Advice on flights please

Hi.

I'm in Cairns atm but soon (Dec or Jan), want to head to NZ and then South America (Santiago, BA???).

I'm also intersted in seeing Fiji or another Pacific Island along teh way.

Can anyone advise me on the best (and cheapest - of course) way to do any of this?

Thanks and Reagrds

James

I would look at the schedule for Air Tahiti Nui - certainly goes to Tahiti, but for SA would need to through LAX I expect. Air New Zealand for Fiji and point east, but not SA. And Lan Chile and Aerolíneas Argentinas will get you from NZ to SA non-stop, but whether they approach any Pacific Islands - perhaps Easter Island. You might find it preferable to travel to Fiji or Hawaii and from there to SA somehow. Here is a link that might help - <a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.pacificislandtravel.com/airlines/polynesianblue/ph_intro.html">Airlines Flying the Pacific</a>

Best Flights have just come out with some sales for Oz to NZ flights from 26 January on and Aerolinas is showing as Sydney to Auckland for only $89 plus taxes - and you'll have to check dates.
Anyway, some of those flights could suit and you may be able to get a good deal on flying on to SA as well.

There is also a South Pacific Airpass that is designed for getting around to islands as well, though some NZ to SA flights may have stop offs, Tahiti being one such option and others depending on airline and flights.

If you want to see more than just Fiji, the SP Pass may be applicable.

You could email Best Flights (they're pretty good) and see what they can do re the full flight with a Fiji stopover or using the SPP and if the latter looks good for you (still some $$$$) and they'r not familiar with it or not servicing that market, I'd get in touch with Air New Zealand direct or even www.zuji.co.nz could be worth a go.

The Oz to NZ specials sale ends about 25 November and if the my link (it's an email) don't perform fully, just go to www.bestflights.com.au

The best way to do what you want is Air Tahiti Nui to Papeete, then LAN Chile From Papeete to Santiago via Easter Island. It aint cheap though. The only 'cheap' way I know to do it is as part of a Round The World ticket.

I did this route 2 years ago. Tahiti was nothing to write home about but Easter Island is an amazing place. I'd advise anyone who has the chance to visit it.

Yeah Tahiti is incredibly expensive (but Moorea is a lovely island) but I second Colin that Easter Island is very interesting - 2-3 days spent there is well worth it. Make sure you go up to the big crater at the southern end, and to the sculpture quarries.

Cheapest flight will be Akl-Stgo with LAN - no islands but still expensive (there;s no competition). It might be cheaper to have a few days in Rarotonga then back to Akl.

Thank You all and one for the advice. I'll be looking into it.

:)

James