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Qantas is increasing seasonal flights to New Zealand over the end-of-year peak.
From 15 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, the Flying Kangaroo will increase its trans-Tasman seats by up to 20 per cent, with 60,000 extra seats compared to the same time last year – or around 3.3 million seats in total.
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Additionally, Qantas will bring its 787-9 Dreamliners to flights from Brisbane to Auckland, starting three times per week in August and increasing to daily in October. This will be the second trans-Tasman Dreamliner service for Qantas, alongside its route from Sydney to New York via Auckland.
“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,” said Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.
“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’s regional director for Australia, Andrew Waddel, welcomed the move, which comes as Qantas also plans to restart international flights between Adelaide and Auckland, as well as bring back its non-stop Perth-Auckland service.
“It’s exciting to see even greater choice for Australian travellers who are heading across the Tasman over the holiday period,” he said.
“With an increase across all four major ports, there are even more options for travellers to kick start their Aotearoa New Zealand getaway.
“We welcome the increase in capacity from Qantas and look forward to our Australian friends experiencing all Aotearoa New Zealand has to offer.”
Flight changes are below:
- 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.
