Qantas boosts flights to New Zealand over summer peak

Qantas will increase its New Zealand capacity over the summer.

Qantas will offer more flights between Australia and New Zealand, boosting its capacity by up to 20 per cent over the peak summer season, from December through to January 2026.

The additional flights provide more options and greater choice for customers travelling between the two countries during the peak summer holiday period, with around 60,000 additional seats compared to the same time last year.

More flights will be added on the following routes:

• Sydney – Auckland: Up to six additional flights per week, 16 per cent increase.

• Sydney – Christchurch: Up to seven additional flights per week, 47 per cent increase.

  
  

• Sydney – Wellington: Up to five additional flights per week, 31 per cent increase.

• Melbourne – Auckland: Up to seven additional flights per week, 23 per cent increase.

  
  

• Melbourne – Christchurch: Up to three additional flights per week, 26 per cent increase.

  
  

• Melbourne – Queenstown: Up to two additional flights per week, 50 per cent increase.

  
  

• Brisbane – Queenstown: Up to three additional flights per week, 75 per cent increase.

  
  

The increase will see Qantas operate more than 3.3 million seats across the Tasman between January 2025 and January 2026, supporting tourism growth in both New Zealand and Australia.

In addition, Qantas will soon introduce its Boeing 787 Dreamliner on flights between Auckland and Brisbane, bringing Premium Economy to the route and increasing premium seat choices for customers by up to 80 per cent.

The 787 Dreamliner service will initially operate three times per week from August 2025 and increase to daily from October 2025. This marks the airline’s second 787 service between Australia and New Zealand, in addition to flights between Auckland and Sydney as part of the airline’s QF3 and QF4 service to New York.

“This year has already seen huge growth in New Zealand for Qantas Group, from the announcement of two new Qantas routes to the refurbishment of our Auckland lounge well underway and the upcoming launch of three more new trans-Tasman routes for Jetstar,” CEO Qantas International Cam Wallace said.

“Today we’re so pleased to offer even more Tasman flying for customers, which will mean Qantas will have the most frequency between Australia and New Zealand at one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

“This capacity boost represents almost 60,000 more seats compared to last summer, giving our customers additional choice and more convenience as well as supporting tourism and economic growth in both markets.”

Tourism New Zealand Regional Director – Australia, Andrew Waddel said: “It’s exciting to see even greater choice for Australian travellers who are heading across the Tasman over the holiday period. With an increase across all four major ports, there are even more options for travellers to kick start their Aotearoa New Zealand getaway.

“We know Australians are interested in exploring the country’s tranquil coastlines, world-class cycling trails and unique food and wine, and the longer days and warmer weather make it a fantastic time of year to experience it all and more.

“We welcome the increase in capacity from Qantas and look forward to our Australian friends experiencing all Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.”

source - travelweekly.com.au