How to Redeem Qantas Points for flights to New Zealand

You can also book three other airlines apart from Qantas or Jetstar. New Zealand ranks as one of Qantas’s largest international markets. Redeem Qantas Points allow you to book flights on Qantas as well as Emirates Airlines, China Airlines, LATAM Airlines, and Jetstar across the Tasman. Qantas has a variety of routes that offer Economy or Business Class (and sometimes Premium Economy or First Class).

Using Qantas Points for Qantas flights

Qantas operates a robust Trans-Tasman route network. Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have flights to Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Queenstown. (Note: Some routes are only operated a handful of times per week, and others up to multiple times per day.

Read: The Ultimate Guide to the oneworld Credit Card

Red Roo’s Airbus A330 seasonal services between Perth and Auckland were discontinued during the summer holidays. It is rumored that this may be revived within the next few years. The Boeing 737 has a standard layout of 3-3 in Economy and 2-2 in Business, with recliner-equipped seats. Airbus A330s are capable of operating selected flights from Auckland.

Airbus A330s may operate selected flights to Auckland with Business Class seats that lie flat and have direct aisle access. It’s also worth noting that Economy Class has a nice 2-4-2 seat layout at the back. To get the best experience book the QF3/QF4 Rotation between Sydney to Auckland. This flight is operated by a modern Boeing 787.

All Qantas flights to New Zealand and the eastern states offer the same price for reward seats. Taxes and Surcharges: $189 each way.

Note: Qantas is in a joint venture with Air New Zealand. But that is only for domestic codeshares within each country. Not for travel between Australia & New Zealand.

Using Qantas Points for Emirates flights

Emirates’ flagship Airbus A380s feature First Class cabins. The aircraft are also equipped with First Class suites. It’s the cheapest way to fly Emirates First Class. The 3-4-3 configuration of Emirates Economy Class on the main deck is a great option. The Business Class layout is comfortable and offers access to an in-flight lounge. If you want to fly Emirates First Class, then this is the option for you. You can enjoy a private room and even Qantas lounge in Sydney.

Qantas Points required for Emirates to provide service across Tasman, before tax.

Using Qantas Points for China Airlines flights

China Airlines flies tag flights on Tuesdays. Thursdays. Fridays. and Sundays. As of December 2024, tag flights will be launched between Melbourne and Auckland, starting with four days a weeks. Qantas Points are accepted to book these flights. Fees and charges vary between A$165 – A$175, one way.

China Airlines has a reputation for offering a good Business Class , at least on flights longer than the one to Taipei.

No word on when it will be. If it occurs, then here’s the Qantas Points required for China Airlines.

Using Qantas Points for Jetstar flights

Jetstar Economy has nothing unique to offer, but its main benefit is that the airline offers some unusual routes. Gold Coast residents, Cairns residents, and Maroochydore citizens can avoid transiting in Brisbane or Sydney by flying non-stop from their cities to Auckland. Qantas Rewards Points are a great way to get a free 30kg of baggage when you book Jetstar.

Economy follows the 3-3 standard layout, but with a more compact pitch between each row. Consider a seat with more legroom. Meals are available onboard or at a discounted price if you pre-order. Jetstar cash fare is often very cheap, especially when it’s on sale. It may be more beneficial to save points if, for example, the fees and tax you paid when booking a Jetstar award seat (around A$180 in total) are similar to those charged by a cash fare. The only exception to this rule would be if the added flexibility of a seat reward is what you want.

Jetstar only offers one cabin on Trans-Tasman Flights.

Using Qantas Points for LATAM flights

Qantas continues to be a partner for LATAM despite its departure from the oneworld Alliance. This happened in May 2020. Qantas Points may still be redeemed on LATAM flights including those that fly via the fifth freedom between Australia, New Zealand and South America.

has reviewed the experience. Although it is not the latest seat, it is still comfortable for 3-hour flights.

Qantas Points are required to fly Sydney-Auckland with LATAM. One-way fees and taxes amount to around A$189.

Summarizing

Qantas Points offer five different ways to fly to New Zealand. Emirates and China Airlines sit at the upper end of the spectrum. Qantas, LATAM and Jetstar are all good options.

Browse Qantas Hotels if you are looking for accommodation in New Zealand.

But always do your research first. In comparison to an Economy ticket in cash, the co-payments for reward flights are high between Australia and New Zealand. Enjoying experiences like Emirates First Class for 64.500 points is a great way to enjoy yourself while you still can.

FAQs

Qantas Rewards Points: Can I use them with Air New Zealand?

Only in certain circumstances when flying on a Qantas flight connecting from a flight international from Australia.What is 100,000 Qantas Points worth?

For Australia-New Zealand flight, 100,000 Qantas Points can get you either two return economy tickets with Qantas (or Jetstar), three return economy tickets with Jetstar (or Emirates), or one return Business Class with Qantas.

How many Qantas Frequent Traveler points is required to fly?

Jetstar Economy will require you to have a Qantas point minimum of 14,400 for Australia-New Zealand flights. Other airlines and classes of cabin will require more points.