South Australians looking to swap the summer heat for the cooler climes of New Zealand’s South Island (and vice versa, of course) can do so more easily, with Air New Zealand revealing that it will introduce a seasonal service between Adelaide and Christchurch.
To run from 28 October 2025 to 28 March 2026, the summer service will operate twice-weekly on Tuesday and Saturday, using the Kiwi carrier’s Airbus A320 and A321neo aircraft.
Adding over 16,000 seats on the route, Air New Zealand says the new service comes amid strong Aussie demand for travel to NZ’s South Island.
“We know there’s strong demand for direct services between the South Island and Australia – allowing us to welcome even more Australian tourists directly into the heart of the South Island,” Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran said.
“This route gives Aussies more choice and convenience when flying to Aotearoa and accessing all the South Island has to offer – from Queenstown and Fiordland to our world-class food and wine regions. We’re also making it even easier for Kiwis to discover the incredible experiences across South Australia.”
In a recent interview with Karryon in NZ, Tourism New Zealand Regional Director – Australia Andrew Waddel said that there is a “slight peak [in travel] in the summer of about 30%” from Australia – so the route’s arrival should be a welcome sight to tourism authorities and travellers.
The new Air NZ route adds to the carrier’s Adelaide-Auckland service.
“Air New Zealand is entering an exciting new era. Capacity and availability are building, and customers can expect more good news on increased services in the near future,” Foran said.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming more travellers onboard this summer.”
Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said the route “recognised the strong pent-up demand between Adelaide and Christchurch”.
“Our data shows that close to 50,000 passengers are travelling indirectly between Adelaide and the
South Island each year, with a relatively even split of inbound and outbound travel, so we’re confident
that there will be significant interest in this new service,” he noted.
“Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island with popular attractions in the city, and it is central to
exploring the island from the Marlborough wine region to the north to the adventure playground of
Queenstown to the south.
“Similarly this service opens up opportunities for New Zealanders to experience Adelaide for its
cosmopolitan atmosphere, great wineries, eco-tourism and gateway to the Outback, with River Murray
cruising and rail journeys in particular growing in interest.”
To mark the new service, the Star Alliance airline is slashing fares on a number of its Trans-Tasman routes until 11:59pm AEST on Thursday (5 June), including (seat only fares):
- Sydney – Auckland: $269
- Sydney – Wellington: $269
- Sydney – Queenstown: $289
- Melbourne – Auckland: $269
- Melbourne – Queenstown: $289
- Brisbane – Auckland: $269
- Gold Coast – Auckland: $269
- Adelaide – Auckland: $355
- Hobart – Auckland: $335
- Sunshine Coast – Auckland: $385
- Cairns – Auckland: $455
- Adelaide – Christchurch: $345
- Perth – Auckland: $545 (the works)
New deliveries
In other news, the Auckland-based carrier has welcomed two new A321neo aircraft – the same plane that will operate on the ADL-AKL service – with the first 214-seater plane set to touch down in NZ on Wednesday.
“These new A321neo are a clear sign we’re investing for the future – boosting our international network and delivering more choice for customers,” Air New Zealand Chief Commercial Officer Jeremy O’Brien said.
“It’s about doing what we do best: connecting Kiwi to the world and bringing visitors to our shores.
“We’re eagerly anticipating getting these aircraft in the skies. We can’t wait to share more soon about where they will be flying. Watch this airspace.”
In April, another delivery, Air New Zealand’s first retrofitted Boeing B787-9 Dreamliner, touched down in Auckland after a 184-day full interior revamp. Karryon got a sneak peek at the aircraft at NZ HQ at Auckland Airport.
Winter boost
Meanwhile, Air New Zealand has also announced it will add 36,000 seats to its domestic winter flying schedule, boosting capacity on its Auckland-Christchurch, Auckland-Queenstown and Auckland-Dunedin routes between 28 June and 25 October 2025.
“This isn’t just about adding flights, it’s about supporting our regions,” O’Brien said.
“We’re committed to building connectivity – supporting communities, tourism and trade – so more New Zealanders can thrive. That’s a responsibility we carry with pride. Every seat we add is an investment in New Zealand’s future.
“Whether it’s getting visitors to Central Otago’s ski fields, students to Dunedin’s lecture theatres, or whānau home to Christchurch, we’re proud to play our part in connecting people and place.”
For more info, visit www.airnewzealand.com.au.
