Air New Zealand announces new non-stop route between Queenstown and Brisbane
Launching 22 June 2026, the new route will operate three times a week through to 23 October 2026, perfectly timed for those seeking a mid-year escape or a spring break across the Tasman.
Operated by Air New Zealand's A320neo narrowbody jet aircraft, the service will offer over 17,000 seats, providing a convenient link between the Southern Alps and sunny Queensland.
Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul and Domestic Lucy Hall says the new route will open more opportunities for travel in both directions.
"We know Queenstown is a year-round favourite for Australians, and this connection will also help bring more visitors to our region during the ski and adventure season. It gives Queenslanders another direct option to fly into the South Island, giving them the ability to explore Queenstown, the wider Otago region, and more of the beautiful South Island.
"Brisbane is also a fantastic destination for South Islanders looking to swap the snow for sunshine. This new service connects two iconic lifestyle destinations, giving travellers greater flexibility and choice when planning their next getaway."
"Air New Zealand is our biggest customer and we are delighted it is bringing back Queenstown-Brisbane flights," Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O'Hare says. "There are strong ties between our communities, and this service will be welcomed on both sides of the Tasman. The morning flight time will be great for those wanting to catch up with friends and family, and convenient for those with onward connections from Brisbane."
Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the seasonal service would provide travellers with more travel opportunities on both sides of the Tasman.
"The addition of this service will bolster connectivity with New Zealand, which remains our top international two-way market. We know Queenslanders love heading across the ditch to experience the magic of a Queenstown winter, from snow-capped peaks, rugged mountain scenery, and famous Kiwi hospitality.
"Just as important, the new route also gives New Zealanders an opportunity to escape the winter blues and soak up the sun in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. We're seeing more Kiwis than ever discovering the best of Brisbane, from riverfront dining and cultural experiences in the city to the sand dunes and snorkelling of Moreton Island."
The Queenstown–Brisbane route adds to Air New Zealand's strong trans-Tasman network, reinforcing the airline's commitment to connecting New Zealanders with more destinations across Australia, and welcoming more Australians to explore Aotearoa.
To celebrate the route launch, Air New Zealand has sale fares currently available for flights across the Tasman. Customers can currently book flights from Queenstown to Brisbane for $275 seat only one way*.
Flights are available to book now at airnewzealand.co.nz – subject to regulatory approval.
About the service
- Route: Queenstown (ZQN) – Brisbane (BNE)
- Season: 22 June 2026 – 23 October 2026
- Schedule:
- Depart Queenstown 9:05 AM (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Depart Brisbane 11:55 AM (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
- Frequency: Three return services per week
- Aircraft: A320neo narrowbody jet
*Sale ends 11:59pm on Tuesday 18 November 2025. Card payment fee, travel periods, and conditions apply.
ENDS
Issued by Air New Zealand Communications
Email: media@airnz.co.nz │ Phone: +64 21 747 320
About Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand's story started in 1940, first taking to the skies between Auckland and Sydney on a flying boat - a Short S30. Known for its warm Kiwi hospitality, today, the airline has operating aircraft ranging from Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and Airbus A320s to ATRs and Q300s, offering customers comfort in the latest most efficient jets and turboprops. It's a modern fuel-efficient fleet with an average age of 9.9 years. Air New Zealand's global network of passenger and cargo services centres around New Zealand. In 2024, the airline flew more than 16 million passengers. Air New Zealand was named 2025 World's Safest Airline by the Australian rating service AirlineRatings.com, highlighting the airline's laser-focus on safety.
Air New Zealand has a well-connected domestic business, connecting customers and cargo to 20 different regions around New Zealand. Internationally, the airline has direct flights to major cities across Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia and North America, and through its strong relationships with alliance partners, offers customers more choice and convenience to connect further afield to hundreds of destinations. Air New Zealand has a particular focus on sustainability and its Sustainability Framework helps guide the airline's efforts in tackling some of New Zealand's and the world's most complex challenges. Airpoints, Air New Zealand's loyalty programme, is seen as the most valuable loyalty programme in New Zealand with more than 4 million members. It allows members to earn Airpoints Dollars™ and Status Points for VIP benefits in the air and on the ground. Air New Zealand aircraft are proudly identified by its distinct tail livery of the Mangōpare, the Māori symbol of the hammerhead shark which represents strength, tenacity, and resilience.
About Star Alliance
The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance, based on a customer value proposition of global reach, worldwide recognition and seamless service. Since inception, it has offered the largest and most comprehensive airline network, with a focus on improving customer experience across the Alliance journey.
The member airlines are: Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air India, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAP Air Portugal, THAI, Turkish Airlines, and United.
Overall, the Star Alliance network currently offers more than 16,000 daily flights to almost 1,200 airports in 186 countries. Further connecting flights are offered by Star Alliance Connecting Partners Juneyao Airlines and THAI Smile Airways.
For more information about Air New Zealand visit www.airnewzealand.com and for more information about Star Alliance visit www.staralliance.com