New Zealand is One of My Favorite Destinations, and There's Currently Decent Air New Zealand Business Class Award Space for Summer 2019 (keep in mind this is New Zealand's winter).
New Zealand is One of My Favorite Destinations, and There's Currently Decent Air New Zealand Business Class Award Space for Summer 2019 (keep in mind this is New Zealand's winter).
Air New Zealand Business Class isn't my favorite business class product, due to its rather uncomfortable seat when in the take-off position, but it does offer a flat bed, and on long flights such as those between the U.S. and New Zealand, a mattress pad.
Here's Air New Zealand Business Class award space from LAX-AKL for two people during late June and July:
And here's IAH-AKL for two:
Here's AKL to SFO for two:
Of course, if you just need one award seat, there's far more award space–here's AKL-LAX for one person:
Which Miles to Use for Air New Zealand Business Class
The best value is Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which charges 62,500 miles each way (125,000 roundtrip), especially as there's currently an AMEX Membership Rewards 30% Transfer Bonus to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. That means that a roundtrip would be just 97,000 AMEX Membership Rewards points, if you can find award space for your dates. Note that you'll have to call Virgin Atlantic Flying Club to book, it can't be booked online.
If using United MileagePlus, it would be 90,000 miles each way, or 180,000 miles roundtrip. With Aeroplan it would be 80,000 miles each way, or 160,000 miles roundtrip. Forget using Singapore KrisFlyer miles, as that would be a sky high 130,000 miles each way, 260,000 miles roundtrip.
How Cold Is It in New Zealand in Winter?
Again, keep in mind that since it's the southern hemisphere, seasons are reversed, and June-August is New Zealand's winter. In Queenstown on South Island, expect daytime highs of ~46 degrees in June-July, with lows of ~32 degrees. Auckland is a bit warmer, high 50s in June-August, with lows in the mid-40s to mid-50s. In Kerikeri where Kauri Cliffs is located, June-August highs are ~60, with evening lows of ~48-50.
Where to Stay in New Zealand
Unlike in many destinations, the best New Zealand luxury hotels are not traditional luxury brands such as Four Seasons or even Aman, as there aren't any. Instead, New Zealand is all about its unique and intimate luxury lodges, many of which are Relais & Chateaux. Rates include daily breakfast, pre-dinner drinks, and a gourmet tasting dinner each night. Our favorite New Zealand lodges are The Farm at Cape Kidnappers in Hawke's Bay, Matakauri Lodge in Glenorchy near Queenstown, Kauri Cliffs in North Island (fly into Kerikeri) and Otahuna Lodge in Tai Tapu near Christchurch,. TravelSort Clients enjoy Virtuoso benefits at these lodges.
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Review: The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Virtuoso Review: Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown, New Zealand
HT: Ben
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