Flower Delivery FAQ

CheapFlowers.co.nz is a free flower delivery price comparison service for New Zealand. We help you compare prices, delivery fees, and features from NZ's major florists including Interflora, Bloomex, Petals Network, and more. Our goal is to help you find beautiful, affordable flowers without spending hours researching different florists.

Flower prices in NZ vary widely depending on type, size, and florist. Budget bouquets start from $29.95, mid-range arrangements typically cost $45-70, and premium bouquets range from $70-120+. Delivery fees add $8.95-$15 in most cases. Prices spike during Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, often increasing 50-100% for popular arrangements.

Bloomex NZ consistently offers the lowest starting prices, with bouquets from $29.95. They operate online-only without retail overhead, passing savings to customers. However, 'cheapest' isn't always best value - compare total costs including delivery, and consider florist reputation. Petals Network and Direct2Florist NZ also offer competitive pricing in the $32-35 starting range.

No. Prices are identical whether you reach florists through our site or directly. We earn commission from florists (typically 5-10% of sales), but this comes from their marketing budgets and doesn't increase your costs. Clicking our links takes you to florists' standard websites with regular prices - no markups or hidden fees.

Yes. Most major NZ florists offer same-day delivery in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and other major cities. Typical cutoff times are 1:00-2:00 PM Monday-Saturday. Same-day delivery typically costs $12-25 (versus $9-12 for next-day). Not all areas have same-day service - rural locations usually require next-day delivery.

Interflora NZ, Petals Network, and Teleflora NZ have the most comprehensive nationwide coverage through their florist networks. Bloomex NZ delivers to major cities (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch) but has limited rural coverage. For rural or small-town delivery, Interflora typically offers the best coverage.

For standard delivery, ordering 1-2 days ahead ensures availability and lower costs. For major holidays (Valentine's Day, Mother's Day), order at least 1 week ahead to secure inventory and avoid price spikes. Same-day orders should be placed before 1:00 PM for best results. Wedding and event flowers should be ordered 4-6 weeks ahead.

Any day except Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, and Christmas offers significantly better prices. Flowers cost 30-60% less during non-peak periods with identical quality. Consider celebrating 'Galentine's Day' (Feb 13) instead of Valentine's Day, or delivering Mother's Day flowers on Friday instead of Sunday to save substantially.

With proper care, most flowers last 7-10 days. Roses typically last 7-10 days, lilies 5-7 days, carnations and alstroemeria 10-14 days, and chrysanthemums 2-3 weeks. Change water every 2-3 days, recut stems, remove dead blooms promptly, and keep arrangements in cool locations away from direct sunlight and fruit.

Sunday delivery is limited and typically more expensive. Some Auckland and Wellington florists offer Sunday delivery at premium rates. Most NZ florists deliver Monday-Saturday only. If you need Sunday delivery, check with Interflora NZ or The Wild Rose (Auckland) which occasionally offer Sunday service in metro areas.

Popular native NZ flowers include pohutukawa (crimson 'Christmas tree' blooms), kowhai (golden yellow cascades), manuka (small white/pink/red flowers), rata (crimson climbers), native clematis (white flowers), and flax (architectural foliage with tall flower spikes). Native flowers are available seasonally and celebrate New Zealand's unique flora.

Native flowers range from affordable to premium depending on rarity. Common natives like manuka and flax ($30-55) are competitively priced. Seasonal specialties like pohutukawa ($60-90) command premium prices due to limited availability during their short flowering season (December-January). Overall, natives offer good value considering their uniqueness and sustainability.

Contact the florist immediately (within 24 hours) with photos of damaged flowers. Reputable florists offer satisfaction guarantees and will typically send a replacement arrangement or provide a refund. Keep original packaging and document damage clearly. Note that CheapFlowers.co.nz doesn't handle orders - you must contact the florist directly for resolution.

Most NZ hospitals accept flower deliveries, though policies vary. Some wards (ICU, maternity, cancer treatment) may prohibit fresh flowers. Always verify hospital policy before ordering. Florists typically deliver to hospital reception, and staff notify the patient. Include patient's full name, ward, and hospital name in delivery instructions.

Rural delivery availability varies by florist and location. Interflora NZ has the best rural coverage through their extensive florist network. Rural delivery typically requires 2-3 days and may cost $5-15 extra. Very remote locations might not have delivery service at all - check with florists before ordering. Consider local florists in regional towns for better rural access.

Mixed bouquets combine multiple flower types (roses, lilies, carnations, etc.) creating fuller arrangements at lower costs. Single variety bouquets contain one flower type (all roses, all lilies) offering simplicity and specific symbolic meaning. Mixed bouquets generally provide better value with more variety, while single varieties are ideal when specific meaning or uniformity matters.

Traditional sympathy flowers include white lilies, white roses, chrysanthemums, and mixed arrangements in whites, pastels, and soft colors. Avoid bright, cheerful colors unless you know the deceased preferred them. Sympathy arrangements typically cost $60-100. Include a thoughtful card message. Most florists prioritize sympathy orders and offer same-day delivery when needed.

Red roses symbolize romantic love and passion. Pink roses represent gratitude, admiration, and appreciation. White roses signify purity, reverence, and new beginnings. Yellow roses convey friendship and joy. Orange roses express enthusiasm and energy. Lavender roses represent enchantment and uniqueness. Choose colors based on your relationship and message to the recipient.

Yes. All major NZ florists accept international orders through their websites. You can order flowers for delivery anywhere in New Zealand from overseas. Payment is typically in NZD. Time zone differences mean you should order with extra lead time to ensure availability. Most florists accept international credit cards.

Supermarket flowers (Countdown, New World, PAK'nSAVE) are fresh and affordable ($10-20 per bunch) but come unadorned without arrangement, vase, or wrapping. They're perfect for personal use or casual gifting. Florist flowers include professional arrangement, presentation, and delivery service, making them better for formal gifting despite higher costs ($30-90).

Order 4-6 weeks ahead for best prices. Choose seasonal flowers (spring offers best value). Use mixed bouquets rather than all-premium flowers. Incorporate greenery and foliage for volume. Consider DIY centrepieces with wholesale flowers. Book directly with florists rather than through wedding planners. Simplify bridesmaids' bouquets. Repurpose ceremony flowers at reception.

Spring (Sep-Nov): tulips, daffodils, freesias, kowhai - best variety and value. Summer (Dec-Feb): roses, sunflowers, pohutukawa, manuka - bold colors. Autumn (Mar-May): chrysanthemums, dahlias, asters - warm tones. Winter (Jun-Aug): amaryllis, camellias, imported tropicals - most expensive season overall.

Tipping isn't customary or expected in New Zealand for flower delivery. Drivers receive regular wages from florists. However, if someone provides exceptional service (e.g., difficult weather, multiple flights of stairs, extra effort), a small tip ($5-10) is appreciated but never required. A simple thank you is perfectly appropriate.

Tracking availability varies by florist. Premium services like Interflora NZ and The Wild Rose offer SMS/email updates when deliveries are dispatched and completed. Budget florists may not provide tracking. If tracking is important, ask about it before ordering or choose florists offering this feature. Most florists provide estimated delivery windows (morning/afternoon).

Policies vary by florist. Common approaches include leaving flowers in a safe place (porch, neighbor), leaving a card to arrange redelivery, or contacting the sender for instructions. Specify a safe place in delivery notes when ordering. Business deliveries have higher success rates. Some florists call recipients before delivery to ensure availability.

Yes. Several NZ florists offer weekly or monthly flower subscriptions delivering fresh flowers to your door. Bloomex NZ subscriptions start at $25/week, while Interflora offers tiered options from $30-60 weekly. Subscriptions typically save 20-30% versus one-off orders, include free delivery, and ensure the freshest seasonal flowers.

Upon arrival: recut stems at 45° angles, remove leaves below waterline, use flower food (or 1 tsp sugar + 2 drops bleach per liter). Daily: change water every 2-3 days, recut stems slightly. Location: keep in cool spot (18-20°C) away from direct sun, heating, and fruit. Remove spent blooms promptly. These steps can extend vase life by 50% or more.

Most florists offer delivery windows (morning/afternoon/evening) but don't guarantee exact times for standard delivery. Express services ($20-35 extra) may offer specific time guarantees. Business deliveries usually occur 10am-4pm. Residential deliveries typically 12pm-6pm. For time-critical deliveries, choose express service or contact florists directly to discuss options.

Standard delivery fees ($8.95-$15) cover local delivery within the florist's service area. Some charges are distance-based, with rural areas costing extra. Same-day delivery adds $5-10 surcharge. Weekend and holiday deliveries may cost $5-15 more. Some florists offer free delivery over certain amounts ($80-100 typically). Always check total costs at checkout.

Yes. Many NZ florists offer preserved flowers (real flowers treated to last months/years) and high-quality artificial arrangements. These cost more upfront ($80-150+) but last indefinitely. They're ideal for people with allergies, permanent decorations, or where fresh flowers aren't practical. Most florists focus on fresh flowers, but specialty options are available.