The Ultimate Guide to Air New Zealand: Airpoints
Introduction to Air New Zealand’s Airpoints Program
Air New Zealand’s Airpoints™ is the frequent flyer program that allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ (APD), which can be redeemed like cash for flights, seat upgrades, rental cars, hotels, and more.
Unlike many airline loyalty programs that use complex mileage systems, Airpoints Dollars™ have a clear cash value, making them one of the most user-friendly frequent flyer rewards systems in the world.
As a Star Alliance member, Air New Zealand enables travelers to earn and redeem Airpoints Dollars™ with 25+ global airlines, making the program highly valuable for both domestic and international travelers.
This airport guide covers everything about earning and redeeming Airpoints Dollars, elite membership tiers, partner airlines, and expert tips to maximize your rewards.
What is Air New Zealand’s Airpoints?
Airpoints is the loyalty program of Air New Zealand, designed to reward frequent travelers with Airpoints Dollars™and Status Points that unlock elite membership tiers.
Key Features:
✔ Earn Airpoints Dollars™ (APD) on flights, credit card spending, and retail purchases
✔ Redeem APD for flights, upgrades, and travel services
✔ Achieve elite status for priority benefits and premium perks
✔ Use Airpoints with Star Alliance and partner airlines worldwide
How to Earn Airpoints Dollars™
Airpoints members can earn Airpoints Dollars™ through flights, credit cards, shopping, and partner services.
1. Flying with Air New Zealand
Earn Airpoints Dollars™ on all Air New Zealand flights, based on fare class, distance flown, and ticket price.
Cabin Class |
Airpoints Dollars Earned per NZD Spent |
Business Premier™ |
1 APD per $1 NZD spent |
Premium Economy |
1 APD per $1 NZD spent |
Economy Flexi |
1 APD per $1 NZD spent |
Economy Saver |
0.5 APD per $1 NZD spent |
Economy Sale |
0.25 APD per $1 NZD spent |
✔ Earn additional Status Points to qualify for elite tiers.
✔ More Airpoints Dollars™ for premium-class tickets.
2. Earning Airpoints with Star Alliance & Partner Airlines
As a Star Alliance member, Airpoints allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ on 25+ global airlines, including:
✔ United Airlines
✔ Lufthansa
✔ Singapore Airlines
✔ Air Canada
✔ Thai Airways
Mileage earning rates vary by airline and fare class, so check the Airpoints partner airline earning chart before booking.
3. Airpoints Credit Cards
Air New Zealand offers co-branded credit cards that allow you to earn Airpoints Dollars™ faster on everyday purchases.
✔ Airpoints Mastercard, Visa, and American Express cards available in New Zealand
✔ Earn 1 Airpoints Dollar™ for every $75–$120 NZD spent
✔ Sign-up bonuses of up to 500 Airpoints Dollars™
✔ Annual milestone bonuses for high spenders
4. Retail, Travel, and Shopping Partners
✔ Earn Airpoints Dollars™ at partner retailers, including:
✔ Hotels: Accor, Hilton, IHG
✔ Car Rentals: Avis, Budget, Hertz
✔ Supermarkets: New World, Countdown
✔ Online Shopping: Airpoints Mall (Apple, Nike, The Iconic, and more)
✔ Fuel: Z Energy and BP fuel stations
5. Special Promotions & Bonus Offers
✔ Earn double or triple Airpoints Dollars™ with promotional offers.
✔ Bonus miles on select routes and partner purchases.
✔ Limited-time offers for new credit card applicants.
How to Redeem Airpoints Dollars™
Airpoints Dollars™ are one of the most flexible airline rewards currencies, as they can be used like cash to pay for flights, upgrades, and travel extras.
1. Booking Flights with Airpoints Dollars™
✔ Use Airpoints Dollars™ to pay for any available seat on Air New Zealand.
✔ Book flights on Star Alliance and partner airlines using APD.
✔ No blackout dates for Airpoints redemptions.
Route |
Approximate Airpoints Dollars™ Required |
Domestic New Zealand |
50+ APD |
New Zealand – Australia |
250+ APD |
New Zealand – USA |
1,000+ APD |
New Zealand – Europe |
2,000+ APD |
2. Seat Upgrades
✔ Upgrade to Business Premier™ or Premium Economy with Airpoints Dollars™
✔ Upgrade availability depends on fare class and miles balance.
✔ Premium cabin upgrades start from 150 APD for short-haul flights.
3. Travel Extras & Partner Redemptions
✔ Use APD for extra baggage, lounge access, and priority check-in
✔ Redeem APD for hotel stays, rental cars, and shopping vouchers
✔ Convert APD into Star Alliance partner airline flights
Airpoints Elite Status Tiers
Airpoints has four membership tiers:
1. Airpoints Member (Entry Level)
✔ Earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points
✔ Redeem points for flights, upgrades, and services
2. Airpoints Silver (Elite Status)
✔ Earn 50% bonus Status Points
✔ Priority check-in & boarding
✔ One complimentary lounge pass per year
✔ Qualification: Earn 450 Status Points per year
3. Airpoints Gold (Star Alliance Gold)
✔ Earn 75% bonus Status Points
✔ Unlimited access to Air New Zealand and Star Alliance lounges
✔ Two free upgrade requests per year
✔ Priority baggage handling & fast-track security
✔ Qualification: Earn 900 Status Points per year
4. Airpoints Elite (Top-Tier Status)
✔ Earn 100% bonus Status Points
✔ Complimentary Elite Airpoints Dollars™
✔ Dedicated priority support & VIP treatment
✔ Guaranteed seats on full flights
✔ Qualification: Earn 1,500 Status Points per year
Why Join Air New Zealand’s Airpoints?
✔ One of the easiest-to-use loyalty programs (no complex mileage charts)
✔ Airpoints Dollars™ work like cash – simple and transparent
✔ Earn and redeem points on Star Alliance airlines worldwide
✔ Elite status unlocks premium perks, including lounge access
✔ Frequent promotions and bonuses for extra earnings
Tips for Maximizing Airpoints Rewards
✔ Fly Air New Zealand & Star Alliance airlines to earn more miles
✔ Use an Airpoints credit card to maximize earnings on daily spending
✔ Redeem Airpoints Dollars™ for Business Class upgrades for best value
✔ Achieve Gold or Elite status for priority services and free upgrades
✔ Check the Airpoints Mall for online shopping deals
FAQs About Airpoints
Q: How do I join Airpoints?
A: Sign up for free at Airpoints or via the Air New Zealand app.
Q: Do Airpoints Dollars™ expire?
A: Yes, they expire after 4 years if not used.
Q: What is Airpoints Gold status?
A: The mid-tier elite level that includes lounge access, priority boarding, and free upgrades.
Q: Can I redeem Airpoints Dollars™ for Star Alliance flights?
A: Yes, you can book flights on 25+ Star Alliance airlines using APD.
Call to Action
Join Air New Zealand’s Airpoints program today and start earning Airpoints Dollars™ for flights, upgrades, and travel perks. Sign up now at Airpoints and maximize your rewards!