Tasmania targets Kiwi tourists as Air New Zealand announces new Hobart to Auckland flights

Tasmanians will once again be able to get across the ditch without a stopover on the mainland. Here’s when flights to Auckland will recommence.

First direct flight from New Zealand to Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

Tourism Tasmania will take its Come Down For Air campaign back to the Land of the Long White Cloud, as Air New Zealand confirmed that direct flights from Auckland to Hobart will recommence in October.

Tourism Tasmania chief executive Sarah Clark said the New Zealand market represented a significant part of the organisation’s international strategy, with visitation from the state’s cross-Tasman neighbours remaining strong.

Ms Clark said Tasmania welcomed 17,000 Kiwi tourists last year, with the data revealing New Zealanders had the highest average spend of any international visitor in 2023.

“The direct Auckland to Hobart service, first introduced in 2021, has proven popular with thousands of travellers, including many Tasmanians, and we are excited to see it recommencing from October.” Ms Clark said.

“US passengers have taken advantage of this route, providing one-stop connectivity to Tasmania via Auckland from major cities including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston and New York.”

The “Come Down For Air” campaign will launch in New Zealand from 21 April, featuring television advertisements and other promotional activities.

Tourism Tasmania will back the campaign by collaborating with travel agents, trade publications, and travel websites to ensure Tasmania remains top of mind for New Zealanders when planning their next holiday.

Air New Zealand general manager Jeremy O’Brien said the airline was pleased to recommence seasonal direct flights from October, after a six-month hiatus.

“We look forward to being able to provide travellers with the direct route three times a week, commencing from 27 October and running through to the end of March 2025,” Mr O’Brien said.

Tourism Tasmania has been running its Come Down For Air campaign in New Zealand since January 2021.

Originally published as Tasmania targets Kiwi tourists as Air New Zealand announces new Hobart to Auckland flights