China Southern Airlines is one of China's largest carriers, based in Guangzhou. It isn't currently part of a global alliance, but it holds a range of bilateral codeshares and airline partnerships, and it flies from Auckland and Christchurch to Guangzhou with onward connections across Asia. See the China Southern airline guide for ratings and route detail.
These Japan fares connect through Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN). Check the layover at Guangzhou for your specific itinerary before you book, particularly if the connection shown in the search results is a short one.
About the Destinations
Tokyo rewards repeat visits: Shibuya and Shinjuku for the neon and crowds, the Senso-ji temple in Asakusa, and the museums and park of Ueno. The January to March dates below cover winter and the lead-up to cherry blossom season, while the April and May dates land in the milder spring weather after it.
Osaka is Japan's food capital, from the street stalls and canal-side lights of Dotonbori to Kuromon Market, with Osaka Castle at its centre. Kyoto and Nara are both a short train ride away, so it makes an easy base for day trips. The Japan National Tourism Organization is a good place to start planning either city.
The Deal
China Southern has return fares from Auckland and Christchurch to both Tokyo and Osaka, with travel from November 2026 through May 2027. The cheapest is Auckland to Tokyo from NZ$1160 return, with Auckland to Osaka close behind at NZ$1168. From Christchurch, Tokyo starts at NZ$1221 and Osaka at NZ$1236. The lowest fare on every route falls between late January and mid-March, while Auckland's November departures cost noticeably more. Click any link below to open the matching booking search.
Summary
- Auckland - Osaka return (2 Nov 26 - 15 May 27) from $1168 return
- Auckland - Tokyo return (1 Nov 26 - 31 May 27) from $1160 return
- Christchurch - Osaka return (9 Jan 27 - 26 Mar 27) from $1236 return
- Christchurch - Tokyo return (1 Nov 26 - 26 Mar 27) from $1221 return
Prices are in New Zealand dollars. Fares were available at the time of posting and may change.
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Also consider having a look at the current best found deals by city - Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Hamilton, Queenstown, Wellington.
Chinese airlines, including china southern, have been canceling flights over the last year or so due to the politcal tension between the two countries.