Trans-Tasman Costs

Crossing the Tasman Sea in a light aircraft is an expensive undertaking.  Compared to my first crossing in 2016, it was considerably more expensive in July 2026.  If you're considering a crossing you may wish to base your border and handling budget on the following.

Item	Description	Cost
ASIC	An Australian Security Identity Card (ASIC) must be worn at all security‑controlled airports. Fair enough for the big international hubs — but at the tiny airfields with one or two flights a week, it feels like bureaucracy gone wild.  In 8+ years of holding a valid ASIC, I think it’s been checked maybe twice. Makes you wonder who exactly it’s protecting — and from what.	AUD$528
Special Flight Authorisation	My aircraft, ZK-VRV, has a Special Category -  Amateur Built Airworthiness Certificate.  A condition of that certificate is the aircraft "...  may not be operated over any other country without the permission of that country".  It was necessary for me to CASA for a Special Flight Authorisation to operate the aircraft in Australia.  They quoted  6 hours to consider and approve my request! The good news is if you're flying a certificated aircraft across the Tasman you won't have to apply for a Special Flight Authorisation.	AUD$560
Norfolk Island handling	For the privilege of landing at Norfolk Island airport you can expect this charge for "movement, flight operations and parking fees".  This charge is for each overnight stay.  Don't land there in the weekend.  It's considerably more expensive.	AUD$422
Lord Howe Island	Permission has to be obtained from the Lord Howe Island Board to land on Lord Howe Island.  It's a beautiful Island and a UNESCO World Heritage park.  I didn't begrudge paying this fee for the privilege of visiting the island.	AUD$485
Gold Coast Airport	To enter mainland Australia, you have to land at a First Point of Entry (FPoE) for Border Force and Agriculture processing.  The closest FPoE to Lord Howe is Gold Coast airport  — where airport management insists all aircraft be “handled.” Conveniently, there’s only one handler: Platinum Business Aviation Centre. They’re a full‑service FBO for corporate jets, and they charge like it.  I pleaded for light‑aircraft rates as I had no toilet to be emptied and didn't require catering but they wouldn’t budge.  It’s a rort — pure gold‑plated nonsense.  But if you want to land your aircraft at Gold Coast Airport you don't have much option.	AUD$1424

Please note the above costs were incurred in July 2026 and were for ZK-VRV a Vans RV-6 which has a MAUW of 750kg.  Some costs vary by aircraft weight.