$522 Find Cheap Flights to California

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a KAYAK user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from New Zealand to California departing on 22/1. Fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. Click the price to replicate the search for this deal.
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These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to California
These are the airlines KAYAK users have selected most often from within our search results for flights to California
In the last 7 days, travellers have searched 41,299,237 times on KAYAK, and here's why:

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Best California Flight Deals from New Zealand

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Los Angeles
Los Angeles1 stop$1,147
San Francisco
San Francisco1 stop$1,287
San Diego
San Diego2 stops$1,442
San Jose
San Jose1 stop$1,895

Good to know

Low season

November

High season

December

Cheapest flight

$522
Best time to beat the crowds (13% less expensive on average)
Most popular time to fly (4% more expensive on average)
Flight from Auckland to Los Angeles

FAQs - booking California flights

  • How long is the flight to California?

    An average direct flight from New Zealand to California takes 21h 24m, covering a distance of 17373 km. The most popular route is Auckland - Los Angeles with an average flight time of 12h 05m.

  • What is the cheapest flight to California?

    The cheapest ticket to California from New Zealand found in the last 72 hours was $762 one-way, and $1,147 round-trip. The most popular route is from Auckland to Los Angeles and the cheapest round-trip airline ticket found on this route in the last 72 hours was $1,147.

  • Which airlines fly to California?

    United Airlines, Lufthansa & Air New Zealand fly the most frequently from New Zealand to California.

  • What are the most popular destinations in California?

    Based on KAYAK flight searches, the most popular destination is Los Angeles (60% of total searches to California). The next most popular destinations are San Francisco (23%) and Ontario (6%). Searches for flights to Las Vegas (5%), to John Wayne (Santa Ana) (2%) and to Oakland (1%) are also popular.

  • How does KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

    KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travellers know whether to wait or book now.

See more FAQs

Top tips for finding cheap flights to California

  • Looking for cheap airfare to California? 25% of our users found return tickets to California for the following prices or less: From Christchurch $1,512, from Auckland $3,182
  • Book at least 1 week before departure in order to get a below-average price.
  • High season is considered to be June, July and August. The cheapest month to fly from New Zealand is February.
  • Enter your preferred departure airport and travel dates into the search form above to unlock the latest California flight deals.
See more tips

Top 5 airlines flying to California

 
See real verified KAYAK customer reviews for airlines flying to California. Airline scores are aggregated from all reviews left by passengers on KAYAK after flying with an airline from New Zealand to California. KAYAK doesn’t show reviews that are older than 5 years. Learn how KAYAK collects reviews.
Need help choosing which airline to fly with from New Zealand to California? KAYAK airline reviews give an overall score for each airline based on loads of factors, including comfort, boarding, in-flight entertainment and more, to make your decision easier. See airline scores according to verified KAYAK customer reviews.
8.1
Fiji AirwaysOverall score based on 191 reviews
8.1Comfort
7.5Food
8.2Boarding
8.5Crew
7.5Entertainment
Airline reviews

Very good; seat made ready for bed after meal, a plus since one airline covered the seat at the start.

10.0 ExcellentAnonymous, Nov 2024LAX - NAN
Read more Fiji Airways reviews

Very good; seat made ready for bed after meal, a plus since one airline covered the seat at the start.

Entertainment was not good. Seems like liquor should’ve been advertised only beer and wine was even though I saw others getting liquor didn’t realize I could. And the food to me could’ve been a little bit.

Food choices perhaps not the best. Only offered beer and wine, when it appeared other liquor was available. Entertainment wasn’t so good.

They charged me over a $1000 dollars to bring two surfboard bags as check baggage. Inappropriate and I would avoid flying sgain

The experience on Fiji Airways was absolutely amazing. Streamlined. All staff was amazing. Pleasant. Friendly. Extremely helpful.

Business class Seats on the A350 from Nan to YVR were wonderful. The flight crew was okay but could do with better training. Toilets were clean but ran out of paper towels towards the end of the flight. The food/menu and the wine offered really needs considerable improvement. Dinner options were either Bolani, a beef sandwich (even this could be made much better), or paneer butter masala. Unfortunately, if you are not a fan of Fijian food, there isn’t much choice. Dessert was either turmeric ice cream or fruits but unfortunately, they were out of fruit! So the only option was turmeric ice cream. I’m not certain how many passengers like turmeric but I am not one of them. They need to cater to a more diverse group of people. Perhaps they need a new chef? The movies& tv shows were mostly older so I didn’t find that interesting either. It was however, fun to view the plane’s exterior cameras as we take off and land. The best thing about this flight are the business class seats.

Comfortable as one can get in Economy, food was very good, staff were super friendly & efficient.

Really liked the plane and business class seat. Food was ok but could be better. Service was very good.

Better connections, much better cabin crew, much cleaner cabin that Qantas, American and probably other carriers.

Better connections, much better cabin crews, much cleaner aircraft than Qantas, American and probably others.

Liked the non-stop option, can always use more leg room!

Wonderful Airlines…our American Airlines could learn from ANZ. From boarding to landing everyone was professional and gracious. Kiwi’s really are the nicest of all people! Thank you

typical long haul economy flight. Food was mediocre, inflight service was average. Offered in flight snacks but in seat ordering didn't work. Entertainment was good.

Would have been nice to have decaf coffee as an option, and perhaps a scone

Overall, a great experience from food and crew. The only setback was that this was the Second flight from Air New Zealand within a week that was an hour late for boarding.

The flight attendances were very helpful and friendly ! Dinner and breakfast were great . The seat was not too comfortable though .

The air New Zealand employees who assisted us with wheelchair aid on Auckland made our transfer from flight to the next seamless. Also were amazing in helping with our luggage and customs in Brisbane.

Overall good. We had to transfer to Bradly terminal. We had requested wheelchair assistance. The bus that picked us up had to wait for other passengers. The wait was long. Then, at the Bradly terminal we had to wait an extended period of time for the wheel chair assistance. These delays caused tension at checked in and resulted in arriving at the gate as passengers were boarding.

The boarding process was less than ideal. While I liked being greeted with “Kia Ora”, the rest of the process was very average for business-class travel — queue, crowding, no clear separation between economy and business premier. The aircraft felt old, even though I believe it was only 6 years’ old. Travelling in Business Premier in Air New Zealand is like sitting in a glass bowl. One can see everyone, and everyone can see others. Very bad structuring of seats. If you have a choice, fly another airlines like Singapore Airlines for business — I had the option, but chose this flight due to it’s departure time. Regrettable decision. I had opted for Vegan food choice. Very poor food as well as service. It is as if the chefs preparing the meal have little idea what nutritious, healthy and filling plant-based food is. And the crew were totally uncoordinated. In the main dinner meal, the first thing I was served was a fruit bowl, and then followed by other items. No mention was made that the fruit bowl (served first) was the dessert! And then after my meal tray was cleared another steward (not the one who served the main meal) comes around asks me that now that I had had the would like the dessert. I said yes, please. He went off and comes back to tell me discreetly that I’ve already had my dessert! He also didn’t know what the dessert was — and I guess it was the fruit platter that was the first item I was served. I was traveling with partner, who had similar experience. For her, they just cleared her table without offering dessert. Extremely poor coordination. The area behind the seats was extremely dirty. I just happened to use the overhead light to try and locate something that had fallen, only to be horrified at the dust, crumbs and all kinds of other particles. The only good thing about the flight was that when it ended, our bags came very very quickly. But that I guess is more to do with airport operations for Air New Zealands at Auckland Airport rather than the flight itself. I would think very hard next time I have to fly Business Premier in New Zealand, especially on Boeing 787-9NZM, which this plane was. Basically if you are selecting seats and find that they are at a diagonal angle, do not book this if you are looking for luxurious travel. Better off with premium economy or a good economy seat. The quality of food and service indeed was way below par.

Gate agent was fantastic in Auckland. They wanted to charge me for my two bags even though I was gold member with United in Tonga. So I had to pay for an upgrade. The meals on both flights had no vegetarian option. The only one item the salad was not tasty at all. Good thing I had brought my own snacks. The bread was white roll which is so not healthy. I think New Zealand air can definitely improve their food offering.

Headphone jacks worked poorly, seat recline was broken. Planes were rundown.

American Airlines was their usual junk service — but at least it got us down to LA. I was more irritated that while they codeshare with Alaska Airlines in Seattle, they could not out our flight on one of these, opting for one of the small SkyWest operated American Eagle flights — and causing a 14 hour layover. Which I accepted due to a $2000 difference in airfare — that said it was irritating for a flight that usually would have cost around $100 extra, if that.

nothing to complain about w/the food, and professionalism of the crew. i just cant stand being on a flight for that long of a time.

Everything was great from the staff to the seats and food. The plane was timely taking off and landing.. I couldn't have asked for a better experience (especially on such a long flight)

Good communication regarding any updates time of flight and flight delayed. The fight was delayed by two and half hours at eleventh hour. That was unexpected, especially when you international passenger.

The service was excellent. The quarters were a little cramped in Economy, and we had to exist there for 18 hours.

We lucked out. The passenger who was supposed to be in our row changed her seat, so my husband and I had 3 seats for the 2 of us. We were able to stretch out a little which made the trip much more tolerable.

Flight was cancelled about 1.5 hours before departure. Replacement flight provided scheduled 1 hour later. Late boarding, late departure and arrived Melbourne nearly 2 hours after originally scheduled.

The flight was good, long obviously but smooth. The seats are pretty small, definitely notice a difference for long haul compared to Emirates or Cathay Pacific it’s more like medium haul seating for space. Food options were good, children’s meals were good for my fussy 3yo.

Great flight and attendants. Seating is a bit weird. The extra price seats aren’t too worth it.

We were delayed 3x and because I didn’t purchase my tickets directly from United Airlines I was told I Have to take care of it myself so I called Underpricer and they helped me but before I changed my flights I took the risk of sticking by what my tickets were and was lucky to have gotten on the original all flight with only 15 mins before take off. not sure if I will do this again

The flight was delayed so the people from a late connecting flight was able to still make the connection.

Everything good until we waited for jet bridge at SFO. Then pilot gets on speaker & said it won’t reach plane- too short, need to go to different gate. Then 5 min later, adjusted plane/jetbridge & all ok?!?

Was a pain having to leave the plane and reboard but glad the plane was fixed

We had to wait almost an hour for the wheelchair porter to be ready to pick up my mother. And when she arrived in Newark airport the porter was not there and she started walking with her cane and her poor mobility. When the Newark porter found her they didn't want to transfer her bags to the wheelchair for her.

My experience was medium staff where great I dislike flying in triple 7 seats very uncomfortable and no room on jet all the rest of the flights where great

Great onboard crew. Boarding was a zoo, I got in line before pre boarding in Group 2, still had my bag force checked. WiFi was glitchy all flight. Seat and bathroom are both tiny unless you pay $$$ for first class.

Staff was generally seeming stressed out and was a bit rude and slow. Plane left late. Pilot was very well-spoken.

Cabin was pitch black, even during meal service. The reading lights for seat 2E/F did not work, and seat 2E did not recline.

This was a 5 hour flight with no entertainment and with a snack being provided (pretzels and fruit bar), which are both high in carbs and sugar. Nuts would have been a better choice.

The flight was delayed for 4 hours and the airplane was really old cuz not one thing was working.

Nice crew - very small plane and uncomfortable, with no entertainment options…

The TSA people or whatever you call them were a bit rude- I asked why I had to take my shoes off bc I'm 75 and in the USA, I don't have to. The man didn't need to snap at me. It wasn't even busy! The plane was ok, a bit small for such a long flight, but I'm very familiar with the 737 used ( I fly it often between SFO and SAN) service was ok-nothing special. If I drank alcohol I guess I would be happy with free choices. the plane was HOT and even the FA commented on it. They tried to get it cooler, but it never happened.

Multiple change of the gates at Pearson, delayed flight was extremely uncomfortable.

Easy boarding, punctuality, decent service. I can only complain about the measly snack.

Never made this leg of the flight since we rebooked through United instead. Did not make it to immigration/US custom due to the delay. Had to spend the night on our own dime in Toronto

Booked flight was cancelled. Was rebooked but sat in airport for several hours for new departure.

Staff were amazing but there check in machines need a major update! Absolutely horrible machines the staff were so sweet and helped but everyone. Was in need of help. They need to update it

Seat change. New seat 5 rows back from our group. Flight ok but we had to wait for half an hour after we landed for the gate.

YYZ air Canada security messed up which led to my kids missing their flight and having to go on a separate flight later in the day without the rest of the family. Customer service was horrible and have no sense of urgency or compassion for their customers. They refuse to compensate for their errors and making my kids wait hours in the airport. This isn’t the first time we have had issues with this airline and I won’t be flying with them again.

Book Cheap California Plane Tickets

Recent return flight deals

 
These are the cheapest return flights to California found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
18/4Fri
1 stopFiji Airways
23h 55mAKL-LAX
28/4Mon
1 stopFiji Airways
27h 50mLAX-AKL
$1,147
17/4Thu
1 stopFiji Airways
23h 55mAKL-LAX
28/4Mon
1 stopFiji Airways
16h 45mLAX-AKL
$1,164
27/1Mon
2 stopsAir Canada
30h 41mAKL-LAX
11/3Tue
2 stopsAir Canada
36h 22mLAX-AKL
$1,228
2/2Sun
1 stopAir Canada
20h 56mAKL-SFO
19/2Wed
1 stopAir Canada
23h 15mSFO-AKL
$1,287
27/1Mon
directQantas Airways
12h 05mAKL-LAX
11/3Tue
1 stopQantas Airways
21h 20mLAX-AKL
$1,391
15/2Sat
1 stopQantas Airways
21h 05mAKL-LAX
23/2Sun
directQantas Airways
13h 25mLAX-AKL
$1,421
15/2Sat
2 stopsAir New Zealand
18h 15mCHC-LAX
27/2Thu
2 stopsAir New Zealand
22h 55mLAX-CHC
$1,485
15/2Sat
1 stopAir New Zealand
18h 15mCHC-LAX
27/2Thu
1 stopAir New Zealand
18h 25mLAX-CHC
$1,645
24/3Mon
1 stopUnited Airlines
19h 50mAKL-LAX
2/4Wed
1 stopUnited Airlines
30h 00mLAX-AKL
$1,747
20/2Thu
2 stopsUnited Airlines
30h 09mAKL-LAX
5/3Wed
2 stopsUnited Airlines
37h 50mLAX-AKL
$1,751

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Recent one-way flight deals

 
Only flying one-way? Below are some of the best deals for one-way flights to California found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours.
22/1Wed
directAmerican Airlines
12h 05mAKL-LAX
$522
22/1Wed
directAmerican Airlines
12h 05mAKL-LAX
$526
19/2Wed
1 stopFiji Airways
18h 45mAKL-LAX
$585
19/2Wed
1 stopFiji Airways
18h 45mAKL-LAX
$588
20/1Mon
directQantas Airways
12h 05mAKL-LAX
$696
17/2Mon
directAir New Zealand
12h 05mAKL-LAX
$713
17/2Mon
directAir New Zealand
12h 05mAKL-LAX
$715
2/3Sun
directQantas Airways
12h 05mAKL-LAX
$774
20/2Thu
2 stopsUnited Airlines
26h 47mAKL-LAX
$880
14/5Wed
2 stopsUnited Airlines
31h 30mAKL-LAX
$887

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Last minute flights to California

Last minute flight, train and bus deals

 
These last-minute flight deals are the cheapest flights found on KAYAK in the last 72 hours for flights to California that are departing in the next 10 days.
18/12Wed
multi-stopAir Canada
18h 10mAKL-LAX
8/1Wed
multi-stopAir Canada
25h 50mLAX-AKL
$1,749
23/12Mon
multi-stop
31h 01mWLG-LAX
8/1Wed
multi-stop
24h 15mLAX-WLG
$1,799
19/12Thu
multi-stopFiji Airways
18h 45mAKL-LAX
4/1Sat
multi-stopFiji Airways
28h 05mLAX-AKL
$1,853
19/12Thu
multi-stopUnited Airlines
25h 07mAKL-LAX
11/1Sat
multi-stopUnited Airlines
38h 45mLAX-AKL
$1,931
23/12Mon
multi-stopQantas Airways
21h 05mWLG-LAX
8/1Wed
multi-stopQantas Airways
34h 10mLAX-WLG
$1,941
19/12Thu
multi-stopQantas Airways
27h 10mWLG-LAX
31/12Tue
multi-stopQantas Airways
20h 30mLAX-WLG
$1,947
22/12Sun
multi-stopUnited Airlines
38h 23mWLG-LAX
10/1Fri
multi-stopUnited Airlines
40h 45mLAX-WLG
$1,950
19/12Thu
directAir New Zealand
12h 15mAKL-SFO
24/12Tue
directAir New Zealand
13h 25mSFO-AKL
$1,980
20/12Fri
directAir New Zealand
12h 15mAKL-SFO
2/1Thu
directAir New Zealand
13h 25mSFO-AKL
$1,988
22/12Sun
multi-stopFiji Airways
19h 15mWLG-LAX
1/1Wed
multi-stopFiji Airways
17h 00mLAX-WLG
$2,248

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Everything you need to know for your flight to California

Cabin class types available on flights to California

Cabin classes available on flights to California. Prices are the lowest found on KAYAK over the last 7 days. Price and availability is not guaranteed.

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