Using Chase Points for New Zealand Excursions
Flights and hotels usually get all the attention when it comes to points—but experiences are where Chase Ultimate Rewards quietly shine.
On our New Zealand couples trip, we used 68,700 Chase Ultimate Rewards points through the Chase Travel Portal to book four separate excursions. These were activities we absolutely wanted to do anyway, and using points meant we didn’t have to think twice about the cost.
The Numbers Breakdown
Points used: 68,700 Chase points
Booking method: Chase Travel Portal
Total cash value: $859
Out-of-pocket cost: $0
Value per point: 1.25 cents per point
While 1.25 cpp isn’t flashy compared to international flights, this redemption delivered something just as valuable: a completely cash-free experience budget.
Why We Loved This Redemption
Excursions are often overlooked but add up fast—especially in a place like New Zealand
Booking through the Chase portal was simple and required no award availability hunting
Fixed 1.25 cpp value means predictable, stress-free planning
Perfect for couples trips where experiences matter more than luxury lodging
Travel Hack Takeaway
Save your high-value transfer redemptions for flights, but don’t underestimate the power of using Chase points in the travel portal for tours and activities. Wiping out nearly $900 in excursions let us fully enjoy New Zealand without second-guessing every booking.
Sometimes the best points redemption isn’t the fanciest—it’s the one that lets you say “yes” to every experience.