Flighthacker

Southern Alps, New Zealand. Photo: GothPhil

If the smell of fresh snow from across the Tasman has become too much to bear, then take heart. A full-on fare war has begun amongst Jetstar, Virgin Blue and Air New Zealand over the hotly-contested east coast – Christchurch routes, resulting in some of the most competitive peak ski season fares I’ve seen in a long time.

All three airlines are offering promo fares during August, with additional travel dates spanning late-October to mid-December, 2011. Here are the cheapest return fares available at present between Sydney – Christchurch during the August period:

• Jetstar: $199.36 (New Zealand sale)
• Virgin Australia: $222.93
• Air New Zealand: $229.06 (using discount code ‘NZ150′, valid until 2 June)

All airfares include tax and don’t include optional extras like check-in baggage.

Yes, there are direct flights between Australia’s east coast cities and Queenstown, New Zealand’s ski mecca. However, unless you’re short on time, it’s always far more economical to travel via Christchurch, then drive, bus or fly Jetstar down to the snow. With fares starting around the $30 one way mark for the Christchurch to Queenstown leg, you get my drift.

Heading to New Zealand’s ski fields really is exceptional value. Unless you are unlucky enough to encounter a very warm season, you will find that everything from snow quality, to accommodation absolutely eclipses what’s on offer in Australia. So, pull on your boots – if you’re planning to hit the white stuff this season, this is the time to get planning. Happy flight hunting and first tracks!

Happiness is a warm ski-season fare to Japan. Sydney - Tokyo on sale for $886 return.

As some of you folks may know, I have a skiing problem. My hunt for cheap fares wherever the snow falls is brutal and relentless. However, in my quest I find some real deals that will make you drop your kim-chi, such as Korean Air’s $886 Sydney – Tokyo special, offered through STA Travel, for journeys between January – March, 2010. Which is ideal, as that’s the perfect time to be kicking up some Hakuba snow!

The best way to find these fares is to search via Wego.com and find Korean Air’s $886 fares during these months ($740 base). Once found, click through to STA Travel’s website. These fares are fixed regardless of day, meaning that you shouldn’t be shy searching for weekend departures and arrivals.

Please note that these flights make a 2-hour stopover in Incheon, Korea (near Seoul). Before you get tempted by Malaysia Airlines’ marginally-cheaper flights, note that the stopovers on their Australia-Tokyo flights really hurt… Unless you enjoy sleeping in airports, that is.

I apologise to you for the last string of posts being so Sydney-centric, but that’s where the deals be at right now. See you in Sapporo!