Adelaide Airport and Air New Zealand have announced a brand-new international route with flights between Adelaide and Christchurch to operate seasonally from 28 October 2025 until 28 March 2026.

Air New Zealand will introduce two flights a week using its narrowbody A320 or A321 Airbus aircraft, creating about 15,000 seats across the season.

Flights will arrive in Adelaide on Monday and Friday at 7.55pm and depart from Adelaide on Tuesday and Saturday at 7.00am. 

This will also be the first service between Adelaide and one of its sister cities, with a sister city relationship with Christchurch dating back to 1972. In 2022, Adelaide and Christchurch airports signed a memorandum of understanding to secure direct services between the cities.

In further good news for travellers, Air New Zealand will expand its Adelaide-Auckland service to six flights a week in November.

Air New Zealand has announced an introductory sale fare of $345 one-way with seats to go on sale tomorrow.

Adelaide Airport Managing Director Brenton Cox said:

“We’re 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. The majority of travellers between Adelaide and New Zealand are either on holiday or visiting family and relatives.

“We have no doubt a non-stop service to Christchurch will prove attractive to South Australians. Christchurch is the gateway to the South Island with popular attractions in the city, and it is central to exploring the island from the Marlborough wine region to the north to the adventure playground of Queenstown to the south. “Similarly this service opens up opportunities for New Zealanders to experience Adelaide for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, great wineries, eco-tourism and gateway to the Outback, with River Murray cruising and rail journeys in particular growing in interest.

“We continue to grow our international aviation network with ambitious targets to reach 14 non-stop international destinations by 2030 and 39 international routes by 2050.”

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said the launch of this service marked another important step in the airline’s growth strategy.

“We know there’s strong demand for direct services between the South Island and Australia – allowing us to welcome even more Australian tourists directly into the heart of the South Island.  

“This route gives Aussies more choice and convenience when flying to Aotearoa and accessing all the South Island has to offer – from Queenstown and Fiordland to our world-class food and wine regions. We’re also making it even easier for Kiwis to discover the incredible experiences across South Australia. 

“Air New Zealand is entering an exciting new era. Capacity and availability are building, 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.”

SA Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison said:

“New Zealand is one of our top international markets, contributing $82 million to our economy each year.  

“Air New Zealand’s direct Christchurch service is the latest in a suite of commitments from international airlines connecting the world to our State and making it even easier to discover the simple pleasures South Australia has in abundance.  

“Now it is even easier for our friends across the Ditch to come and enjoy what South Australia has to offer.  

“Adelaide and Christchurch have been sister cities since 1972. This partnership aims to foster educational and economic collaborations, diplomatic relationships, cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two cities. We know our brothers and sisters love the abundance of nature experiences and worldclass food and wine and we can’t wait to welcome them here in South Australia.”

Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson said the route added strength to the airport’s growing network.

“This service is another fabulous addition to our trans-Tasman network. It builds on a strong civic and regional connection and supports more Kiwis and Aussies to explore each other’s backyards all year round.”