Industry Updates

At Orbit World Travel, we strive to stay up to date with the latest news from airlines and airports around the world. View a small section of the latest updates below.

Rental Car Shortage

Planning a Trip? Book Your Rental Car Early!

With the busy travel season approaching, rental cars-especially one-way rentals-are becoming harder to secure. To avoid any last-minute stress, here are our top tips:

• Book in advance: The earlier, the better!
• Plan for flexibility: One-way rentals may have limited availability, so think ahead.
• Stay open: Consider different car types or pick-up locations to increase your chances.

Need assistance with your booking? Our team at Orbit World Travel is here to find the best options for your travel needs. Get in touch today!

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) Programme – USA Travel

Mobile Passport Control (MPC) enables travellers to submit travel documents, photo, and customs declaration details via a free app on their smartphone. By using MPC, travellers can speed up their entry process into the United States, cutting down on passport control inspection time and overall wait times. 

For additional information on the Mobile Passport Control (MPC) Programme, please click the link below. 

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/mobile-passport-control  

Auckland Airport – Parking Tips

Quick parking tips from Auckland Airport

• Drop off/pick up lanes – there is now a 3-minute maximum wait time for you to be able to stay in your vehicle to collect someone. This ensures everyone’s journey is as smooth as possible, if you need to use the Wait Zones, these can be found here.

To provide you with more time at the International Terminal for those warmer welcomes and longer goodbyes, there are two new short stay carparks within the Transport Hub.

• P60 parking – located on the ground floor of the Transport Hub. Drive through the drop-off & pick-up lane, the entrance is located on the right as you exit the Transport Hub building.
• P180 short stay parking – located on level 1 of the Transport Hub. Take advantage of the first 10 minutes free to be able to drop someone off or pick someone up.
• Both carparks use licence plate recognition technology, simply drive in, no ticket needed and pay at the payment machines or via Mobile Pay before you return to your vehicle.

New Domestic Parking Offer

For those travelling through the Domestic Terminal, there is a great new parking offer, 7 days for $77 for the Standard uncovered K car park.

Simply book 7 days in advance and make as many bookings as you need up to 15th January 2025, some blackout dates apply & subject to availability.

Cathay Pacific Increase to Christchurch

Cathay Pacific has officially resumed flights to the South Island for the summer season, with the carrier now operating four A350-1000 flights a week between Christchurch and Hong Kong through to February. This is 88% more seat capacity than last season. Cathay Pacific will also continue flying CHC-HKG in March, offering three flights per week on an A350-900. Cathay Pacific is just one carrier increasing capacity to CHC this summer with the airport company reporting a 25% increase in seat capacity across its long-haul international routes.

As you might expect we’ll be getting busier as we head into the summer travel season. Please allow extra time especially if you haven’t been here in a while and feel free to watch our precinct fly-through videos to show you where to go. We’ve also put together some parking tips to make things just that bit easier for you.

Virgin Australia Codeshare Partnership with Air New Zealand

Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand have officially reestablished their long-anticipated partnership, providing customers with enhanced travel options and greater choice on itineraries between Australia and Christchurch, Auckland, and Wellington.

This partnership offers great value, rewards and service including:

• Convenience – a single ticket covering your domestic and international connections.
  Seamless Baggage Transfer – baggage through-checked from initial departure airport to your final destination.
• Lounge Access – Qualifying Velocity members can relax before eligible flights with refreshment facilities at applicable lounges*.
• Business Savings – Virgin Australia Business Flyer members can enjoy 3% off Economy Class Fares and 6% off Business Class Fares on Air New Zealand flights with a VA flight number booked

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK

New Zealand passport holders travelling to the UK visa free from 08th January 2025 will now need to apply for an ETA. As of 27th November 2024, passport holders will be able to apply for an ETA. Please note Kiwis that require an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) will be at a cost of GBP10 per person

https://apply-for-an-eta.homeoffice.gov.uk/how-to-apply