Christchurch is set for a busy summer in the skies, with Air New Zealand adding an extra 92,500 seats to its Auckland–Christchurch route between November 2025 and March 2026.
The 11% capacity boost reflects the city’s growing appeal for both domestic travellers and international visitors exploring the South Island.
From November, another of Air New Zealand’s A321neo aircraft will rejoin the domestic fleet, bringing added efficiency and comfort to customers. These quieter, fuel-efficient jets will operate up to 32 flights per week on Auckland–Christchurch route over the summer period.
“Christchurch is really humming right now,” says Air New Zealand’s General Manager Domestic, Kate O’Brien. “Whether it’s friends heading south, families reuniting, or tourists soaking in everything the region has to offer, we’re making it easier to get there.”
And it’s not just the holidaymakers getting a lift. The added capacity also supports one of the country’s most anticipated sporting events – the Special Olympics New Zealand National Summer Games, which return to Christchurch in December. Across the event window from 8–16 December, Air New Zealand will operate around 127,000 seats in and out of the Garden City, helping athletes, supporters and spectators travel to the Games. Extra services have been added on key routes, including from Wellington and Palmerston North.
For those dreaming of a classic Kiwi Christmas escape, the airline is adding more than 8,000 seats from Christchurch between 15 December and 11 January, helping holidaymakers heading out of Christchurch to reach the beach, the bach, and the BBQ with ease.
To kick off the summer season, Air New Zealand is offering a limited-time sale with one-way fares starting from just $65 – on now until midnight, 2 July*.
“Christchurch has always been a gateway to the South – and this summer, we’re making sure that gateway is more open than ever. We’re looking forward to welcoming more customers on board this summer.”