Customers, who will purchase a discount card from Air New Zealand, will get a heavy reduction in the air fare. The discount can go up to 30%.

However, Consumer NZ is cautioning people regarding this offer. As per the offer, an individual is entitled to a discount only if he spends $800. On spending this amount, the person will get regular savings on air travel for a year, along with the facility to pick a seat of choice.

Spokesman for Air New Zealand, Bruce Parton explained that the card intends to provoke growth and press down the unjustified soaring regional prices for travelers.

But, Consumer NZ warns that before people go in to buy these cards, it is imperative that they gauge that how much they travel, and how useful will this discount card will be.

While travelers purchasing a $200 Starfish card will qualify for an automatic 15% price cut on all regional air travel, those going in for an $800 card, will be entitled to a 30% discount.

According to Bruce, a customer will be able to save up to $18,000, if he spends $60,000 on local flights, in a year.

All regional flights of Air New Zealand arriving or leaving to regional airports will be covered by the card. However, the Starfish card will not pertain to major city ports of Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Christchurch and Queenstown.