If you're like me, you probably left things a bit late for Christmas and New Years, and that's why we're driving, taking the ferry as walk-ons, and borrowing a car on the other side because flights are horrendous for the dates we need (have visitors so need specific dates).
However, if you're a bit flexible, there are still cheaper flights to be found. I went through and checked every date over what I consider to be roughly when people might travel in the holiday period, so hopefully it helps someone.
Auckland - Christchurch (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $79
Auckland - Wellington (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $67
Auckland - Dunedin (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $130
Auckland - Queenstown (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $93
Auckland - Hamilton (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $198
Auckland - Tauranga (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $83
Christchurch - Auckland (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $79
Christchurch - Wellington (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $72
Christchurch - Dunedin (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $83
Christchurch - Queenstown (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $83
Christchurch - Hamilton (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $108
Christchurch - Tauranga (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $108
Wellington - Auckland (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $73
Wellington - Christchurch (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $72
Wellington - Dunedin (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $117
Wellington - Queenstown (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $156
Wellington - Hamilton (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $107
Wellington - Tauranga (19 Dec - 6 Jan) from $155
You can follow me at Beat That Flight for more deals, error fares, promos and sales, on Facebook, or Messenger.
Or if you've left things late for the family vacation of a lifetime in the South Island, you might have already booked cheap flights and like an idiot neglected to book accommodation or transport.
Unfortunately you might have to squeeze your family plus baggage into two small and WAY overpriced rooms in Queenstown and spend a few hours calling around car hire companies trying to find the last 7-seater available for hire in the lower South Island, and only for half your trip. Then call around again to find a second vehicle for the second half of your trip.
Don't ask me how I know these things.