Non-stop flights to paradise: Air New Zealand announces new Christchurch to Rarotonga route
From May through to October 2026, the new seasonal service will operate up to three times a week, with flights departing Christchurch at 3:40pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and departing from Rarotonga at 11:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
With 18,000 seats available to book across the season, there will be plenty of opportunities for Cantabrians to jet off to paradise during the winter months.
The launch marks another milestone in Air New Zealand's commitment to growing international connectivity from Christchurch, giving South Islanders even more reasons to head straight for their holiday.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says the new route strengthens the airline's dedication to growing travel opportunities from the South Island.
"We've seen strong appetite for travel to Rarotonga from our Christchurch customers, so this is fantastic news for the South Island. Launching this direct service ahead of the July school holidays makes it even easier for families to trade frosty mornings for tropical sunshine.
"Christchurch continues to strengthen its position as a key international gateway, and we're thrilled to be part of that growth story. Every new route we launch from the South Island opens up more opportunities for our customers and connects our communities to the world."
Justin Watson Chief Executive Christchurch airport says, "South Islanders love escaping to Rarotonga, and this new direct flight makes that even easier. It's another great step in growing international options for our airport, helping more people reach their favourite destinations seamlessly."
Flights are available to book from Wednesday 5 November at www.airnewzealand.co.nz, subject to regulatory approval.
Key details:
- Route: Christchurch (CHC) – Rarotonga (RAR)
- Frequency: Up to three return services per week
- Schedule:
- Depart Christchurch 3:40pm (Tue, Thu, Sat)
- Depart Rarotonga 11:30pm (Mon, Wed, Fri)
- Season: 26 May 2026 – 24 October 2026
- Bookings available from: Wednesday 5 November 2025
- Subject to regulatory approval
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