Flying cheaper than driving

With petrol prices at an all-time high, there's never been a better time to fly. Following last week's surge in petrol prices it is now cheaper to fly from Auckland to many of the main centres than it is to drive.

Oil has never cost more in nominal terms, although it would have to exceed US$82 a barrel to become more expensive than in 1980, if inflation is taken into account.

The price of standard-grade 91-octane petrol has jumped almost 30 per cent since the end of last year, from 111c a litre to 143.9c.

Motorists still using 96-octane pay 148.9c at most stations, and 149.9c at Caltex outlets, which has a 6c price differential between the grades.

Diesel is now 22c a litre more than in December, at 96.9c, although it was 97.9c before a 4c price cut last month.

AA public affairs manager George Fairbairn said although people would generally have to take off-peak flights to save money, he expected more and more people would now start weighing up flying versus driving.

Air New Zealand's Smart Saver fares offer one-way deals such as $100 from Auckland to Wellington, $71 from Auckland to Hamilton, and $91 from Auckland to Palmerston North.

And it would simply not be possible to drive and take the ferry to Dunedin for less than the cheapest flight available of $149.

The AA estimates it costs 17.1c a kilometre to run a 1300 to 1600cc car and 23.5c a litre for a 2000cc-plus vehicle.

Based on that calculation, in a smaller car, it would cost $111 to drive the 652km between Auckland and Wellington. That figure includes oil, petrol, tyres, and wear and tear.

A larger car would cost more than $150, and it would take more than eight hours to get there.

Mr Fairbairn said he thought New Zealanders would also start to review weekend trips, and people thinking about upgrading their vehicles might opt for something smaller and cheaper to run.

"Families with a $50 petrol budget that they want to last a week will think twice about visiting Aunty Flo," he said.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY