Living in hope of cheaper airfares

The frenzy over cheap airfares offered by cut-price airlines in Australia has New Zealanders hoping the same trend will happen here.

But until another airline enters New Zealand's domestic market, fares will continue to be relatively high. Travelling one way between Sydney and Brisbane can be done for about $90, but that could drop to as low as $33 with the entry of Impulse Airlines, says Flight Centre marketing manager Matt Freeman.

Aucklanders who pay about $600 for a return flight to Queenstown will have to live in hope that airlines such as Impulse and Virgin Blue decide to cross the Tasman.