” fare, previously offering extra space and premium service, has been phased out on most short-haul routes. Always check current fare availability during booking.

Choosing the right fare upfront can help you avoid add-on costs later. For example, if you know you’ll need checked baggage or in-flight meals, booking “Seat + Bag” or “The Works” initially is more cost-effective than adding extras separately at the airport.

Extra Tips for Smarter Savings

• Avoid peak holiday travel when demand and prices surge.

• Use travel aggregators like Flightsquest to compare fares and identify cheaper days to fly.

• Redeem Airpoints Dollars for upgrades instead of cash to get more value.

• Book round-trip tickets instead of one-way, because Air New Zealand often prices these more competitively.

• Consider nearby airports (for example, flying into Wellington instead of Auckland) to unlock better deals.

FAQs About Air New Zealand Discount

Q1. Does Air New Zealand currently offer discounts?

No official discounts are active right now, but seasonal fare sales appear several times a year.

Q2. When is the best time to book Air New Zealand flights?

Booking early, about 2 to 4 months in advance, typically gets you the best fares.

Q3. How can I get notified about new Air New Zealand offers?

Subscribe to Air New Zealand’s official email newsletter to receive the latest promotions.

Q4. Does Air New Zealand offer student discounts?

No dedicated student discount exists, but students can benefit from general sale fares.

Q5. What’s the cheapest fare option on Air New Zealand?

The “Seat” fare is usually the most affordable choice for short trips without checked baggage.

Q6. Can I earn miles on partner airlines?

Yes, through the Star Alliance network, you can earn or redeem Airpoints Dollars on partner flights.

Q7. How often does Air New Zealand hold flight sales?

Sales occur several times a year, often around Black Friday, mid-year, and major holiday periods.

Final Thoughts

Even though Air New Zealand doesn’t always offer direct discount codes or coupons, there are plenty of ways to fly smarter. From leveraging the Airpoints loyalty program to monitoring fare sales and staying flexible with your dates, saving on your next journey is entirely possible.

If you’re planning to explore New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes or connect through Auckland to your next adventure, let Flightsquest help you find the most competitive fares available.

Book smarter, travel better, and start your Air New Zealand journey today with Flightsquest.