Domestic flights are generally expensive , but may well be worth it if you have limited time in the country - especially if you can bag a standby bargain or tag one on to your international flight for a little extra. The stranglehold of the major carriers, Air New Zealand and Ansett Australia, results in the absurd situation whereby it is sometimes cheaper to fly from New Zealand to Australia than to fly between the North and South islands. There are, however, a number of small companies (most wholly or partly owned by ANZ and Ansett) flying specific routes that offer good deals from time to time; check the latest with local visitor centres.

Air New Zealand and Ansett offer a broad range of fares for domestic flights, from the usual business and economy classes to cheaper, limited-availability advance-purchase tickets that are only bookable in New Zealand . A full-fare economy-class flight from Auckland to Christchurch is currently about $250-360. Two of the most useful short hops are the very scenic Southern Air flights from Invercargill to Stewart Island ($80-120) and the cheap trip over Cook Straight from either the North or South islands for about the same cost as a ferry ticket but taking only half an hour.

Flights can be booked through travel agents, some visitor centres or direct with an airline; special offers are widely promoted at airports or in visitor centres around the country.