Air New Zealand launches mystery breaks to unknown destinations around the country

Travellers will not know where they are heading until 48 hours before their flights

Air New Zealand will not reveal where travellers are headed until 48 hours before their flight is due to depart. Courtesy Air NZ

Air New Zealand has launched Mystery Break packages, where travellers book a holiday without knowing where they will be headed.

The domestic travel deals start from NZ$599 ($398) per person for a two-night stay, and travellers only find out where they are going two days before their flight takes off.

Travellers have no say on where they would like to travel, but will be allowed to pick one destination that they would prefer to avoid.

Where could travellers end up?

Trips could be to any of 20 destinations across the airline's domestic network. This includes major cities such as Auckland, Christchurch and Wellington, as well as spots such as Taupo – home to the country's largest lake – and Invercargill,  famous for its long summer twilights and Southern Lights viewing.

"As your destination is a mystery, you cannot specify where you want to go. However, you can advise one destination you do not want to travel to and, subject to availability, we will endeavour to accommodate your request," explains the airline's website.

Travellers can pick the dates they want to travel and then opt for the package that suits them best. There's a choice of "Great", "Deluxe" or "Luxury", with prices reaching up to NZ$2,399 per person for a three-night trip over a weekend.

The package booked also dictates the standard of hotel that Air New Zealand will select, with starting packages including a three or four-star Accor hotel stay and the more expensive options including five-star stays with breakfast and dinner. Car hire is also included with both the Deluxe and Luxury options, so that travellers can get out and explore their surrounds.

There's a limited number of packages on offer and it's advised customers book six weeks before they intend to fly. There's also the option to purchase an open-date mystery break as a gift, with the package valid for 12 months from the date of purchase.

Boosting tourism during the pandemic

Air New Zealand previously offered Mystery Break packages aimed at corporate travellers, but has developed them to appeal to leisure travellers in a bid to help boost local tourism amid the pandemic.

Having worked to manage the Covid-19 outbreak across the country, authorities have prevented travellers from most other destinations from entering New Zealand, meaning that the country's summer tourism season is likely to take a hit.

The New Zealand government has also raised its travel advice for citizens to “do not travel” – the highest level – regardless of destination, so domestic travel could prove a popular alternative.