Flights between Hobart and Auckland to return in October following seasonal pause

Flights between Hobart and Auckland will pause, but it won’t be for long with a timeline already revealing its return.

Passengers on the inaugural Air New Zealand flight from Auckland arrive at Hobart international Airport. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The last flight from New Zealand to Hobart will arrive on Friday before a seasonal pause is implemented.

Air New Zealand resumed flights between Hobart and Auckland in October, and the number of people travelling on the route has increased from previous years.

“The return of Air New Zealand direct flights to Hobart has been a soaring success,” Premier

Jeremy Rockliff said.

“Tasmania’s visitor economy has benefited from more than 23,200 travellers who have

arrived in our state aboard the Air New Zealand flights this season.

“This is a marked 11 per cent increase on the previous year, with full flights, averaging

around 86 per cent of all seats filled on every flight.

“It’s great news for our accommodation, restaurant, cafe and attraction operators across

the state, with visitors from New Zealand ranking among the top spenders of all travellers.”

Premier Jeremy Rockliff. Question time in the Tasmanian House of Assembly. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said the Air New Zealand flights would return in October.

“This is not goodbye, this is see you soon,” Mr Carter said.

“In fact, travellers can already jump online and book tickets for the much anticipated return of the popular service.

“It’s really proven to be a must-do trip, whether you’re a Tasmanian looking for a break or a

New Zealander looking for a great holiday here.

“We’re continuing to work with Air New Zealand to potentially expand the season in the

Future.

“This is all part of Hobart Airport’s commitment to making tomorrow’s Tasmania

possible, with more international offerings.”

Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter, Air New Zealand General Manager Australia Kathryn O'Brien. Air New Zealand Australian Airports Senior Manager Scott Smith, and Air New Zealand Ground Transport Crew Member Hannah Kennedy. Picture: Steve Watts.

Air New Zealand General Manager Australia Kathryn O’Brien said she looked forward to the resumption of flights between Hobart and Auckland.

“Whether it’s our customers or our crew, we love flying to Tasmania and can’t wait to be

back in October,” Ms O’Brien said.

“We’ve seen growth in the popularity of this service year on year.

“Of course, travellers from Auckland represent the largest cohort of travellers, but it’s also popular with those from Wellington and Christchurch too.

“This season, we’ve also seen a great uptake of travellers from Vancouver, Canada, using the service to travel to Tasmania because of the gateway Auckland has to North America.

“On the flip side, we’ve seen Tasmanians really love the chance to check out New Zealand,

or stopover for a gateway to further afield destinations in North America, Asia or the Pacific

Islands.”

Earlier this month, Mr Carter said the airport was in discussions with airlines about establishing flights from Hobart to Asian destinations such as Singapore and Hong Kong.