Auckland (AKL) is New Zealand’s major international air hub and well connected to Sydney Kingsford Smith international airport (SYD) in Australia.

There are 103 non-stop services flying each week on this particular trans-Tasman route, with the 1,340 mile flight taking around 3 hours. In terms of time zones, Auckland is 2 hours ahead of Sydney.

The following airlines currently serve the route:

Qantas - Australia’s main airline and Oneworld carrier flies 5-x-daily between SYD and AKL. The early flight at 0615 (QF141) is operated using an Airbus A330-200, whilst the other 4 services are flown with Boeing 737-800s. Watch for “Red E-Deal” offers which normally start at AUD 400 return – this will earn Qantas Frequent Flyers 40 status credits. Business class is priced from AUD 2,300.

Jetstar - Qantas “low-cost” subsidiary flies daily using an Airbus A320. Charges AUD 20 each leg for checked bags. Return fares can be found for under AUD 300. Flights can also be purchased on the Qantas website.

LAN - Oneworld member LAN runs a daily flight between the cities using a long-haul Airbus A340. The flight is code-shared with Qantas. Whilst ex-Oz economy prices are similar to Qantas, LAN’s business fares can be competitive from around AUD 1,200 return. However, buy the fare ex-New Zealand and you will pay from only AUD 630 – excellent value and QFF members will pick up a handy 160 Status credits.

Emirates - The Gulf heavyweight flies daily using an Airbus A380. Business class fares (upper-deck seating) from AUD 1,500 return or about 20% cheaper if buying ex-NZ.

Virgin (Pacific) Blue – Flies daily between the 2 cities using a Boeing 737-800. Prices are reasonably similar to Jetstar with 20kg checked luggage included. Passengers can pay AUD 50 each sector to choose “Blue Zone” seating – exit or first row. Note that Virgin Blue’s decent “The Lounge” (AUD 30 for a single entry pass, worth a visit) is only accessible from Sydney’s domestic terminal – whilst the AKL flight departs the international terminal.

Air New Zealand – The Star Alliance airline flies 5-x-daily using Boeing 767-300s (2 flights) and Airbus A320s (3 flights). Air NZ’s cheapest economy fare includes only carry-on bags (7kg) plus a hot drink – priced from about AUD 260 return. You can choose to pay extra for checked luggage, meals, movies and lounge access. Business class is normally priced from around AUD 2,000.

Aerolineas Argentinas – Flies 5-x-weekly using an older series Airbus A340 with economy returns from around AUD 400.

Exchange rates at time of writing:

1 USD = AUD 1.04 = NZD 1.34; 1 GBP = AUD 1.62 = NZD 2.09