Air New Zealand has launched its new seasonal service between Queenstown and Brisbane last week, strengthening direct connections between the South Island and Australia’s east coast.

The new services add 16,500 seats to Air New Zealand’s trans-Tasman network and the service will operate three times a week through to 23 October 2026.

Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul and Domestic, Lucy Hall, says over winter the airline has increased capacity from Australia’s east coast to Queenstown by 40% and demand for the region is strong.

“The increase in capacity and addition of our Queenstown–Brisbane route reflects the airline’s commitment to growing where Kiwi travellers want to go and providing more opportunities for visitors to access the beautiful South Island directly,” she says.

“Our role is to keep New Zealand connected, competitive and open to the world. These additional seats will not only help New Zealanders access Brisbane and Queensland more easily but will also support tourism in the South.

“This new service is perfectly timed to align to the Queensland and New Zealand July school holiday period and we’re looking forward to welcoming families on board over this period,” Hall says.