[nickbraddock]

Hi again,
I am looking at booking a flight for three weeks in NZ in March/April, does anyone have any good (cheap) airline info?? Also, we would like to possibly hire a camper for most of the time, has anyone done this?/ If so, any good (cheap) suggestions as we are on a tight budget!

We would like to start at Auckland and travle a lot before returning there unless anyone has any better ideas.

All help appreciated (as always)

Nick

[markkellaway]

Nick,

I was on Singapore Air's Web site yesterday and they are doing flights for £500 at the mo, probably worth a look. Air NZ are doing some offers as well

Chers

Mark.

[sarahw]

Hi there,

We've always used Travelbag who are pretty competitive - have a look on their website - Air NZ is usually the cheapest & you get the most legroom & luggage allowance.

[nickbraddock]

Thanks both for the advice, I'll have a look today, I've nowt better to do as it's wild and wet today, my sons trampoline has taken off and ended up halfway down the garden!
Cheers
Nick

[Diny]

Nick

Singapore Airlines are very good - and I also agree that you can get some really good deals through Travelbag.

As for hiring a camper. We had one a couple of years ago from a company called Breakaway:

www.breakaway.co.nz

If you're looking for something on a budget I think it may be worthwhile getting in touch with them. The vans weren't brand new but they were fine, clean, tidy, good working order, well equipped - no problems at all. There really was nothing wrong with them, we had a great holiday.

I can't remmber the exact price we paid but I know it was very reasonable.

They also do a pick-up/drop-off service. When your booking is confirmed they will issue you with a freephone number. When you arrive at Auckland Airport (or any other major airport within NZ), call the number and within 5 mins they send a minibus around to collect you. In Auckland their depot is about a 3 min ride from the main terminal. When you drop the van off, they will take you back to the airport or motel as required.

They also do some pretty reasonable car hire too. When we used them we had a fairly 'detailed' booking, i.e. week 1 we hired a car complete with child seats, week 2 & 3 we hired two camper vans (one for us one for my sister and her family), week 4 we hired another car. Everything was booked from the UK. They also have a worldwide freephone number, so you can actually talk through your booking with one of their reps. They got everything spot on, no mix-ups, no hold-ups and very very friendly staff.

If it's 5 star luxury you're after, give them a miss. If it's affordable fun you're looking for - give them a try.

All the best.

Diny

[nickbraddock]

Diny,
thanks for the help, we are looking at a budget holiday as we cannot afford a luxury one. We are considering not all going for three weeks as I may get a job offer and might have to go to NZ for interview. If this happens, I may go alone for a week or so, if not, we may then look at the travelling for 3 weeks option to get a taste of NZ. I suppose it won't really matter if we don't go as we are 100% committed to moving to NZ anyway. Anyway, I will wait and see if I get an interview for the job in Auckland and decide from there.
There seems to be a big demand for flights so I hope they get in touch soon
Cheers
nick

[Rimbo]

Nick,
I found getting a flight quite difficult when looking at the end of Oct.
Singapore Airlines seemed to be the best and i had alot of people telling me they are good. I finally booked through ebookers. To get decent stopovers/price and transfers i booked to go from heathrow as manc didn't have much choice left.
the cost was £723 each inc tax, which, i though was reasonable due to the time of year i fly, 3oth jan, nz summertime. I have also been informed that i can extend the length of my stay if i want with only an admin charge. hope this is correct as i definetly will not be coming home at the end of Feb. :hopeso
I was told to stay clear of Air Korea by the way. :uhoh

John

[veronica]

I've just booked a return Lon / Chch for the end of Feb through Dialaflight with Singapore airlines for £636 all in, but I have to admit that it didn't have the usual research put into it, its a bit difficult from here. I tried to go direct to Singapore airlines but had a bit of trouble, couldn't see marks £500 one. I have also found in the past with any of the airlines that very often the offers availabe actually aren't when you try to book them as they are very limited in numbers.