Summer in full flight as travellers connect across Aotearoa and beyond

Air New Zealand is getting ready for its busy summer season, with more than 2.7 million New Zealanders and international visitors taking to the skies.

The holiday season is a particularly special time across the airline's network as teams work around the clock to connect friends and whānau across Aotearoa and the world.

Air New Zealand General Manager Airports Kate Boyer says: "We're proud to be part of the journeys that connect people over the holidays and our teams work incredibly hard to ensure every customer's experience is smooth, enjoyable and a great example of Kiwi hospitality."

Around 1.6 million passengers will be travelling domestically around New Zealand, with the South Island claiming three of the most popular holiday hotspots.

"Queenstown will see 260,000 customers travel to and from the region while Nelson is gearing up for 150,000 customers, and Dunedin 110,000. Napier and the Bay of Plenty are also in hot demand this summer," Boyer says.

The busiest day for domestic travel is Friday 19 December with up to 32,000 travellers expected to fly, followed by Sunday 21, Monday 22 and Tuesday 23 December, with up to 31,000 customers taking to the skies each day.

On the airline's international routes, around 1.1 million passengers will be connecting to and from Aotearoa.

"Three Australian cities are firm favourites with 195,000 customers travelling to and from Sydney, 185,000 to and from Melbourne, and 120,000 to and from Brisbane.

"Around 170,000 customers will be crossing the Pacific with Tahiti and Fiji clear go-to getaways. Further afield, Los Angeles sees 56,000 passengers connecting to and from New Zealand these holidays."

On the airline's international routes, Saturday 20 December and Saturday 3 January are the busiest days with up to 20,000 passengers travelling each day.

With airports expected to be bustling with travellers, Air New Zealand encourages everyone to plan ahead and allow extra time, especially if travelling with young ones, oversized bags, or needing special assistance.

"We know travelling over the holiday period can be more stressful than normal but please know our teams are here to make your journey as seamless as possible," says Boyer.

"We recommend checking in online where possible, arriving at the airport early, and giving yourself time to relax before your flight."

Customers are also reminded to check the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) website ahead of time to make sure their Christmas gifts can travel with them onboard.

On the ground, Air New Zealand lounges around the motu will be sharing the holiday spirit with a festive summer menu, featuring glazed Christmas ham, Jersey Benne potatoes with mint butter, Christmas mince tarts and strawberries with whipped cream. The new Lookout Lounge at Auckland International Airport is also open, operating alongside the Koru Lounge to welcome customers during peak travel times.

"Summer is busy for us but it's also when our purpose of connecting New Zealanders with each other the world truly comes to life. From all of us at Air New Zealand, we wish our customers a safe, joyful, and relaxing holiday season, wherever they're heading," Boyer says.

Air New Zealand's top tips for being travel-ready this summer:

• Get the Air NZ app
  Download the Air NZ app to manage your booking and get real-time flight updates at your fingertips.
   
• Give yourself plenty of time
  Allow extra time to get to the airport, through check-in and security. We recommend you arrive at the gate 30 minutes before your flight departs.
   
• Are your tamariki flying solo?
  If your tamariki are flying solo, our Airband™ service keeps you updated every step of the way. Don't forget to arrive a little early and bring valid photo ID when dropping off or picking up.
   
• Travelling with pets
  Travelling with pets? Make sure their carrier meets our size and weight limits and includes a water container.
   
• Carry-on or checked-in baggage
  Check your carry-on allowance before you fly as oversized bags may need to be checked in. Travelling with extra Christmas goodies? Use the Air NZ app to confirm your allowance and don't forget to check that your Christmas gifts can travel with you onboard.
   
• Double check your documents
  Heading overseas? Double-check your passport is valid and review visa, travel authority or declaration requirements for each destination.
   
• Travel insurance
  Travel insurance helps protect against the unexpected – Air New Zealand travel insurance also lets you earn Airpoints Dollars™.

Notes to editors:

• Air New Zealand's summer period is 1 December 2025 to 31 January 2026.
• Over 2.7 million customers are booked to travel during the period on both the domestic and international networks.
• Friday 19 December is the busiest day for domestic travel with 32,000 travellers expected.
• Saturday 20 December and Saturday 3 January are the busiest days for international travel with up to 20,000 passengers travelling each day.
• Australia is the most popular international destination for Kiwi with more 500,000 customers booked to travel between New Zealand and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane over the holiday period.

The most popular domestic destinations outside the main centres are:

• Queenstown Lakes District – 260,000 travellers
• Nelson – 150,000
• Bay of Plenty (Tauranga and Rotorua) – 120,000
• Dunedin – 110,000
• Napier – 100,000

The most popular international destinations include:

• Sydney – 195,000 travellers
• Melbourne – 185,000
• Brisbane – 120,000
•  Pacific Islands – 170,000 combined
• Los Angeles – 56,000