Best deal flights/airlines to New Zealand

[iandbeech]

We`ve been invited to stay with our friends in New Zealand later in the year and just wondered if anyone has some recommendations for flights only.

[miniman]

In terms of quality, everyone I know who has done that kind of route says Singapore Airlines.

[milfordkong]

miniman said:

In terms of quality, everyone I know who has done that kind of route says Singapore Airlines.

I flew from Sydney to Hong Kong on Singapore and they were great, definitly the best airline i've ever flown with. Nice food, good service and awesome 'on demand' entertainment system with loads of movies and other stuff to keep you amused.

[robdickinson]

Went in March, via singapore with singapore airlines, great flight, decent food (for airlines). Nice entertainment system and good space. Decent price too.

[h2dca]

I went a few years ago, flew LHR to Singapore and onto Auckland, retunred from Christchurch with a few days in Singapore and home. I booked through Airline network

www.airline-network.co.uk

excellent price but not sure what it would be now, I guess depends on the length of your stay.

[muley]

We've done a few flights from UK to NZ and back. We mostly use Air NZ but they've fallen off the pace and the transit lounge in LA is awful, not helped by the ludicrous entry/exit into US fannying about....

Most folks I know recommend Singapore Airlines. We'll probably give Emirates a chance next winter, flying into Christchurch via Melbourne.

Best deals we've got are normally through Biggles, but there's not a lot of difference in any of the bucket shop prices in my experience.

Cheers

[heckler]

Sorry I can't add anything new, but can definitely recommend Singapore Airlines. Flew Manchester-Singapore-Christchurch in 2003 and returned by same route in 2004. Both flights were excellent with good food and great service.

If they've not changed policy since our trip, a stopover in Changi airport (Singapore) of over a certain duration gets you a complementary bus / boat tour of the city. I think they also have good offers (50% discount?) on some hotels if you want to break up the journey.

IIRC we booked through an operator called Dial-A-Flight.

Hope that helps.
Oh, and enjoy NZ you lucky blighter!

[dazren]

Just sorted out some very cheap business class flights from Sydney to London with GulfAir. Don't know if they do to New Zealand but it may be worth checking (They use Bahrain as a hub).

DAZ

[ninjadave]

We're flying with NZ Airlines later this year, going via LA. Apparently going that way round means less jetlag on arrival, but a killer on return.

We've booked flights only too as we're in the same boat as you - visiting friends. The people there are nice, and they can help you sort out fun things to do in various locations cheaper than you could get them yourself (car hire, balloon trips, etc...)

Hope you enjoy it!

[robdickinson]

heckler said:

If they've not changed policy since our trip, a stopover in Changi airport (Singapore) of over a certain duration gets you a complementary bus / boat tour of the city. I think they also have good offers (50% discount?) on some hotels if you want to break up the journey.

Free buss trip is available to anyone who has the required time, think 4 trips a day each one has a different route. Bookable from 8:30 Am onwards, booked up quick.

Also both terminals have a transit hotel with 6hrs from £20 or so, if you fancy (even just a shower) try book in advance.

[billb]

i went to a wedding in nz in feb but called in at sydney, bali and hong kong to make the most of it ( 3 weeks total trip ). if u can do this it makes a lot of sense as round the world tickets arent much - mine was about £1100.

edited to say got it through trailfinders who i've used before to go round the world and flew ba ( who arent great i have to say )

>> Edited by billb on Tuesday 17th May 13:39

[iandbeech]

Thanks for that - I`ve also been told by relatives that Singapore airlines gets a big recommendation, just got to organise the time we want to go

[Don]

iandbeech said:

Thanks for that - I`ve also been told by relatives that Singapore airlines gets a big recommendation, just got to organise the time we want to go

For the following story you need to know my surname is HUGHES.

Singapore Airlines - just sublime. I'll never forget getting on a Business Class flight from London to Sydney. I get on board and this utterly beautiful Singaporean air hostess says to me "Mister Hug Hays" whilst she squints at my board card.

I look at her and without the slightest tone of reproach simply reply....

"Yes."

Prepare to stare.

[gtr-gaz]

I went 5 yrs ago with Cathy Pacific with a stop over in Hong Kong.
Could'nt fault it at all.

Stayed with friends in Auckland.

Coming back was with NZ airlines. Stop over in Hawaii.
The Hilton on Waikkii beach in November!!
Fantastic.

[jonna_rex]

Online you can get some good deals. www.ebookers.com