122. Pam's Trip to New Zealand Using Points and Miles

New Zealand has been high on so many of your travel wish lists—and for good reason! In this episode, Pam shares details from her recent two-week adventure on the North Island of New Zealand, including how she booked business-class flights, multiple free hotel nights, and even covered rental cars and excursions—all using points and miles (and one fortuitous mistake fare). From kayaking Cathedral Cove to digging out hot tubs at Hot Water Beach, it’s a trip full of unforgettable experiences and major travel inspiration.

Finding Flights to New Zealand: A Challenge (and a Win!)

Getting to New Zealand in business class is no easy feat, but Pam pulled it off. After struggling to find availability, she scored two one-way business-class award tickets from Dallas to Auckland. The return flight was a mistake fare in United Polaris for just $1,000 cash (normally $3,800+). 

Points-Powered Luxury: Park Hyatt Auckland & More

Pam raved about the Park Hyatt Auckland, calling it one of her favorite Park Hyatts ever. For just 25,000 Hyatt points per night, she enjoyed stunning views of the harbor, incredible Globalist breakfast, and unbeatable service. She also used Capital One Venture X credits to cover stays at boutique resorts.

The Itinerary: Coastal Drives, Kayaks, and Tiny Houses

• Bay of Islands: Booked via Capital One credits, with a scenic boat tour to Hole in the Rock
• Cathedral Cove: Kayaking through crystal-clear waters to one of New Zealand’s most famous spots
• Hot Water Beach: Digging hot tubs in naturally heated sand
• Rotorua & Lake Taupo: Rafting a 21-foot waterfall, visiting Maori villages, and relaxing in Hilton luxury
• Bonus Stay: A tiny house Airbnb—Pam’s dream come true!

The Total Cost Breakdown

Using a mix of points, miles, Capital One credits, and cash, Pam calculated her total out-of-pocket costs at around $3,000—a fraction of the $28,000+ retail value for flights and hotels. With ten nights of free hotel stays, complimentary breakfasts, and first-class flight experiences, it was an unforgettable journey made possible by smart planning and strategic redemptions.

Links:

• How to Get Your Next Vacation for Nearly Free - https://travelmomsquad.lpages.co/freevacation
• Links For All Things Travel Mom Squad: stan.store/travelmomsquad

Episode Minute By Minute:

• 00:30 – Why Pam did New Zealand: Take 2
• 03:00 – Booking flights with AA miles and a United mistake fare
• 08:30 – Pam’s advice for finding flights to New Zealand
• 13:00 – Park Hyatt Auckland + Waiheke Island day trip
• 18:00 – Bay of Islands and boutique hotel stay
• 21:00 – Tiny house stay and Cathedral Cove
• 26:00 – Rafting a waterfall and Maori village experience
• 31:00 – Hilton Lake Taupo and relaxing
• 35:00 – Flying United Polaris home + final night at Grand Hyatt DFW
• 38:00 – Cost recap and final thoughts on why Pam can’t wait to return

Thinking about a trip to New Zealand? This episode will show you it’s totally possible with points and miles—and that even Grandma can conquer a 21-foot waterfall! 🛶🌿✈️