The news that Air New Zealand will commence direct seasonal services between Christchurch and Adelaide from 27 Oct has been welcomed by the trade.
The service, operating twice a week to 27 Mar, reflects growing Kiwi demand to explore beyond traditional eastern gateways, says the South Australian Tourism Commission’s regional manager New Zealand Stacey Kerr. New Zealand is the equal second largest international market for South Australia, tied with China, and in 2024 48,000 Kiwis headed to the state, says the tourism body. With 58% of Kiwi travellers looking for new destinations to discover, Kerr says the new flights make it easier for Kiwis to experience the South Australia region “In addition to Adelaide city itself, and the popular Barossa and Clare Valley wine regions, we’re seeing increasing interest in off-the-beaten track regions like the Flinders Ranges and Eyre Peninsula.” Adelaide Airport md Brenton Cox is delighted NZ has recognised the strong pent-up demand between ADL and CHC. “Our data shows that close to 50,000 passengers are travelling indirectly between Adelaide and the South Island each year, with a relatively even split of inbound and outbound travel, so we’re confident that there will be significant interest in this new service.” Christchurch Airport ceo Justin Watson adds that the service builds on a strong civic and regional connection and supports more Kiwis and Aussies to explore each other’s backyards all year round.
. . . Rebooking
Air New Zealand is offering passengers flexibility, following the release of its new seasonal CHC > ADL service. Clients with tickets issued before 04 Jun for travel between CHC and ADL on NZ’s indirect services can change to the new direct service without penalty fees, though any fare difference must be collected.
