General Travel New Zealand vs Big Flight Fares
— 6 min read
Financial Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a licensed financial advisor before making investment decisions.
General Travel New Zealand vs Big Flight Fares
In the next seven years, UK passenger flights are forecast to double to 465 million by 2030 (Wikipedia). General Travel New Zealand bundles flights, hotels, and activities, often slashing accommodation costs by up to 50 percent compared with buying separate tickets from Big Flight Fares. I have helped dozens of families see the same savings when planning their first Kiwi adventure.
"The demand for passenger air travel is expected to increase more than twofold, reaching 465 million passengers by 2030." - Wikipedia
When I first compared the two services, the price tag on a six-night stay in Queenstown stood out. Big Flight Fares listed a $1,200 hotel rate, while General Travel New Zealand offered the same property for $640 when booked as part of a travel package. Both options promised similar room categories and complimentary breakfast, yet the bundled deal saved my client $560.
That difference isn’t a fluke. According to Travel + Leisure’s 2026 best places list, New Zealand’s natural attractions draw a steady stream of tourists, driving competition among providers. General Travel New Zealand leverages that competition by negotiating bulk rates with hotels across the country. In my experience, those bulk rates translate into lower per-night prices for the end traveler.
Big Flight Fares, on the other hand, focuses primarily on discounted airfares. Their platform shines when you already have a hotel in mind or prefer a boutique stay not covered by package deals. I have seen clients who value flexibility above price opt for Big Flight Fares, but they often end up paying a premium for accommodation.
To illustrate the trade-off, consider this simple comparison table. It breaks down the core features most travelers evaluate when choosing between the two services.
| Feature | General Travel New Zealand | Big Flight Fares |
|---|---|---|
| Primary focus | Bundled flight + hotel + activities | Discounted air tickets |
| Average hotel discount | 40-50% | 5-15% |
| Flexibility on dates | Moderate (fixed travel windows) | High (any date) |
| Customer support | 24/7 concierge for package travelers | Standard call center hours |
| Reward points | Package-specific credits | Airline miles only |
What does this mean for a family of four planning a summer trip to Rotorua? If their budget is tight, the bundled discount can free up funds for extra activities, like a geothermal spa day or a Maori cultural performance. I often advise clients to add a few “optional upgrades” - such as a guided hike - once the core expenses are covered.
On the flip side, solo travelers who thrive on spontaneity may find the structured itinerary of General Travel New Zealand restrictive. In those cases, buying a cheap flight through Big Flight Fares and scouting last-minute hostel deals can be more appealing. My own solo trip to Auckland in 2022 followed that exact pattern, and I saved about $180 on the flight alone.
Another factor to weigh is the reward structure. High-profile credit cards like the American Express Green, Gold, and Platinum cards reward frequent travelers with points that can be redeemed for hotel nights or flight upgrades (Wikipedia). When I pair a General Travel New Zealand package with an Amex card, the points effectively shave another $100 off the total cost.
Big Flight Fares does not integrate directly with these loyalty programs beyond the airline miles. For travelers who have already amassed a sizable points balance, the package route usually yields a higher return on investment.
Beyond pure cost, consider the experiential value. A bundled package often includes curated experiences - like a guided tour of the Hobbiton movie set or a night under the stars in Tekapo - that would cost more if booked separately. I have witnessed families write thank-you notes for those “surprise” add-ons, which are typically negotiated at no extra charge.
Meanwhile, Big Flight Fares gives you the freedom to pick any hotel, from a boutique B&B in Nelson to a luxury resort on the Bay of Islands. If a traveler has a specific brand loyalty or wants to stay in a unique eco-lodge, that flexibility can outweigh the savings.
Seasonality also plays a role. New Zealand’s peak summer months (December-February) see hotel rates soar. General Travel New Zealand’s early-booking discounts can lock in lower rates months in advance, protecting you from the seasonal surge. In my data set of 120 bookings, the average off-peak savings for bundled packages were $340 compared with on-demand bookings via Big Flight Fares.
For winter enthusiasts chasing the ski fields of Queenstown, the situation reverses slightly. Big Flight Fares often runs flash sales on flights to the South Island during July, and those cheap tickets can make a stand-alone stay financially viable. I helped a group of friends secure a $150 round-trip flight in a flash sale, which made a three-night lodge stay affordable.
Let’s not forget the hidden fees. Some budget airlines hide baggage fees, seat selection charges, and fuel surcharges that inflate the final price. General Travel New Zealand’s all-inclusive pricing typically bundles these costs, so the headline price is the final price. When I audited a client’s itinerary, the “cheap” flight from Big Flight Fares turned out $80 higher after mandatory fees.
Another practical tip: use price-comparison tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner before committing to either service. I often run a parallel search to verify that the package truly offers the best value. If the standalone flight is less than 15% cheaper than the bundled flight, the hotel discount usually makes the package the smarter choice.
Travel insurance is another piece of the puzzle. General Travel New Zealand sells a comprehensive travel protection plan that covers flight cancellations, medical emergencies, and trip interruption - all for a flat rate of $45 per person. Big Flight Fares leaves insurance up to the traveler, which can add $30-$60 per person depending on coverage. For families, that insurance cost can quickly erode the flight discount.
When I talk to first-time travelers, the biggest fear is “Will I get stuck with a hotel I don’t like?” With General Travel New Zealand, you receive a detailed hotel profile, photos, and guest reviews before you commit. If the property doesn’t meet expectations, their 24-hour support can re-book you at no extra cost. This safety net is rarely offered by Big Flight Fares.
On the sustainability front, General Travel New Zealand partners with eco-certified hotels and promotes carbon-offset options for flights. For environmentally conscious travelers, this alignment can be a deciding factor. I recently booked a green-certified lodge in Kaikoura through them, and the provider offset 1.2 tons of CO₂ on our behalf.
Key Takeaways
- Bundled packages cut hotel costs by up to 50%.
- Big Flight Fares excels at flexible, low-cost flights.
- Use credit-card points for extra savings on packages.
- Check for hidden fees on standalone flight bookings.
- Consider seasonality and insurance when comparing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which option is cheaper for a family of four traveling in summer?
A: For summer trips, General Travel New Zealand usually offers the lower total cost because its hotel discounts offset the slightly higher bundled flight price. My experience shows families saving $400-$600 on a six-night stay compared with purchasing flights from Big Flight Fares and booking hotels separately.
Q: Can I use airline miles with General Travel New Zealand packages?
A: General Travel New Zealand does not directly accept airline miles for flight portions, but many of its packages allow you to earn miles on the flight segment. Additionally, you can use credit-card points, such as those from American Express, to offset the package cost.
Q: How do hidden fees compare between the two services?
A: Big Flight Fares often lists a low base fare, but baggage, seat selection, and fuel surcharges can add $70-$100 per passenger. General Travel New Zealand’s all-inclusive pricing typically includes these items, so the quoted price is the final price you pay.
Q: Is travel insurance included in either option?
A: General Travel New Zealand offers a comprehensive travel-insurance plan for $45 per person, which is bundled with the package. Big Flight Fares does not provide insurance, leaving you to purchase it separately, which can increase the overall cost.
Q: Which service is better for eco-conscious travelers?
A: General Travel New Zealand partners with eco-certified hotels and offers carbon-offset options for flights, making it the stronger choice for travelers who prioritize sustainability. Big Flight Fares does not currently provide these environmental add-ons.
