Air New Zealand has marked 60 years since its first service between Auckland and Hong Kong, celebrating six decades of connecting New Zealand with one of Asia’s most dynamic hubs.

On 3 March 1966, Air New Zealand operated its inaugural DC8 service from Auckland to Hong Kong via Sydney and Darwin, opening a new chapter in its long haul operations.

The route soon became known for its arrival into the former Kai Tak airport, famous for its dramatic approach. Pilots made sharp turns between high rise apartment blocks before landing on the harbour side runway, giving passengers close up views into neighbouring flats.

Over the decades, the service evolved significantly.

On 28 October 1973, the first DC10 service began operating from Auckland to Hong Kong via Sydney. On 2 April 1978, Air New Zealand launched its first non stop DC10 service between Auckland and Hong Kong, operating twice weekly.

A once weekly Boeing 747 service linking Auckland, Port Moresby and Hong Kong began on 3 November 1982 in association with Cathay Pacific and Air Niugini. In 1983, Air New Zealand established a long term relationship with Cathay Pacific.

A non stop Boeing 747 service between Auckland and Hong Kong was reintroduced on 2 April 1985 and operated until 3 December 1986. The following day, Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific introduced a bipartite weekly service between the two cities.

On 2 April 1992, Air New Zealand resumed operating a non stop Boeing 747 service exclusively, continuing twice weekly flights. The first Boeing 767 service began on 1 November 1995, replacing one of the two weekly Boeing 747 frequencies.

In April 1998, the final non stop Boeing 747 service operated on the route, with services transitioning fully to Boeing 767 aircraft. By April 2003, the route increased to daily services.

In 2013, Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific launched a major strategic alliance, streamlining services between Auckland and Hong Kong.

Today, alongside its alliance partnership with Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand carries more than 350,000 passengers each year on the route, with up to 16 flights a week during peak periods into Hong Kong International Airport.

Air New Zealand General Manager Long Haul Kylie McGillivray-Brown said the anniversary reflected the airline’s commitment to the region.

“Reaching 60 years of service between Auckland and Hong Kong is a proud milestone for Air New Zealand and a testament to the strength of this important connection.

“For six decades, this route is helped connect New Zealand to the world, supporting Kiwi travellers exploring Asia and beyond, enabling our exporters to reach global markets, and welcoming visitors, students and business partners to our shores,” she said.

The route also remains a key freight link. In 2025, most products air freighted between Auckland and Hong Kong were carried on an Air New Zealand aircraft. E commerce accounted for 70 percent of volume, while consumer electronics made up 20 percent.

In 2025, the airline transported 900 tonnes of milk formula, equivalent to 1 million cans, 133 tonnes of eggs, 85 tonnes of mussels, 210 tonnes of meat and 159 tonnes of avocados between the two cities.