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Air New Zealand has restarted seasonal flights between Cairns and Auckland.
Twice-weekly A321neo flights on Tuesdays and Saturdays commenced earlier this month and will run until 26 October, with an additional Thursday service to begin on 25 June. The previous Cairns–Auckland service ended in October last year.
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“We’re thrilled to welcome our seasonal services back to Cairns and look forward to welcoming even more Aussies onboard over the next few months,” said Air New Zealand’s general manager of Australia, Kathryn O’Brien.
“The seasonal Auckland to Cairns service provides the perfect excuse for a getaway to explore New Zealand.”
According to O’Brien, the route connects to 20 destinations around New Zealand, including Queenstown, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.
“Whether you’re an adventure seeker, looking for a family getaway or a solo traveller, New Zealand has something for everyone, including stunning snow-capped mountains and pristine beaches,” she said.
Richard Barker, CEO of Cairns Airport, said the winter peak service has proven “highly popular” among Cairns and Tropical North Queensland locals looking to ski and explore New Zealand.
“Non-stop flights from Auckland also offer a seamless tropical getaway for New Zealand holidaymakers, placing Cairns, Port Douglas and the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef just hours away, and provide a vital link for those with family and friends on either side of the Tasman,” he said.
“Significantly, this route also greatly enhances travel connections to and from North America, with a one-stop connection from Los Angeles or San Francisco via Auckland.
“We look forward to welcoming more of our Kiwi friends to our region and expect to see many local travellers once again making the most of these direct flights.”
Cairns has seen boosts to its international capacity in recent months, including the upgrade of Singapore Airlines’ four-times-weekly Changi services from 737 MAX 8s to A350-900s, and a Lunar New Year service by China Eastern from Shanghai operating for two weeks in February.
