Jetstar and Air New Zealand reveal Christmas deals and decor ahead of busy season

Jetstar has launched a sale ahead of what it expects to be the busiest Christmas period in years. Photo / Supplied

Jetstar has discounted 65,000 one-way fares ahead of Christmas as the airline prepares for its busiest season in years.

Yesterday at noon, the airline released discounted tickets across its network to Club Jetstar members and then opened deals to the public at midnight.

International fares, such as Hamilton to Sydney, start at $130, and domestic fares, such as Christchurch to Wellington, start at $35.

Those hoping for a last-minute Christmas getaway are out of luck; travel dates vary according to the route but run from mid-February to mid-October 2025 for domestic flights and mid-January to mid-October 2025 for international trips.

The low-cost carrier will also hand out free Christmas crackers in December which include jokes written by Kiwi comedian Joe Daymond and gifts such as travel vouchers and power adaptors. Only a select number will be given out on certain flights.

Jetstar isn’t the only airline getting into the festive spirit.

Air New Zealand’s famous lollies will get the Christmas treatment and cabins on certain flights will be decorated with holiday-themed headrest covers, and Christmas tray table mats.

If the airline’s Christmas campaign video is anything to go by, travellers flying long haul who may ‘miss’ December 25, could be in for some exciting celebrations during their flight.

Air New Zealand head of brand Grace Blewitt said the airline is committed to bringing the holiday spirit to travellers during this period.

“Travelling long haul to Aotearoa is a unique experience, where more often than not passengers will ‘lose’ a day while in the air,” she explained.

“At Air New Zealand we love creating magical moments onboard and this campaign demonstrates that commitment to delivering something special for our customers.”

Jetstar’s Christmas sale fares include:

Christchurch to Wellington from $35;

Auckland to Christchurch from $37;

Wellington to Queenstown from $40;

Auckland to Wellington from $40;

Auckland to Dunedin from $55;

Auckland to Queenstown from $57;

Hamilton to Sydney from $130;

Hamilton to Gold Coast from $139;

Auckland to Sydney from $149;

Dunedin to Gold Coast from $155;

Wellington to Gold Coast from $165;

Auckland to Brisbane from $169;

Auckland to Gold Coast from $169;

Auckland to Melbourne (Tullamarine) from $169;

Auckland to Rarotonga from $169;

Christchurch to Gold Coast from $169;

Christchurch to Melbourne (Tullamarine) from $169;

Auckland to Sunshine Coast from $175.