Wahs Express ready to fly South Island fans to the finals

Air New Zealand is getting behind the Wahs for Saturday's huge finals clash against the Dolphins, with a special Wahs Express flying 160 supporters from Christchurch to Auckland for the big game at Go Media Stadium.
8 September 2026
  • Special Air New Zealand charter flight from Christchurch to Auckland for One New Zealand Warriors fans
  • Tickets for the flight go on sale at midday today
  • Flight departs Christchurch on Saturday 12 September at 12.35pm
  • Package includes a one-way flight and ticket to the Warriors' finals match against the Dolphins at Go Media Stadium

Flight NZ1218, the Wahs Express, will depart Ōtautahi Christchurch for Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland on Saturday 12 September at 12.35pm giving fans the chance to travel together before heading straight into one of the biggest games of the season.

Packages are $449, and include a one-way flight from Christchurch to Auckland, pre-boarding activity, a few surprises and giveaways onboard, and a Category One ticket to the game. Warriors superfan Lana Searle and former Warrior Awen Guttenbeil will host the flight, helping get the cabin match-ready before the aircraft has even left the gate.

Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Scott Wilkinson says the airline expects seats to fly out the door, so fans will need to jump on the band-Wah-gon quickly!

"The mighty Warriors have given Kiwi fans plenty to believe in this season, and we know there are plenty of fans from Canterbury and the South Island who want to be there to support their team when it matters. So, we're putting on the Wahs Express and giving 160 fans the chance to answer the call-up and get themselves into the stands.

"Fans can expect a Warriors-themed flight, celebrating all things Wahs with giveaways and activities onboard and probably a few Up the Wahs before we've even left the gate.

"It's crunch time and we know every bit of support counts. That's why we're calling on South Island fans to bring the noise," says Scott Wilkinson.

One New Zealand Warriors CEO Cameron George says: "We're so grateful to Air New Zealand for bringing their energy and passion to what's such a huge day for our club, our fans and the whole country.

"Having the Wahs Express flying up from Christchurch adds another level of support for our boys as they take on the Dolphins."   

Flight and ticket packages for the 'Wahs Express' go on sale at midday today on Air New Zealand's website.

How to find the Wahs Express flight:

·       Search flights from Christchurch to Auckland on Saturday 12 September

·       Select the flight that departs Christchurch at 12.35pm and is priced at $449

·       Make sure the flight number is NZ1218

·       Select a return flight that suits you best

·       Complete your booking as usual

Seats are limited so fans will need to move quickly if they want to make the starting line-up.

 

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