How to Get From Australia to New Zealand: 3 Best Ways

New Zealand is a very popular destination for those living in Australia and is also frequently visited by travellers who come to Australia, as they are so close in proximity to one another.

Since this is a frequently travelled route, it is important to check out this guide to help you plan every aspect of your trip, from the best sites to see to the best way to get around New Zealand. You’ll even learn where to park when visiting New Zealand from Australia!

Read on to learn everything you need to know about travelling from Australia to New Zealand!

Find the cheapest flights to New Zealand here!

Flying to New Zealand

Australia to NZ Flights

The cheapest and easiest way to get from Sydney to New Zealand is to fly.

The cost of Australia to NZ flights is an average of around $600, with the cheapest flight being around $150.

The flight takes about 6 hours and 10 minutes.

It is also important to keep in mind that New Zealand is 2h ahead of Sydney once you arrive.

Flights depart daily from Sydney Airport as well as airports in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth.

Sydney International Airport is the largest in Australia, and all the major airlines serve it. Only eight km from Sydney city center, the airport is accessible by taxi, shuttle, or ride-share services. You can also take the train link that is conveniently located at the northern end of the terminal.

Melbourne International Airport is the second largest airport in Australia and offers daily service to New Zealand as well.

The flight times for all airports vary from 3 to 6 hours.

Find the cheapest flights to New Zealand here!

Which airlines fly directly from Australia to New Zealand?

Many international carriers fly from Sydney International Airport to Auckland International Airport each day, including Air New Zealand, Qantas, Jetstar, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Australia, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific.

Christchurch International Airport is also a hub with direct routes from Australia on the same airlines.

For those who are living in Australia, if you are planning on driving to the airport and leaving your vehicle while you are visiting New Zealand, then check out Flyparks.

Flyparks is an online comparison site for parking at airports across New Zealand and Australia. So if you are looking to save on parking at Sydney, Brisbane, or even Melbourne Airport Parking, then explore their site for the best rates.

Find the cheapest flights to New Zealand here!

When to Travel to New Zealand?

If you are looking to visit New Zealand, then booking your trip for May might be the best option.

The reason for this is that May is one of the best times to fly to New Zealand from Australia because the cost of flights is very inexpensive. The most expensive ticket prices can be found in the month of December – summer in New Zealand and the height of the tourist season.

May is also the last month of Autumn in New Zealand and is especially the best time to visit New Zealand South Island, where you can see all the beautiful nature and fall leaves, with less of a crowd.

Thus, May just might be the best time for your next trip to New Zealand.

New Zealand Travel Visas from Australia

If you are travelling from Australia and have an Australian passpower, then you do not need a visa or the NZeTA to enter New Zealand.

If you are a permanent resident of Australia or you are a resident with a valid return visa, you will need to request a NZeTA. The same applies to UK residents, who are allowed to visit New Zealand without a visa for 6 months, but still need to fill out the NZeTA.

Similarly, for Canadians and Americans, you do not need a travel visa to visit New Zealand. You’ll just need a return ticket to show that you are leaving the country within the required period.

The NZeTA is the New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority and is for those who are visiting New Zealand who can travel there without first applying for a visa.

To stay longer, check out a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa.

Getting Around New Zealand

There are many ways to travel throughout New Zealand and they depend on your budget, how many people you are travelling with, and what your travel goals are.

Below are the best ways to get around New Zealand with some extra tips included!

Travel New Zealand by Plane

Since New Zealand is so big and the largest cities are so spread out, flying can be a great option to get from place to place. Also, if you want to pair flying with driving, that is also an excellent option to see as much of the country as possible.

If you fly into Auckland International Airport and rent a car to explore for a few days, you can then return to the airport and fly out to Christchurch for your next adventure.

You can always utilize Auckland Airport Parking so that you can leave your car in a safe, secured location while you are off exploring New Zealand.

Search for flights to New Zealand now!

Travel New Zealand by Car/Van

Traveling Australia by car is one of the best options you have for seeing the country! This option can also be the most cost-effective as well.

If you select the campervan option then you can make use of campgrounds and park facilities that can help you save on accommodation costs.

While New Zealand is very large, travelling by car allows you to see as much as possible and explore the areas of the country that are not always seen by tourists.

I recommend using Discover Cars to quickly compare rental options.

Travel New Zealand by Bus

Travelling through New Zealand by bus is a great way to travel and meet other people, while also saving on some costs.

It is also a great way to sit back and relax while you get to simultaneously sightsee the beautiful nature throughout New Zealand.

There are lots of companies that have a hop-on hop-off package and also other companies drive passengers to the main tourist attractions on both islands.

Check out Kiwi Experience’s tours!

Thus, this is a great option for seeing New Zealand without having to do all the planning and driving yourself!

Best places to visit in New Zealand

New Zealand is known for the exceptional beauty and breathtaking nature that encompasses the country.

Below you can find a list of the top nature destinations to visit on your next vacation to New Zealand.

Fiordland National Park

Fiordland is the largest nature park in all of New Zealand and is also a World Heritage Site. 

This national park is located on the South Island of New Zealand. This nature park also has hiking, waterfalls, rivers and forests to explore as well.

In addition, you can find tons of flora and fauna that are native to New Zealand, such as kiwibirds.

If you are interested in facts about New Zealand, the kiwi is not just a fruit but also the national animal, which is how they got the nickname!

One of the most famous fiords is the Milford Sound fiord. So, if you decide to take a trip to New Zealand, this is definitely a highly recommended spot to visit.

Abel Tasman National Park

In contrast to the previous national park, Abel Tasman National Park is the smallest national park in New Zealand.

Don’t let the small size discourage you though, because this nature park is one of the most beautiful sights in all of New Zealand!

This area is close to Nelson and is full of things to do such as kayaking, swimming, hiking, and snorkelling. The beautiful white beaches, luscious forests and blue waters make this national park a destination to add to the top of your New Zealand bucket list.

Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is located in the Mackenzie Basin in the middle of New Zealand’s South Island, between Christchurch and Queenstown.

If you are travelling down to Christchurch to explore other parts of New Zealand, then you can leave your vehicle with Christchurch Airport Parking so that you don’t have to worry about your vehicle while you are off exploring.

This lake is one of the most famous lakes in all of New Zealand and is known for its incredible turquoise colored water. This beautiful water is surrounded by high mountains that turn into snow-covered mountains in the winters.

At this lake you can swim, kayak, hike the nearby mountains, and even stargaze, since this location is one of five designated international dark sky reserves in the world.

In addition, if you are feeling crazy, you can try skydiving New Zealand at this perfect location. As you can see, this lake is definitely worth seeing and is a trip you will not forget.

Tongariro National Park

Lastly, we have Tongariro National Park, which is New Zealand’s oldest National Park, established in 1887, and is a world heritage site as well.

Located only a four-hour drive from Auckland, is home to three active volcanic mountains, Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe and Tongariro, and is also a site of Maori cultural and spiritual associations.

Tongariro National Park has countless activities and sites to see including intense hikes, snow-capped peaks, bright blue lakes, and even hot springs. 

So if you are looking for the adventure of a lifetime, then add Tongariro to your list as a perfect day trip from Auckland.

Wrap Up: Travelling from Australia to New Zealand

Overall, I hope that you can see how New Zealand is definitely a must-visit location. There are countless beautiful cities and natural parks to visit in New Zealand that will ensure your trip is full of adventure and one that you will never forget.

Find the cheapest flights to New Zealand here!

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The author of this article is Sarah Sheedy and she works for Flyparks.com.au. Flyparks is an online comparison site for airport parking that helps customers find budget options at airports across Australia and New Zealand.

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