Top 7 Cheapest flights from US to New Zealand

In this story-rich guide, we’ll explore the Top 7 airlines offering cheapest flights from US to New Zealand travel, spotlighting low cost airfare, discount flights, seasonal discounts on flights, US to New Zealand travel deals, budget airline tickets, promo fares, last-minute flight deals, and affordable international flights. You’ll discover Cheapest flights from US to new Zealand travel options, real-world stats, and expert tips to book the best budget airline for your adventure.

“Sometimes, the journey of a thousand miles begins with… a bargain fare.” That’s exactly how Samantha’s June morning started: scrolling boarding passes at 2 AM. She’d stumbled on a flight comparison for savings, scoring cheapest flights from US to New Zealand without breaking the bank. Eight hours later, she landed under Auckland’s starry sky, her wallet grateful, her heart full.

Cheapest flights from US to New Zealand – What to Expect

Planning US to New Zealand travel? As of mid-2025, average round-trip economy fares hover around $1,100–$1,200, but savvy flyers report best deals between $440–$475 via platforms like Momondo and FlightsFinder.

• Kayak: average around $1,141, cheapest ~ $449 from Los Angeles to Auckland
• Skyscanner: lowest fare found recently $453 for December departures

Best-priced routes often involve mid-week last-minute flight deals, flight comparison for savings, and promo fares.

If you’re flying to Auckland during off-season, check out our 5 Essential Protection and Security of Travel Services guide to keep your booking details and personal data safe—especially when using third-party sites for low cost airfare.

Note: The cheapest month can vary—Kayak sees February at ~$1,333, Cheapflights cites January around ~$1,021. Skyscanner sometimes highlights December ($453). Flexibility pays.

Top 7 Airlines for Cheapest Flights from US to New Zealand

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1. Air New Zealand – the Kiwi champion

• Offers direct flights from LAX, SFO, Houston, New York, Honolulu to major NZ cities
• Voted safest airline in 2025 by AirlineRatings.com
• Introduced Skynests (economy sleeping pods) on JFK–Auckland for ultimate comfort
• Seasonal discounts and promo fares often pop up—especially during low-season months.

Pros: Safety, comfort, unique economy experiences.
Cons: Not always the cheapest travel option, but value-packed.

If you plan a layover in Honolulu before heading to NZ, it’s worth reading The Best Time to Find Cheap Flights to Hawaii’s Hanawi Falls to maximize both your savings and your island time.

2. United Airlines – frequent routes, frequent deals

• Expansion in trans-Pacific services; SFO–Christchurch, LAX–Auckland nonstop
• Round-trip economy fares from ~$750 (United’s site offers week-based deals)
• Often priced competitively; watch for discount flights, budget airline tickets, last-minute flight deals.

3. Delta Air Lines – a popular bargain pick

• Ranked among the top 5 US→NZ carriers
• Reddit user quote: “Lots of US airlines fly direct to NZ and will likely be cheaper than Air New Zealand. … Delta flight isn’t great but is very cheap.”
• Frequent low cost airfare, especially via codeshares or offseason promos.

4. Qantas – down-under connection specialist

• Strong codeshare network with Alaska, American, Air New Zealand, and more
• Ideal for multi-leg bookings, often unleashing flight comparison for savings across alliances.

5. American Airlines – comfort meets deals

• Recently upgraded long-haul business class with pajamas, new 787-9 “Flagship” suites
• SFO/LAX to NZ often features promo fares, especially when paired with partner connections.

6. Fiji Airways – the sleeper deal

• Popular for stop-over pricing strategies—stopping in Fiji can dramatically cut costs
• Cheapest travel options via creative routing—often cheaper than direct US-NZ flights.

Stopovers in Fiji can be a trip in themselves—much like How to Explore Quaint Day Trips from Nashville shows you how to turn short journeys into memorable adventures.

7. Air Canada – unexpected bargain in alliances

• Skyscanner data shows Air Canada as cheapest US→NZ carrier (~$453)
• Often overlooked, but useful when combined via Star Alliance itineraries.

How to Tap Season, Fare Tools, and Booking Hacks

• Use flight comparison for savings: Skyscanner, Kayak, Momondo, FlightsFinder—scan mid-week and low-season fares
• Look for seasonal discounts on flights: January/February or December (mixed reports—choose as per data)
• Book 24 weeks ahead for absolute cheapest fare or ~1 week ahead for below-average deals
• Last-minute flight deals often surface via airlines’ email newsletters (e.g. Air New Zealand, United, Delta)
• Use codeshare routing: E.g., American→Qantas or Delta→Fiji routing can unlock budget airline tickets and discount flights
• Check departure times: Momondo shows flights departing noon may be cheapest (~$478), evening costlier

Pair your NZ trip with other destinations you’ve dreamed of—like Once in a Lifetime Things to Do in Greece or Best Places to Visit in Croatia: A Traveler’s Tale of Discovery—by combining multi-city flights using promo fares.

Real-World Case: Samantha’s Journey from LA to Auckland

Samantha, an avid budget traveler, found a $475 round-trip fare on Momondo just 5 weeks before departure. It was an Air Canada routing via Vancouver, leveraging their Star Alliance network for cheaper tickets. She used flight comparison for savings, set a price alert, and struck when the fare dipped.

Samantha even considered adding side trips, just as our readers did when planning The Perfect Safari Destination: Your Ultimate Adventure Travel Guide or Discover the Beauty of Bahia Honda State Park Today!—turning a flight deal into a multi-destination dream.

Her story:

“I was skeptical—cheapest flights from US to New Zealand for under $500? But I clicked ‘book,’ scarfed some promo fares, and six weeks later, I stood at Milford Sound under the Milky Way.”

Her flexibility, use of promo fares, careful timing, and alliance strategy turned what felt impossible into a budget triumph.

Conclusion – Ready to Book & Save Big

You now know the Top 7 airlines for cheapest flights from US to New Zealand, how to use flight comparison for savings, catch low cost airfare, ride seasonal discounts on flights, snap last-minute flight deals, and secure budget airline tickets. From Air New Zealand’s comfort to Air Canada’s hidden bargains, this playbook gives you everything.

Your next step? Check this week’s fares, set alerts for your route, link to our taleoftravel.com guide on “Exploring NZ after landing,” and land in New Zealand ready for adventure—without breaking the bank.

Once you’ve booked your NZ flights, you might be inspired to explore other guides like Madrid vs Barcelona: The Perfect Introduction to Spain, Navigating the Laws: Is Weed Legal in Jamaica?, or Best Time to Visit Paris: My Experience to plan future adventures.

FAQs – Your Top Search Questions Answered

Questions start with “What”

What is the cheapest month to fly to New Zealand?
Kayak finds February ~ $1,333. Cheapflights sees January ~ $1,021 on average, Skyscanner highlights December ~$453 for select dates.

What is the cheapest airline to fly to New Zealand from the US?ften Air Canada, via Skyscanner data (~$453). Fiji Airways or Delta may offer bargain fares depending on stopover deals.

What US cities fly direct to New Zealand?
Air New Zealand flies direct from LAX, SFO, Houston, New York, Honolulu. United has SFO–Christchurch, LAX–Auckland. Delta and others vary seasonally.

What is the cheapest way to get to New Zealand?
Use flight comparison for savings, book well in advance, use stopovers (e.g. Fiji), and watch for promo fares. Sometimes indirect codeshare routing (e.g. via Canada) wins.

What should I pack for New Zealand?
Use our Packing Like a Pro: Your Ultimate Guide on What to Pack for Any Trip for year-round advice. For region-specific ideas, see Vacation Packing List for Ecuador: Lessons in Smart Travel or 7 Ideas for Planning the Ultimate Mexico Packing List.

What US cities does Air New Zealand fly direct to?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, New York (JFK), and Honolulu.

What is the cheapest city to fly to in New Zealand?
Auckland (AKL) is generally cheapest. Sometimes Wellington or Christchurch can be competitive depending on deals.

What is the shortest flight from the US to New Zealand?
Shortest nonstop is approximately 14–15 hours (LAX–AKL or SFO–AKL ranges); but distances vary by point (e.g., LAX to AKL ≈ 14 h 58 m).

Questions start with “Which”

Which airline is best for New Zealand flights?
Best depends on value: Air New Zealand for safety & comfort, Air Canada/Skyscanner bargains for lowest fare, Delta/Fiji for creative savings.

Which airport in New Zealand is the cheapest to fly into?
Typically Auckland International (AKL) averages lowest fares (~$1,032 average via Kayak).

Questions start with “What”

How much does a trip to New Zealand cost from the USA?
Fares range from ~$450–$550 (flash deals) to $1,100–$1,200 average for economy round-trip. Add in accommodations, meals, etc., for full-trip budget.

How far in advance should I book a flight to New Zealand?
Around 24 weeks ahead for absolute cheapest, or as close as 1 week before for below-average last-minute deals.

Few other Questions

Are there any direct flights from the US to New Zealand?
Yes: Air New Zealand operates direct services from LAX, SFO, HNL, IAH, JFK; United also has SFO–CHC and LAX–AKL.

Do US citizens need a visa for New Zealand?
Yes—for short visits, US citizens need an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) and possibly pay IVL fee. Check official NZ immigration site.

Can you fly to New Zealand non-stop?
Yes—see above direct routes from major US airports.

Does American Airlines fly nonstop to New Zealand?
Not direct nonstop—AA typically connects via partners like Qantas or uses codeshare, but doesn’t operate direct flights itself.

“If you feel inspired to plan your journey but still have questions, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Reach out to us, and our travel experts will personally guide you through every step, from finding the cheapest flights to New Zealand to crafting an itinerary that matches your dreams and budget.”