CHRISTCHURCH — Air New Zealand is strengthening its international network with a new seasonal route connecting Christchurch to the Cook Islands’ capital of Rarotonga, opening South Island travelers to one of the Pacific’s most popular island destinations.
Beginning May 26, 2026, the airline will operate three round-trip flights per week between Christchurch (CHC) and Rarotonga (RAR). The service will run through October 24, 2026, coinciding with New Zealand’s winter months when demand for warm-weather escapes peaks.
Strengthening South Island Links
The new route represents Air New Zealand’s ongoing effort to boost international travel options directly from the South Island, rather than routing passengers through Auckland. Flights will depart Christchurch at 3:40 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, returning from Rarotonga at 11:30 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
Across the five-month season, the carrier will offer approximately 18,000 seats, providing additional capacity for leisure travelers and strengthening tourism ties between the two regions.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar said the decision reflects strong customer demand and aligns with the company’s strategic goal of positioning Christchurch as a major international gateway.
“Launching this direct service ahead of the July school holidays makes it even easier for families to trade frosty mornings for tropical sunshine,” he said.
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson welcomed the development, calling it a significant win for South Island travelers. “This new direct flight makes that even easier. It’s another great step in expanding international options for our airport,” Watson said.
Boost for Regional Tourism
The Cook Islands rely heavily on tourism, with travelers from New Zealand forming one of its largest visitor markets. Direct flights from Christchurch are expected to boost visitor numbers, especially from southern regions such as Canterbury, Otago, and Southland, where winter travel demand traditionally surges.
For Air New Zealand, the addition underscores its broader strategy of rebuilding and diversifying Pacific connections following several years of post-pandemic recovery and network recalibration. The airline already serves Rarotonga from Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles, but the new route will be the only direct connection from the South Island.
Bookings for the Christchurch–Rarotonga flights open November 5, 2025, pending regulatory approval.
Air New Zealand’s Global Role
Founded in 1940, Air New Zealand has evolved into one of the Pacific’s leading carriers, recognized for safety, customer service, and operational reliability. In 2024, it transported more than 16 million passengers and was named World’s Safest Airline for 2025 by AirlineRatings.com.
The airline operates a modern, fuel-efficient fleet that includes Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, Airbus A320s, and ATR turboprops, with an average aircraft age of 9.9 years. Domestically, it links 20 regions across New Zealand, while internationally it serves major destinations throughout Australia, the Pacific Islands, Asia, and North America.
As a member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline network, Air New Zealand customers can access more than 16,000 daily flights to nearly 1,200 airports in 186 countries.
The company has also emphasized environmental responsibility through its Sustainability Framework, targeting carbon-reduction initiatives and fuel-efficiency improvements. Meanwhile, its Airpoints loyalty program has surpassed four million members, cementing its place as New Zealand’s largest frequent-flyer network.
Gateway to the Cook Islands
For travelers, Rarotonga serves as the main hub for the Cook Islands, situated roughly halfway between New Zealand and Hawaii. From there, visitors can continue onward to smaller islands such as Aitutaki, famed for its turquoise lagoon and coral islets.
The island’s tropical climate makes it a year-round destination, but May through October—coinciding with Air New Zealand’s seasonal service—offers the driest, most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs around 27 °C (81 °F).
Muri Lagoon remains the island’s activity center, offering snorkeling, kayaking, and lagoon cruises, while the Punanga Nui Market in Avarua draws visitors every Saturday with local crafts and food. For adventure seekers, the Cross-Island Hike to Te Rua Manga (“The Needle”) rewards climbers with sweeping views across the lush interior.
Expanding Horizons for Christchurch
The new route marks another milestone for Christchurch Airport as it continues to reestablish itself as a key international hub following years of limited global service.
For travelers in the South Island, the connection means fewer domestic transfers and faster access to one of the South Pacific’s premier holiday destinations. For Air New Zealand, it reflects both confidence in regional growth and a renewed commitment to connecting New Zealanders with the wider Pacific.
