It appears to be a renaissance of Chinese airlines offering great deals to Oceania. It’s currently Star Alliance member Air China‘s turn to reactivate an old deal: from Milan to Auckland and Melbourne starting at €588.
While Air China may not be the go-to airline for many of our readers, the two pieces of 23-kilo checked baggage and the price definitely compensate for their reputation. The itinerary includes two long layovers in Beijing, which is much more subjective. On the plus side, you can stretch your legs, sightsee, or just rest, although it does lengthen your trip by a margin.
Unfortunately, we couldn’t create an availability calendar for this deal. However, you can find departures for May and June 2025. You can choose to be redirected to Air China’s website or to Skyscanner.
You would find the following aircraft on these routes:
- Airbus A350-900 (3-3-3 configuration): Beijing – Melbourne, Beijing – Milan.
- Boeing 787-9 (3-3-3 configuration): Beijing – Auckland.
Regardless of your aircraft type, you can expect free meals and drinks in addition to inflight entertainment on your flights. You would stop in Beijing for a while on both legs.
Most Europeans need a visa to enter Australia. You can apply for the visa online. It’s best to apply at least 1 month before travelling. The visa is free.
Most European citizens don’t need a visa to enter New Zealand for up to three months. An online registration called NZeTA is mandatory.
Until December 2025, citizens of 33 countries in Europe may enter China for 30 days without applying for a visa. The itinerary also qualifies for visa-free transit.
Search & Book
This fare doesn’t have an expiration date, a minimum stay, or a maximum stay. Departures are available in May and June 2025.
Unfortunately, Google Flights doesn’t display prices for Air China itineraries and ITA Matrix’s calendar doesn’t include these prices in its results. However, you can play around with dates in our Go2 form before clicking Air China. Their website has a surprisingly well-functioning +/-3 day calendar, showing you the best options.
You can then book there for additional peace of mind, or insert your found dates into our Go2 form and book through online travel agencies (OTAs) via Skyscanner.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Miles & Points
Tickets are issued in booking class L. From Milan Malpensa to Auckland, you can earn the following miles and points:
- 6,902 Miles on ANA Mileage Club
- 5,754 Award Miles + 1,150 PQP on United MileagePlus
- 5,754 AsiaMiles on Asia Miles
- 5,754 Miles on Asiana Club
- 5,754 Miles on Turkish Airlines Miles&Smiles
- 5,754 Award Miles + 240 Points on Miles&More
- 5,754 Award Miles + 2,878 Tier Miles on Avianca LifeMiles
- 5,754 Miles on Copa ConnectMiles
- 5,754 Miles on Ethiopian ShebaMiles
- 5,754 Miles on EVA Infinity MileageLands
- 5,754 Miles on TAP Miles&Go
- 5,754 Miles on Thai Royal Orchid Plus
- 5,754 Miles on Aegean Miles+Bonus
- 5,754 Miles on Air Canada Aeroplan
- 5,754 Miles on Egyptair Plus
- 5,754 Points + 1,150 SQC on Air Canada Aeroplan 2026
- Customize Calculation
Information & Tips for New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its dramatic landscapes, including fjords, volcanoes, beaches, and lush forests. Popular sights include Fiordland National Park, Queenstown, Rotorua’s geothermal areas, and the Hobbiton movie set. The local currency is the New Zealand Dollar (NZD). Prices are generally moderate to high, especially in tourist hotspots. Weather varies widely: the North Island is milder and more humid, while the South Island can be colder, especially in winter (June–August). Layered clothing and rain gear are recommended year-round.
New Zealand’s transport infrastructure is fairly developed, but getting around can vary in convenience. Within cities, public transport exists—mainly buses in most places and trains in Auckland and Wellington—but coverage can be limited outside central areas. Between cities, options include domestic flights, long-distance buses, and rental cars, with trains available on a few scenic routes. Roads are generally in good condition, but travel times can be long due to winding, rural highways and limited motorways. Driving is often the most practical option for flexibility.
→ All Dealz for New Zealand
Information & Tips for Australia
Australia is known for natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the beaches of Sydney, along with vibrant cities like Melbourne and Sydney. The local currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), and credit cards are widely accepted. The price level can be high, especially in major cities, but there are budget options available for food and accommodation. The weather varies by region—tropical in the north, temperate in the south, with hot summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are typically during spring and autumn for mild temperatures.
Australia’s transport infrastructure is generally good, with well-developed road networks, public transit systems, and domestic flights. In major cities, public transport options like buses, trams, and trains are widely available, though some areas may require a car for convenience. Between cities, domestic flights are common and fast, but bus and train travel can be slow and less frequent for long distances. Driving is a popular option for exploring regions outside cities, with roads in good condition but long travel times due to the country’s vast size.
We’ve compared various esim providers, such as RedteaGO and Airalo. To see which plan is best for your travel needs and which network offers the best coverage, feel free to read our detailed guide:
The Best eSIM Plans for Australia 🇦🇺 Compared
→ All Dealz for Australia
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