Air New Zealand Koru frequent flyer program (formerly Airpoints)

Fly further and save when you earn miles with the Air New Zealand Airpoints frequent flyer program.

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Key takeaways

  • Koru is Air New Zealand's loyalty program, which uses Airpoints as its currency.
  • Convert points from eligible Australian Amex ANZ NAB or Westpac cards.
  • Airis worth AUD$1 and expires after four years; use them for flights or upgrades.

Koru is Air New Zealand's frequent flyer program. It allows members to earn Airpoints when they fly with Air New Zealand or with one of the 25 Star Alliance member airlines. (The entire scheme was known as Airpoints before switching to Koru in April 2026.)

Once you've racked up enough Airpoints, you can use them to:

  • Redeem flight rewards with Air New Zealand and its partners
  • Upgrade your cabin class
  • Rent cars with certain brands
Angus Kidman's headshot
Our expert says

"While you can't earn Airpoints directly on an Australian credit card, some will let you transfer points into the scheme - worth considering if you fly to New Zealand regularly."

Angus Kidman's headshot
Editor-at-large

How do you become Koru member?

It's free to join the Koru program. You just need to complete and submit the form online at the Air New Zealand website. It only takes a few minutes and you'll need to provide some personal information including your full name, date of birth, country of residence, address, email address and phone number.

How you can earn Airpoints

You can earn Airpoints and Status Points every time you fly with Air New Zealand. The number of Airpoints and Status Points you could earn will depend on where you're travelling to and the cabin class you choose.

For example, if you fly from Sydney to LA in Economy Flexi, you could earn between 69.50 and 104 Airpoints and between 102 and 161 Status Points. If you booked the same flight in business class, you'd earn between 312.10 and 447 Airpoints plus 299 to 449 Status Points.

Use the Airpoints calculator on the Air New Zealand website to discover how rewarding your next flight could be.

Flights with partner airlines

You can also earn Airpoints when you fly with any of Air New Zealand's 30+ airline partners in the Star Alliance. While you'll earn Airpoints, you may be unable to earn Status Points with some partner airlines. Airpoints from partner airline flights can take longer to show in your account — Air New Zealand recommends waiting three to four weeks before submitting a missing Airpoints claim.

You can see the full list of airline partners below:

  • AEGEAN
  • Air Canada
  • Air China
  • Air India
  • ANA
  • Asiana Airlines
  • Austrian
  • Avianca
  • Brussels Airlines
  • Copa Airlines
  • Croatia Airlines
  • EGYPTAIR
  • Ethiopian Airlines
  • EVA Air
  • LOT Polish Airlines
  • Lufthansa
  • Scandinavian Airlines
  • Shenzhen Airlines
  • Singapore Airlines
  • South African Airways
  • Swiss International Air Lines
  • TAP Air Portugal
  • Thai Airways International
  • Turkish Airlines
  • United Airlines

Credit cards

Credit card sign-up bonuses are an easy way to earn a large amount of frequent flyer points, especially when you're just starting your frequent flyer journey.

While there aren't any credit cards with which you can earn Airpoints directly, if you have an American Express, ANZ, NAB or Westpac rewards credit card, you can exchange your points for Air New Zealand Airpoints. You can compare the different exchange rates below:

PartnerExchange rate
American Express Membership Rewards
  • 100 Membership Rewards = 1 Airpoints Dollar
  • 200 David Jones American Express Points = 1 Airpoints Dollar
ANZ Rewards
  • 3,000 ANZ Rewards = 15 Airpoints
  • Minimum initial transfer of 3,000 and additional multiples of 1,500
ANZ Business One Rewards Options
  • 200 rewards = 1 Airpoints Dollar
NAB Rewards & NAB Rewards Business
  • 200 NAB Rewards = 1.09 Airpoints Dollars (changing to 1.00 Airpoints Dollar on 8 August 2026)
Westpac Altitude
  • 180 Altitude Rewards points = 1 Airpoints Dollar

Compare rewards credit cards that can transfer to Airpoints

Bonus points Points per $ spent Purchase rate p.a. Annual fee
ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card image
ANZ Rewards Black Credit Card
Finder AwardANZ Rewards Program
Bonus points
180,000
Points per $ spent
2
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$320
Earn up to 180,000 extra ANZ Reward Points: 130,000 extra points + $100 back when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months from approval, and additional 50,000 points when you keep your card for over 15 months from activation.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
American Express Platinum Card image
American Express Platinum Card
Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards
Bonus points
200,000
Points per $ spent
2.25
Purchase rate p.a.
N/A
Annual fee
$1,450
Earn 200,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. Ends 25 Aug 2026. T&Cs apply.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
American Express Platinum Business Card image
American Express Platinum Business Card
Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards
Bonus points
350,000
Points per $ spent
2.25
Purchase rate p.a.
N/A
Annual fee
$1,750
Limited-time offer: Get 350,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points and an $875 credit when you spend $12,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. Ends 3 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.
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Compare product selection
American Express Business Gold Plus Card image
American Express Business Gold Plus Card
Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards
Bonus points
250,000
Points per $ spent
1.5
Purchase rate p.a.
N/A
Annual fee
$395
Get 250,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $5,000 in the first 3 months. Plus, earn up to 3 points per $1 spent at Xero, Google Ads, Meta, Amazon Web Services and Dell. New Amex card members only. Ends 03 Nov 2026. T&Cs apply. ABN holders w/ $75,000 revenue.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
American Express Explorer Credit Card image
American Express Explorer Credit Card
Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards
Bonus points
125,000
Points per $ spent
2
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Annual fee
$395
Get 75,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months and additional 50,000 points when you meet the same spend requirement in year 2. New American Express card members only. Ends 25 Aug 2026. T&Cs apply.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
ANZ Business Black image
ANZ Business Black
ANZ Rewards Program
Bonus points
150,000
Points per $ spent
1.5
Purchase rate p.a.
20.24%
Annual fee
$300
ABN holders w/ $75k revenue. Earn up to 150,000 extra ANZ Reward Points when you meet the spend requirements (worth over $500 digital gift card) and 24/7 access to ANZ Global Business Concierge.
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Compare product selection
American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card image
American Express Essential Rewards Credit Card
Most LovedAmerican Express Membership Rewards
Bonus points
30,000
Points per $ spent
1
Purchase rate p.a.
23.99%
Annual fee
$108
Earn 30,000 Bonus Membership Rewards Points when you spend at least $3,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months. New American Express card members only. T&Cs apply.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
ANZ Rewards Platinum - Velocity Points image
Bonus points
80,000
Points per $ spent
1.5
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$94
Earn up to 80,000 bonus Velocity Points: 60,000 points + $50 back when you spend $3,500 in the first 3 months from approval and 20,000 points when you keep your card open for 15 months from activation.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
ANZ Rewards Platinum image
ANZ Rewards Platinum
ANZ Rewards Program
Bonus points
125,000
Points per $ spent
1.5
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$94
Earn up to 125,000 bonus ANZ Reward Points: 85,000 points + $50 back when you spend $3,500 in the first 3 months from approval and 40,000 points when you keep your card open for 15 months from activation.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
NAB Rewards Platinum Card – Velocity Points image
Bonus points
90,000
Points per $ spent
1
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$195
Get up to 90,000 bonus Velocity Points: 70,000 points when you spend $4,000 in the first 90 days and 20,000 points after 12 months.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
NAB Rewards Signature Card – Velocity Points image
Bonus points
80,000
Points per $ spent
1.5
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$420
Get up to 80,000 bonus Velocity Points: 60,000 points when you spend $5,000 in the first 90 days and 20,000 points when you keep your card open for over 12 months. Plus, no foreign transaction fees.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Westpac Altitude Rewards Black image
Westpac Altitude Rewards Black
Westpac Altitude Rewards
Bonus points
200,000
Points per $ spent
1
Purchase rate p.a.
20.99%
Annual fee
$200 first year ($295 after)
Earn 100,000 bonus Altitude Rewards Points points when you spend $12,000 in the first 12 months of card approval and 100,000 when you keep your card open for 15 months. T&Cs apply.
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
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Hotels and holidays

If you're earning Airpoints on flights, you may as well earn them on hotels too. Earn Airpoints with over 10,000 partner hotel properties when you book via Air New Zealand. Partner chains include Accor, Marriot and Quest.

How much are Airpoints worth?

Air New Zealand says 1 Airpoint is worth the equivalent of AUD$1.

How many Airpoints do I need for a free flight?

Because Airpoints are worth $1, working out how many Airpoints you need for a free flight is as simple as looking up the cost of a flight.

What are the other ways can you spend your Airpoints?

  • Partner flights. You can also use your Airpoints for a range of flights with Star Alliance partners and other partner airlines including Etihad Airways. With partner airlines, just make sure to quote your Airpoints membership number and that the flight number begins with NZ.
  • Companion tickets. If you've already purchased a Business Premier, Premium Economy, Economy Flexi, Flexi Works or Flexi Works Deluxe, you can purchase a discounted ticket with your Airpoints for a travel companion.
  • Onboard purchases. You can use your Airpoints to purchase food and beverages, merchandise, movie upgrades and more once onboard. Just sign into your Air New Zealand account to compare your rewards options.
  • Car rental. You can use your Airpoints to book a car rental with Avis, Budget and Apex. Booking service fees may apply if you book through the Air New Zealand contact centre.

Can you use Airpoints to upgrade to business class?

Yes, you can. However, you'll need Elite Status to do so. Elite members can upgrade from one class to the next using Airpoints at a fixed rate.

Yes, you can — upgrade options and eligibility depend on your Koru status tier. Members with Koru Platinum and Koru Black status can request upgrades using Airpoints, while Koru Gold and Koru Silver members have different upgrade options and conditions.

How do Airpoints' status credits and status tiers work?

You'll earn Status Points on eligible Air New Zealand and partnered airline flights.

The Status Points you earn will allow you to move up to the Silver, Gold and Elite tiers and take advantage of exclusive benefits including lounge access, upgrades, extra baggage allowances and more.

Can you transfer Airpoints?

You can share Airpoints with friends and family through Shairpoints. You can gift Airpoints to others if they live at the same address by adding them to your Gifts Register.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

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Journalist

Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

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Co-written by

Editor-at-large

Angus Kidman is Finder’s global Editor-at-Large and an award-winning journalist with over 30 years of experience in tech, travel and finance. He was previously the editor of Lifehacker Australia and Australian Personal Computer, and is a recognised commentator, appearing on shows like Sunrise and The Project. A two-time IT Journalism Award winner, Angus has written for top publications such as The Sydney Morning Herald, the AFR, The Australian and Gizmodo, and is known for his expertise in travel rewards and consumer technology. See full bio

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Angus has written 239 Finder guides across topics including:
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29 Responses

    Linda's avatar
    LindaJuly 30, 2014

    I have some flights on hold Bris to Vancouver
    Just wondering of I can join FF program
    The customer service operator thought fees were waived at the moment
    Can u advise
    Thanks, Linda

      Elizabeth's headshotFinder
      ElizabethJuly 31, 2014Finder

      Hi Linda,

      Thanks for your question.

      According to the Air New Zealand Airpoints site, there is currently no joining fee for the program.

      Thanks,

      Elizabeth

    alicia's avatar
    aliciaJuly 1, 2014

    We signed up for the ANZ air points program the last time we were in NZ but can’t find our membership or numbers. Booking flights today, how can we get the numbers to enter with our reservations? Thank you

      Shirley Liu's headshotFinder
      ShirleyJuly 1, 2014Finder

      Hi Alicia,

      Thanks for your question.

      You’ve come through to finder.com.au, and online comparison service. Please contact the customer service team at Air New Zealand for all membership enquiries.

      Cheers,
      Shirley

      alicia's avatar
      aliciaJuly 1, 2014

      Thanks!

    runzel's avatar
    runzelMarch 17, 2014

    Please can you tell me what MILES table does NZ use for pax flying with them, and wishing to earn miles on their frequent flier programme? For instance if one is a member of another Star Alliance carrier’s FF – such as Air Canada for example – does NZ credit miles like every other carrier I have flown. I cannot get an answer over the telephone with NZ staff.
    Thank you!

      Marc Terrano's headshotFinder
      MarcMarch 17, 2014Finder

      Hi Runzel,
      thanks for the question.

      I was unable to find a chart showing all of the miles members of other star alliance programs will earn when flying on Air New Zealand. If you go to the website of your frequent flyer provider and view the section which lists how you can earn frequent flyer miles, it’ll usually list how many you’ll earn for flying on different partner airlines. For Air Canada for example you can earn up to 125% of the miles you fly when flying on Air New Zealand. More information can be found on the Aeroplan website.

      I hope this helps,
      Marc.

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