Bikes must be correctly disassembled and packed in a bike box or bike bag.
If you want to break your bike down at the airport, you will find tools and bike assembly stands beside the bike racks in front of the terminal.
Air New Zealand has bike boxes for passengers to purchase, subject to availability, or the Queenstown Airport staff at the Information Desk might be able to give you a recycled box.
Check your airline's requirements for travelling with a bicycle well before you fly. Pay particular attention if you have an e-bike, as there are strict regulations regarding batteries.
Here are links to the oversized baggage policies for Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas and Virgin Australia.
Check the weight of your packed bike and accompanying gear to avoid surprises at the check-in counter. Depending on your airline's rules, you might be charged for extra weight.
If you need to book an extra bag, you are likely to save money by doing that in advance.
Once you're checked in, take your bike to the oversized items and cargo counter at the far left of the check-in area and send it on its way.
If you also want to take bike tools with you, check what is allowed on an aircraft before putting them in your carry-on bag. It might be better to put them in your checked luggage rather than risking confiscation.