Tickets are on sale now as Virgin Australia‘s and Air New Zealand‘s new codeshare agreement becomes official, adding over 300 weekly flights to Virgin Australia’s network. Flights open from 9 December 2024, offering seamless travel options to cities including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand previously enjoyed a lengthy partnership that concluded in 2018. Now, both airlines are embracing this new opportunity to collaborate again, delivering a significantly expanded network and enhanced benefits for travellers on both sides of the Tasman.
“We’re thrilled to rekindle this relationship within New Zealand and to provide our customers with a really extensive network to travel between Australia and New Zealand, and get Australian travellers to experience everything that is amazing that New Zealand has to offer,” Virgin Australia Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Alistair Hartley said.

The codeshare will allow Virgin Australia passengers to book flights operated by Air New Zealand with a Virgin Australia flight number. It expands Virgin Australia’s offering to include over 300 weekly flights to New Zealand, adding to its existing 33 weekly flights to Queenstown.
Benefits for travellers
The renewed partnership includes a host of benefits for Virgin Australia passengers and Velocity Frequent Flyer members:
- Points and Status Credits: Eligible flights booked under the Virgin Australia flight number will allow passengers to earn Velocity Points and Status Credits.
- Lounge access: Velocity Gold and Platinum members will have access to Air New Zealand lounges in major cities, including Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, before their trans-Tasman flights.
- Seamless travel: Passengers can check baggage through to their final destination and enjoy a single boarding pass for connecting flights.
“This is really amazing news for Velocity Frequent Flyer members,” Hartley said.
“Our members will now be able to earn and burn points. When they’re flying, they’ll be able to redeem and get a flight or earn credits as they’re going through.”
Premium members will also enjoy perks such as priority boarding and additional baggage allowances.
Because we’re essentially the same country anyway, right?
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Australia, Kathryn O’Brien said there were mutual benefits for both countries’ travellers.
“This is really significant for both Air New Zealand and for Virgin Australia, as it provides travellers greater destinations, greater benefits, particularly for Velocity Frequent Flyers.”


The expanded network will allow Australians to explore New Zealand with ease, while also helping the large Kiwi community in Australia reconnect with friends and family.
“We know Aussies are a travel-hungry bunch, and we certainly encourage them to pop across the ditch and see everything that New Zealand has to offer,” O’Brien said.
The destinations covered
Routes included in the codeshare agreement (travel dates available from 9 December 2024, flights can be booked to depart from Australia):
- Sydney <> Auckland
- Sydney <> Christchurch
- Sydney <> Wellington
- Adelaide <> Auckland
- Brisbane <> Auckland
- Brisbane <> Christchurch
- Brisbane <> Wellington
- Melbourne <> Auckland
- Melbourne <> Christchurch
- Melbourne <> Wellington
- Gold Coast <> Auckland
- Gold Coast <> Christchurch
- Perth <> Auckland
- Cairns <> Auckland (seasonal)
- Hobart <> Auckland (seasonal)
- Sunshine Coast <> Auckland (seasonal)
These routes complement Virgin Australia’s existing services to Queenstown, creating a comprehensive trans-Tasman network.


Important details
While the partnership opens up new opportunities, there are some points to keep in mind:
- Points and credits eligibility: Only certain fare classes and flights qualify for Velocity Points and Status Credits. Flights with a change in flight numbers are considered separate segments for earning purposes.
- Lounge restrictions: While international lounge access is available, domestic lounges in New Zealand are not included under this agreement.
- Corporate Discounts: Business Flyer members and corporate customers can take advantage of discounts and benefits on Air New Zealand-operated flights booked through Virgin Australia.
Flights are already on sale, with services commencing from 9 December 2024.