Plane flying in over Wellington.

How Air New Zealand Caters to Business Travellers in Economy

3 July 2017
Read Time: 4.0 mins

Travelling to New Zealand on business? There’s no reason why you have to spend lots of money on flights and accommodation to arrive safely and comfortable and hit the ground the running. Air New Zealand knows how to cater to business travellers in economy on cross-Tasman flights and once you arrive, there’s no shortage of hotels to keep you well-rested on the road.

Getting Down to Business with More Choice in Economy

While it’s always nice to go business class, when you fly economy with Air New Zealand you’re never missing out. Every passenger enjoys comfort in the air, and with five different seating options to choose from on Tasman fares, it’s always up to you to decide how you wish to fly.

If you’re a regular business traveller and know how to pack light for a zippy trip, the Seat option may suit, which includes one carry-on bag up to seven kilograms, light beverages and in-flight entertainment spanning TV, music and games. For more included baggage, go for the Seat + Bag option to add one checked bag up to 23 kilograms.

Still want more benefits in economy? Many business travellers opt for The Works option, which extends to include movies in the inflight entertainment selection, a complimentary meal and drinks and standard seat selection.

Another favourite is the Works Deluxe option, which offers the ultimate economy experience, adding in premium check-in, priority baggage, priority boarding and, best of all, their ‘neighbour free’ guarantee – so you trust you’ll have a little extra space and privacy with a spare seat beside you for the journey.

Business travellers waiting at airport. Flying economy to New Zealand is comfortable and affordable for all travellers.

Flexible Fares That Keep Up With You

When travelling on business, meetings can run over time and last-minute booking changes become the norm. That’s where flexible fares come in handy. Book an Economy Flexi fare – instead of the regular Smart Saver fare – and enjoy the benefits of a fare that can adapt to your ever-changing needs. An Economy Flexi fare allows you to make date changes at zero charge and is fully refundable, even if you’re a no-show at the gate.

Not sure? If you buy a Smart Saver fare you can always upgrade it to a Flex fare later!

Earn Airpoints Dollars for Business Travel

All Tasman fares are eligible for Airports Dollars and Status Points. The free-to-join Airpoints for Business program rewards small to medium sized businesses with additional points – while individual still get to make their own Airpoints Dollar earnings.

Airpoints Gold and Elite members get the added benefit of being able to take an additional carry-on bag on board, while Airpoints Gold, Elite and Koru members can take an additional checked bag.

Best Business Hotels in New Zealand

Once you arrive in New Zealand, it’s always important to have somewhere comfortable and convenient to stay. Here’s a round-up of some of our favourite business-friendly hotels in New Zealand.

The Langham Auckland

Enjoy classic luxury and comfort at The Langham Auckland. This 5-star stay guarantees elegance across 411 rooms and a prime location on the doorstep of Auckland’s business district, with shopping, restaurants and entertainment all readily available nearby.

A suite at The Langham Auckland. A suite at The Langham Auckland.

On the business front, there’s complimentary WiFi, a 24-hour business centre and spacious meeting and event rooms. On the leisure front, there’s the luxury Auckland Chuan Spa, a fitness studio, heated rooftop swimming pool and Jacuzzi, plus two popular bars and restaurants to drop by in your down time.

Rendezvous Christchurch

For chic accommodation for the business traveller in Christchurch, look no further than this award-winning hotel located just one block from Cathedral Square. All 171 modern rooms and suites flaunt a comfortable and smart design, featuring high-speed broadband access and a work desk with ergonomic chair, as well as flat-screen TVs and iPod docking stations.

Rendezvous Christchurch also features its own chic bar, a gym and sauna, as well as dedicated business facilities spanning private office rooms, principal meeting rooms, a dedicated events team and special accommodation rates for conference delegates.

The Thorndon Wellington by Rydges

Sleep on the doorstep of the Wellington CBD at this new 3.5-star hotel that’s also on the cusp of the thriving government and corporate precinct. It’s also within walking distance of Lambton Quay shopping, many beautiful waterfront restaurants and Westpac Stadium.

The bar at Thorndon Wellington by Rydges. The bar at The Thorndon Wellington by Rydges.

All guests are treated to well-appointed rooms, included WiFi, fabulous onsite dining at Glasshouse Restaurant and Bar and free access to drop by City Fitness Gym Thorndon. The Thorndon Wellington can also cater to business events and conferences for up to 150 delegates.

Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown

There’s no reason why doing business in Queenstown means you can’t also enjoy the stunning natural scenery while you’re in town. Rydges Lakeland Resort Queenstown allows you to do both; it’s perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu and flaunts unmatched views. It’s also just a five minute walk from the centre of town and with 165 rooms – including lake view rooms and suites – it is one of Queenstown’s largest hotels. Free WiFi, five conference rooms, 24-hour reception and an onsite restaurant and bar round out the facilities. 

With an overhaul currently in the works, by early 2017 it will be bigger and better than ever as it takes on a new QT boutique design concept.

Tijana Jaksic

Tijana loves new adventures as much as she enjoys reliving old ones. Favourite stops on the map so far include Greece (beyond the islands!), Mexico City (hello ancient ruins and wonderful art), Poland (for the history and off-the-beaten-track finds), Berlin (so artsy and chilled) and Bosnia (ahhh the natural beauty). Choosing is always hard though - that's why her list is so long and she spends her 'real life' time writing about travel until she's out there on the road again.