Auck to Chch Fllight Availability

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 2:20 am Post subject: Auck to Chch Fllight Availability

We're arriving at Auckland airport early morning (7.40am to be exact) on 23rd September. We have now decided to fly down to Chchurch and we'll do the train trip when we're not so jet-lagged (funny how plans become more "sensible" nearer the time!! Laughing

).

I am loathed to book a flight in advance in case our arrival at Auckland is delayed... I have looked at the NZ Air website and the flights from Auck to Chch are cheap and frequent. However, what are the chances of us being able to book on the day?

wilson182 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 2:33 am Post subject:

Would it not be better to fly direct to Christchurch? Sorry if this is a silly question Embarassed

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 3:13 am Post subject:

We booked the flights a while back when we were intending to take a few days to do the trip by train - plans have changed.... luckily it won't cost us much as I have seen Saver flights for just 100nz$

markkellaway · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 3:44 am Post subject:

Hi Moorf,

We flew into Auckland in May, arrived there at 5:15 am!! We were pre-booked on the flight from Auckland to Christchurch at 6:50 and the plane was very full (not a small plane either, 737) , probably because of the time of day though, commute time. If it was me I would pre-book, you don't want to get that close and struggle to get the last few hundred miles!!

Mark.

kiwidebs · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 3:48 am Post subject:

Hi Moorf, from my experience with flying Auck to Chch, it is usually alot cheaper to book in advance (similar to train journeys in the UK!). Hope this helps.

Debs

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 3:50 am Post subject:

Thanks guys Nice One

Timbo · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 4:57 am Post subject:

Moorf. If time is not restricted, maybe you could drive down. There is a lot to see between Auckland and Christchurch. You could get that diving trip in enroute too.

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 5:09 am Post subject:

Considered that Timbo but we have a bed waiting for us in Chch and I am sure that will distract us what with the jet lag and all !! counting sheep

We thought we'd do Chch to Auckland when we visit the north island - in fact we may do this instead of Rarotonga and do that another time - we figured that we ought to see NZ before we start jetting off elsewhere Yes

May even try and do our PADI up there too somewhere...

Our plans have changed somewhat and will prob change again !! Nutcase

Timbo · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 5:31 am Post subject:

I am told on good authority that dive courses are available for between £150 and £200. This is considerably cheaper than quoted in the uk.
I was going to do mine here until I heard that. Besides, I think the dive experience in nz is going to be far superior to any British waters. There may not be the vast numbers of colourfull tropical species as on the Barrier etc, but visibility is superb apparently.
BTW, I have been posting so much on the fishing forum, they are going to make me an honoury Kiwi. I just hope this is not as close as I ever get to being a proper one.

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 5:44 am Post subject:

Our thoughts exactly Timbo! We have done many dives and we should have collected points towards the PADI over the years but we never kept records!

Plus we didn't fancy the local PADI open dive site when we were in Scotland - it was off the Isle of Skye! Brrrrrrrrr.... Eek

The price is a bonus Nice One

michelle · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 6:45 am Post subject:

I wouldn't wait until the day because the cheap tickets go first as the aircraft fills up the prices increase.

Bit tricky because your internal flight is completely separate to your international. Don't Singapore fly into Christchurch ? I know they used to. If they do why not see how much it would be to amend your ticket.

Michelle

veronica · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:20 am Post subject:

hi, its a definate fact that the saver flights are cheaper if booked in advance, you cant actually just go into the airport apparently, and book on the day. I had to book a flight chch to auckland last week and asked that question, thinking it might be cheaper and that was the answer. so my advice is to book it in advance. (you may have to put a nz phone no. down on the booking form though)

But the best plan would be to try and get your flight changed so you come in direct.

Moorf · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:21 am Post subject:

Will ring Singapore Airlines.... thanks! Nice One

markkellaway · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 9:29 am Post subject:

Hi Moorf,

Just one thing, if you can't change your flights to be direct it will be no big deal. Auckland is not a busy airport in the same way as UK and US airports are, the route through baggage collection -> immigration -> domestic check in is pretty painless, the most "challenging" part is the free bus ride between the 2 terminals!! Nice One

Mark.

captainxmas · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 10:54 am Post subject:

Inter Terminal Bus - it's a 3 minute walk mate!

(But then we've only ever gone standby with nothin but hand luggage)

Agreed though the domestic terminal is a doddle, last time we flew standby to Gisborne and got on straight away (admittedly not a massive route).

I also bought some kind of 'youth hostel' type pass at tourist info and it qualified me for cheaper tickets, might still be around.

Besides when you hit the domestic terminal the first thing to do is sit down and sink your first 'bowl' of coffee - believe me you'll never drink in Costas again. (Pretty reasonable breakfast too)

Nice One