Direct flights between Hobart and Auckland will return for a sixth season with more services, more seats and for longer.
Air NZ’s seasonal service is returning to the island state next month (October) with three flights a week; a fourth, peak service will also run from February 27 to March 20, 2027.
The Tasmanian Government is partly funding a 28% growth in seating capacity for the next three years under its Aviation Attraction Fund.
Parliamentary Secretary Marcus Vermey says the Kiwi air carrier’s decision is “a strong vote of confidence” in Tasmania as a destination.
“This kind of growth also supports jobs in our visitor economy and gives Tasmanians more choice when they travel.
“Through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we’re strengthening our tourism industry.”
Hobart Airport Chief Executive Officer Norris Carter said strong demand for an ongoing seasonal service has prompted the decision.
“This is a great result for Tasmanians and reflects the strong demand we’re seeing for direct travel between Tasmania and New Zealand,” he says.
“The service will now run from October 25 (2026) to the end of April (2027), which is great for Easter and will also capture more school holiday traffic.”
Tourism Tasmania CEO Sarah Kingston Clark says the expansion means up to 170 flights and over 33,000 seats per season for three years, an increase of 36 flights (27%) and 7268 more seats (28%) compared to last year.
AUCKLAND GATEWAY OFFERS MORE DIRECT ACCESS
Clark also points out that the direct Hobart-Auckland service will open the island state to North American destinations like Los Angeles, new York and Vancouver by avoiding transits through Melbourne or Sydney.
“The expanded Hobart-Auckland service reflects a growing demand for Tasmania from international visitors and strengthens our connection to key markets including New Zealand and the US,” she says.
“This is great news for our tourism industry, our visitors and Tasmanians who benefit from stronger air access.”
Air New Zealand’s General Manager Short Haul and Domestic, Lucy Hall, says the new schedule reflects the continual popularity of the route with strong support over successive seasons.
Traveller Shaun Wilson, who was on the first direct flight to Auckland in April 2021, says the service has become an important part of his family’s travel plans.
“We use the service regularly when it operates. It’s a fantastic way to travel, making visits to family and friends across New Zealand much easier without connecting through Melbourne or Sydney.”
