By Emma Jolliff
The national airline has launched what could be the cheapest way to get between Auckland and the capital: daily flights departing at 10pm on a Boeing between Auckland and Wellington, for just $29.
CEO Rob Fyfe says the aircraft would be sitting on the ground otherwise.
“Over the last three or four years, particularly out of Wellington, we've seen a lot of pressure in the Government sector and we think demand will start to slow unless we actively try and stimulate the market,” he says.
He admits the fare's a loss-leader.
“We probably won't even cover our costs of operating these aircraft but it's hopefully communicating to people that travel is affordable.”
Typically Air New Zealand's last flight goes out at 9pm so this will extend the schedule, and noise for airport neighbours, by an hour.
3 News took a date in November and compared the new Air New Zealand rates for travel on that day against other means of getting between Wellington and Auckland.
The trip would cost at least $150 in petrol in a car; the cheapest flight we found on Jetstar was $39; the trip would cost $29 on an Intercity bus if you've got a spare 11 hours; or $158 on a train.
But there'll be no drinks or snacks onboard the Air New Zealand ‘Night Rider’, and Koru members take note – you won't be able to use the Koru Lounge before the service.
It's an extra $10 for a check-on a bag on the Night Rider, and there's a credit card booking fee.
But what about when you get to your destination late at night ?
A taxi to Wellington city from the airport will cost about as much as the airfare, but a taxi to Auckland city from the airport, of course, costs at least twice as much.
3 News