Wednesday, June 4, 2025
In an exciting move to enhance connectivity between New Zealand and Australia, Air New Zealand has announced the launch of a new non-stop route between Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, and Adelaide, the capital city of South Australia. Starting from 27 October 2025, the seasonal Christchurch–Adelaide service will offer travelers a direct connection between two vibrant regions, opening the door to greater trans-Tasman travel opportunities. This new route further solidifies Air New Zealand’s commitment to expanding travel options across the Tasman Sea, a vital link for travelers between Australia and New Zealand.
This new seasonal service will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Fridays, running through to 27 March 2026. With approximately 15,000 seats available for booking throughout the season, the Christchurch–Adelaide route aims to provide convenient and direct access for travelers from both New Zealand and Australia. One-way fares for this exciting new route will start at just $340.
The new service marks a significant milestone for Air New Zealand, which has been expanding its network of flights across the Tasman Sea to meet growing demand. The airline’s decision to operate the route with a narrowbody Airbus jet indicates its commitment to providing efficient, reliable service for travelers on this high-demand route.
Strengthening Trans-Tasman Connectivity
The introduction of this non-stop Christchurch–Adelaide flight is a response to the increasing demand for direct travel options between New Zealand’s South Island and Australia. Over the years, travelers have expressed a desire for greater connectivity between the two regions, not only for tourism but also for business and leisure purposes.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer, Greg Foran, emphasized the importance of this new route, saying, “We know there’s strong demand for direct services between the South Island and Australia – not just for Kiwi travelers wanting to explore, but also to welcome more Australian tourists directly into the heart of the South Island.”
He went on to highlight that the route is expected to benefit both Australians and New Zealanders. For South Island residents, the Christchurch–Adelaide service offers a new, convenient flight option to Australia, with Christchurch being the main gateway for travelers in the South Island. On the other hand, Australians will now have an easier and more direct path to explore New Zealand’s South Island, including popular destinations like Queenstown, Fiordland, and the renowned food and wine regions.
Tourism and Business Boost for Both Regions
With this new direct flight, both countries stand to benefit in terms of tourism and business opportunities. For New Zealand’s South Island, this route represents a tremendous opportunity to attract more Australian tourists, who already have a strong affinity for New Zealand’s natural beauty, outdoor activities, and vibrant culture.
Australia’s South Australia region, meanwhile, has long been a key destination for New Zealand travelers, thanks to its renowned wine regions, rich cultural heritage, and thriving food scene. Now, with a direct flight option available between Christchurch and Adelaide, travelers can more easily access these experiences. The frequency of the flight, running twice a week, makes it easier for those planning business trips or vacations to coordinate their schedules around the new service.
For Air New Zealand, the Christchurch–Adelaide route marks an essential part of its growth strategy as it continues to build a more robust network. Greg Foran further noted, “This route gives South Islanders more choice and convenience when flying to Australia, and it makes it even easier for Australians to access the incredible experiences New Zealand has to offer.”
Expanding the Air New Zealand Short-Haul Network
The introduction of this new route is part of Air New Zealand’s broader growth strategy for its short-haul network. The airline has already been investing in expanding and enhancing its services to cater to the increasing demand for air travel across the Tasman, particularly to and from New Zealand’s South Island.
In addition to the new Christchurch–Adelaide route, Air New Zealand also operates between four and six weekly services between Auckland and Adelaide. This strong presence in the South Australia region is designed to support growing travel between the two countries, reinforcing Air New Zealand’s commitment to being a leading carrier for trans-Tasman routes.
The airline’s decision to operate the new Christchurch–Adelaide route with a narrowbody Airbus jet allows for an optimal balance between efficiency and comfort. This type of aircraft is ideal for medium-haul flights, providing a smooth and enjoyable journey for travelers, whether they are visiting family and friends, exploring new destinations, or traveling for business.
A Boost to South Island Tourism
The new Christchurch–Adelaide route provides travelers in New Zealand’s South Island with more options when flying to Australia. Known for its scenic beauty, Christchurch has long been a gateway for travelers wishing to explore the South Island, offering easy access to Queenstown, Fiordland National Park, and other iconic natural landscapes.
As the airline industry looks to recover and build upon the momentum from the post-pandemic travel boom, the launch of this seasonal service highlights the ongoing interest in South Island tourism. The flight will make it more convenient for Australians to visit some of the world’s most famous outdoor destinations, including the Southern Alps and the scenic lakes of the region.
What Travelers Can Expect
Air New Zealand’s new Christchurch–Adelaide route will be a seasonal service, running twice weekly on Monday and Friday from 27 October 2025 through 27 March 2026. With 15,000 seats available across the season, travelers are encouraged to book early to secure the best fares, starting at just $340 one-way.
The service will be operated by a narrowbody Airbus jet, which will provide a comfortable and efficient travel experience for passengers. For those traveling on business or leisure, the flight offers an ideal option for a quick and easy journey between two dynamic cities. The service is expected to be a popular choice for both leisure and business travelers, providing a convenient connection for those visiting relatives, attending meetings, or exploring new destinations.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2025
With the launch of the new Christchurch–Adelaide route in October 2025, Air New Zealand continues to enhance its position as a major player in trans-Tasman travel. As the airline focuses on providing greater convenience and options for travelers across the region, it also seeks to strengthen its reputation for high-quality service and customer satisfaction.
For Australians looking to explore New Zealand’s South Island or for New Zealanders eager to visit South Australia, this new route provides an ideal solution. It is a welcome addition to the growing list of trans-Tasman services that offer greater connectivity and opportunities for travel between these two beautiful regions.
Conclusion
Air New Zealand’s introduction of the non-stop Christchurch–Adelaide route is an exciting development for both the airline and travelers in both countries. With this new flight, the airline strengthens its commitment to expanding connectivity across the Tasman Sea while providing greater options for both leisure and business travelers. Whether you’re planning a vacation to the scenic wonders of the South Island or visiting the vibrant cities and regions of South Australia, this new service promises to make travel more convenient and accessible than ever before.
