Tuck a box of tissues into your carry-on bag because you're about to laugh-cry your way through some of the best in-flight safety videos ever produced. Don't go thinking Air New Zealand's nothing more than a few Betty White cameos though. This Auckland-based carrier owns the kiwi skies when it comes to international routes and amenities, and you don't even have to brush up on those Maori skills to score them. Originally incorporated as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL) in 1940, Air New Zealand began its services with flying boats. In 1965 TEAL was renamed to the current Air New Zealand Limited and grew from offering just international services to domestic services by 1978. Whether it’s by air, boat, or land, the carrier is also famous for preserving and promoting the nation’s green image. When you buy your next plane ticket, you can contribute to the Carbon Offset Programme or donate to an environmental trust.
Airpoints
When you're not too busy chasing Mr. Wood down to Mordor – otherwise known as baggage claim – sign yourself up for Airpoints, New Zealand Air's frequent-flyer program. This mile-earning system is full of reward potential, so you can go from economy simplicity to first-class frills in a matter of seconds. Plus, you'll be able to earn miles at partner locations like hotels and retailers, adding even more power to your spending punch. Scoring a sweet upgrade to Air New Zealand business class? Why, we don't mind if we do. Cheers, mate!
Deals Down Under
Flying like a kiwi means two things: finding amazing deals and struggling with a nagging sensation that you should be soaring on the left side of the air. We can't help with the latter, but the former is totally our thing. Start by browsing the South Island-sized selection of airfare at Flights.com to find the tickets that squeeze perfectly into your budget, and then spend some time getting cozy with the deals, offers, and specials that make pricey reservations as passé as hobbit references. You don't even need Peter Jackson's bank account to score the primo seats; we'll put you in the Air New Zealand premium economy section with enough cash to spare for a metric ton of those souvenir license plates your mom's been collecting since you were a kid. G'day indeed!
