Emirates' business class to New Zealand on sale until 20 Feb

IN BRIEF | Heading across the Tasman? Emirates has a five-day New Zealand flight sale on offer, so move quickly: the deal is valid until 20 February for flights up to 30 November 2012.

The Middle Eastern airline extends four of its Dubai-Australia flights across the Tasman, serving Auckland from Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, plus Christchurch-Sydney.

Prices from Australia are $1290 return (and $667 one way) in business class.

There's also economy to Auckland at $379 return, with Christchurch economy at $357 return.

Since Emirates' aircraft are the large, internationally-equipped Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A380, you'll find long-haul seats and service. We've recently reviewed:

• Business class on Emirates' Boeing 777 from Sydney to Christchurch
• Business class on Emirates' Airbus A380 from Auckland to Sydney
• Business class on Emirates' Boeing 777 from Auckland to Melbourne

We also have recommendations for picking the best seats in business class on Emirates' Airbus A380 and the Boeing 777 too.

The A380 is used for Sydney-Auckland (and Melbourne-Auckland from October), while the 777 is on all the other routes.

In addition to comfortable seats, you'll get some of the best food across the Tasman on board the morning flights from Australia and the evening flights from New Zealand.

Emirates also has what we reckon is the best business class airport lounge in Sydney, and its Auckland lounge offering is equally well-equipped (though with less of a view).

John Walton

Aviation journalist and travel columnist John took his first long-haul flight when he was eight weeks old and hasn't looked back since. Well, except when facing rearwards in business class.