Christchurch–Adelaide flights take off as Air New Zealand expands trans-Tasman network
The inaugural flight departed Christchurch on 27 October, linking New Zealand's South Island directly with South Australia.
The seasonal service will operate twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays through to 27 March 2026, with around 15,000 seats available for travellers across the season.
Operated by a narrowbody Airbus jet, the new route gives South Islanders more choice and convenience when flying to Australia and opens the door for more Australian travellers to experience the South Island's world-class destinations.
Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul, Lucy Hall, says:
"This new service is about more than just connecting two cities – it's about strengthening tourism and connections between South Australia and the South Island.
"We're excited to welcome more Australians to explore our beautiful South Island, from its world-class food and wine to its adventure and nature experiences. At the same time, this route gives Cantabrians even more convenient access to Australia – our most popular international destination – for holidays, events, and reconnecting with friends and family across the Tasman."
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive, Justin Watson, says:
"This service is another fabulous addition to our trans-Tasman network. It builds on a strong civic and regional connection and supports more Kiwis and Aussies to explore each other's backyards all summer."
Adelaide Airport Managing Director, Brenton Cox, says:
"We're proud to celebrate the launch of Adelaide's first direct flight to Christchurch this morning — a milestone that responds to strong demand between our sister cities. Nearly 50,000 people travel between Adelaide and the South Island each year, primarily for holidays or to visit family. This new non-stop service offers a seamless gateway to world-class destinations on both sides of the Tasman, making travel more convenient and appealing for South Australians and New Zealanders alike."
New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, says:
"Direct connections like this one make a real difference to our tourism industry and to our regional economies. It's fantastic to see Air New Zealand continuing to strengthen ties with Australia, supporting tourism growth on both sides of the Tasman and making it easier for visitors to experience everything New Zealand has to offer."
South Australian Minister for Tourism, Hon Zoe Bettison MP, says:
"It is terrific news for tourism in South Australia to be launching the first-ever direct flight from New Zealand's South Island to Adelaide.
"More direct flights into Adelaide from New Zealand – currently our State's fourth largest tourism market – means more potential visitors coming to experience all our State has to offer.
"The direct Air New Zealand service from Christchurch is the first in a series of exciting arrivals of new routes and new airlines through to the end of the year – strengthening the world's connection to South Australia and seeing more international airlines servicing Adelaide than ever before."
About the service
- Route: Christchurch (CHC) – Adelaide (ADL)
- Seasonal period: 27 October 2025 – 27 March 2026
- Frequency: Twice weekly (Monday and Friday)
- Aircraft: Narrowbody Airbus jet (A320/321 neo)
- Seats available: ~15,000 across the season
Travel between Christchurch and Adelaide is available to book now at www.airnewzealand.co.nz
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