Hi,
I'm a platinum status with American Airline that about to travel to NZ.
I will be travelling with a family of 6.
I will be travelling from 1 July - 10 July
QF 141 SYD - AKL 1 July - 08.35 - 13.40
QF 8765 CHC - SYD 10 July - 15.55 - 17.55
I will be buying a connecting flight from AKL - ZQN, from Queenstown I will be driving to Christchurch
Question?
Is this a good idea?
Thinking to buy AKL - ZQN, Air NZ or Jetstar, still not sure when to depart from Auckland ????
Lounge?
Thank you in advance
Probably we just gonna sightseeing in Queenstown. Not playing ski unfortunately.
Still bit of dilemma wether to fly to Christchurch or Queenstown better? but for sure i will be flying back from Christchruch
If u want to fly back from Christchurch then better fly in to QT n then drive back to Cc. I did this in the past with overnight stay at Mt Aoki.
Flying into Queenstown is an experience not to be missed.
any recommendation for car rental since ill flying with other 7 family members + luggage T_T
Try Apex car rentals. They were good and had good reviews on TA.
Driving in the South Island is easy going, I've done the Queenstown to Christchurch route before but broke my journey with a nights accommodation in Tekapo.
For connections into Queenstown I always prefer to fly Air New Zealand as I feel their pilots are most familiar with the challenging terrain and ever changing weather conditions. In saying that Jetstar regularly fly into ZQN and will get you there safely; for me if the price difference was small I will pick AirNZ. Queenstown Airport has been closed previously during heavy snowfall but as you're flying early July this is not likely.
I guess depart Auckland when you think you've seen enough of the city and surrounds, Queenstown is a totally different experience. As you're visiting in Winter do you plan on visiting the mountains for ski/snowboarding? The closest and most accessible resort is Coronet Peak, followed by the Remarkables and Cardrona which is closer to Wanaka.
Lounge.. hehehe; none in Queenstown it's a small airport i.e no sky bridge; can't comment on Christchurch Airport.