‘Awesome’: Air NZ announces Christchurch-Adelaide route
Tuesday, 3 June 2025
Air New Zealand is connecting the South Island to more places in Australia with a non-stop route between Christchurch and Adelaide in South Australia.
The seasonal twice-weekly Christchurch–Adelaide service will begin on October 27 through to March 27, 2026. Flights will depart Christchurch in the early evening arriving in Adelaide late evening, with the return service leaving Adelaide the following morning and touching down in Christchurch after midday.
There will be around 15,000 seats available on an Airbus A320/321 neo jet for travellers to book across the season.
Air New Zealand chief executive officer Greg Foran says the launch of this service marks another important step in the airline’s growth strategy.
“We know there’s strong demand for direct services between the South Island and Australia – not just for Kiwi travellers wanting to explore, but also to welcome more Australian tourists directly into the heart of the South Island.
“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 – from Queenstown and Fiordland to our world-class food and wine regions.
“Air New Zealand is entering an exciting new era. It’s exciting to see growth in our short haul network, and customers can expect more good news on increased services in the near future. We’re looking forward to welcoming more travellers onboard this summer.”
Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger says Adelaide and Christchurch are sister cities with shared values and strong ties.
“With over 50 years of formal connection behind us, this new service is awesome, it opens the door to even more exchange, tourism and opportunity,” he said.
Minister for the South Island James Meager says the new service reflects the region’s appeal.
“The South Island is one of the most spectacular tourism destinations in the world. A direct link gives even more Australians the chance to experience our unique landscapes, adventure and culture, and it’s a major win for our economy heading into the busy summer.”
Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox is delighted that Air New Zealand has 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.”
New Zealand is the equal second largest international market for South Australia – tied with China and just behind the UK, says South Australia Tourism Commission regional manager, New Zealand, Stacey Kerr. Kiwis are staying longer too, with the average trip length rising 56% to 11 nights.
“Looking at the South Island specifically, in 2023 and 2024 combined, 25% of NZ visitors to South Australia were from the East Coast of the South Island (Canterbury including Kaikoura, Southland and Otago),” Kerr said.
“In addition to Adelaide city itself, and the popular Barossa and Clare Valley wine regions, we’re seeing increasing interest in off-the-beaten-track regions like the Flinders Ranges and Eyre Peninsula.
“South Australia’s incredible food and wine, vibrant events and Murray River cruising in particular have long been popular drawcards for our South Island-based audience. The added convenience of new direct flights makes Adelaide and South Australia even more appealing for Kiwis looking for a ‘something different’ holiday.”
Christchurch Airport chief executive Justin Watson says the route adds strength to the airport’s growing network. In the last few weeks Qantas announced it would increase capacity on its Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne routes, Singapore Airlines boosting international summer connectivity, and Air New Zealand’s jet service addition to the Christchurch–Hamilton route.
Earlier today, Air New Zealand announced 36 new flights between Auckland and Christchurch between June and October, adding 14,600 seats to their schedule.
Air New Zealand also operates between four and six weekly services between Auckland and Adelaide. Qantas will begin seasonal direct flights between Auckland and Adelaide on October 31 through to May 3, 2026.