If you're like most Kiwis, you've probably got a Flybuys card in your wallet, an Onecard in your phone, and maybe even an Airpoints account you forgot about. But which one actually helps you save the most at NZ grocery stores? And more importantly-how can you use them *strategically* to stretch your weekly shop further at New Zealand supermarkets?
At NzGrocerySaver, we analysed real redemption values, point-earning rates, and supermarket pricing across New Zealand to give you a clear, no-fluff comparison for shopping at grocery stores in NZ. Let's break it down.
Earn: 1 point per $1 spent at Countdown supermarket (2 points on promo days).
Redeem: 1,000 points = $5 off groceries.
Real Value: 0.5% cashback (or 1% on double-point days).
Best For: Weekly Countdown shoppers who want instant grocery discounts at NZ stores. No expiry if you earn/spend yearly.
Earn: 1 point per $1 at both supermarket chains.
Redeem: 1,000 points = $5 off groceries (same as Flybuys).
Real Value: Also 0.5% cashback-but with a twist: Onecard often runs "double points" and "bonus point" promos on high-value items (e.g., meat, dairy) at grocery stores.
Best For: Families who split shopping between Pak'nSave (for price) and New World (for convenience) across different NZ shops.
Earn: Varies-e.g., 1 Airpoints Dollar per $100 at Countdown (via Air NZ credit card or linked account).
Redeem: 1 Airpoints Dollar = $1 off groceries at Countdown or online.
Real Value: Only ~0.5-1% if you're not flying-but much higher if you travel.
Best For: Frequent flyers who want to offset grocery store costs with travel rewards. Not ideal for pure grocery savings at New Zealand grocery chains.
For pure grocery savings at NZ grocery stores, Flybuys and Onecard are nearly identical in base value-but Onecard edges ahead thanks to more frequent and generous bonus point promotions on essentials at supermarket chains.
However, the real winner? Using the right card at the right store. If you shop at Countdown, use Flybuys. If you shop at Pak'nSave or New World, use Onecard. And if you fly often, link Airpoints for extra value when shopping at grocery stores in NZ.
| Feature | Details | Key Shopper Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Discount | Access to instant "Club Deals" pricing on thousands of products at New World supermarket NZ. | Essential to get sale prices. You must scan the card to access the cheaper price at this NZ grocery store. |
| Reward Options | Choose ONE of two options: 1. New World Dollars 2. Airpoints Dollars™ |
You can change your reward option at any time based on your current savings goal (cash vs. travel) for New Zealand grocery shopping. |
| Reward Earn Rate (New World Dollars) | Earn 0.75% back on qualifying spend. (1 NWD = $1 to spend in-store). | A straightforward **"cash back"** option that can be spent on future groceries at NZ stores. |
| Airpoints Conversion | 5 New World Dollars automatically convert to 5 Airpoints Dollars. | Ideal for those focused on collecting points for **Air New Zealand** flights while shopping at grocery stores. |
| Fuel Partner | Earn fuel discounts redeemable at **Z Energy** and **Caltex**. | Use the vouchers earned with your shop to save cents per litre. |
| Feature | Details | Key Shopper Takeaway |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Discount | Access to instant "Member Prices" on rotating weekly items at supermarkets. | Also **essential to get sale prices.** Must be scanned for the discount to apply at NZ grocery stores. |
| Reward Earn Rate (Base) | Earn 1 point per $1 spent. 2,000 points = $15 voucher. | Base earn is 0.75% back. You need to hit 2,000 points to trigger the $15 reward from supermarket shopping. |
| Points "Boosts" | Personalised offers (e.g., "5x points on fresh produce") via the app/email. | **This is the key:** Boosts dramatically increase your earn rate at grocery stores. **Always activate them.** |
| Reward Redemption | Redeem 2,000 points for a **$15 voucher**, 15 Airpoints Dollars, or Qantas points. | Your default is the $15 voucher, but you can choose to convert to travel points from NZ grocery shopping. |
| Fuel Partner | Earn points and use discounts at **BP** fuel stations. | Tied to BP/G.A.S. for a streamlined fuel and grocery rewards from NZ shops. |
Earning points is only half the battle at NZ grocery stores. The other half? Spending your dollars where prices are lowest. That's where NzGrocerySaver comes in. Our grocery app shows you real-time prices across all major supermarket chains-so you can choose the store with the best combo of low prices and point opportunities for your New Zealand grocery shopping.
Bottom line: Loyalty programs at NZ grocery stores won't make you rich-but used wisely, they can save your family $100-$200 a year on groceries. And when every dollar counts at supermarket New Zealand shopping, that's worth celebrating.
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