Air New Zealand will return to Hobart for a sixth seasonal flying period in October 2026, with more flights, additional seats and an extended service giving Tasmanians greater access to New Zealand and onward international destinations.
The direct Hobart to Auckland route will operate three times a week for most of the 2026-27 season. A fourth weekly flight will be added during the peak period from 27 February to 20 March.
The expanded schedule will provide a 28 per cent increase in seats compared with the same period last year.
The Tasmanian Government is supporting the additional capacity through its Aviation Attraction Fund. Parliamentary Secretary Marcus Vermey said the increase reflected confidence in Tasmania’s tourism sector.
“Air New Zealand growing its service to our state is a strong vote of confidence in Tasmania as a destination, and the strength of our tourism industry,” Mr Vermey said.
He said the expanded service would support jobs in the visitor economy while giving Tasmanians more options when travelling overseas.
Hobart Airport chief executive officer Norris Carter said strong demand had helped the airport, Air New Zealand and the Tasmanian Government secure a longer season and increased capacity for the next three years.
The service will operate from 25 October until the end of April, extending its coverage to include Easter and more school holiday travel.
Tourism Tasmania chief executive Sarah Kingston Clark said the 2026-27 season was expected to include up to 170 flights and more than 33,000 seats. This represents an increase of 36 flights, or 27 per cent, and 7,268 seats, or 28 per cent, compared with the previous year.
“The expanded Hobart-Auckland service reflects the growing demand for Tasmania from international visitors and strengthens our connection to key markets including New Zealand and the United States,” Ms Kingston Clark said.
The direct route allows passengers to complete international departure procedures in Hobart before flying to Auckland in approximately three and a half hours.
From Auckland, travellers can explore destinations across New Zealand or connect to cities including New York, Los Angeles and Vancouver without first travelling through Melbourne or Sydney.
Air New Zealand general manager short haul and domestic Lucy Hall said the airline was pleased to return to Hobart for another season.
She said the expanded schedule reflected continued demand for the route and the cooperation between Air New Zealand, Hobart Airport and the Tasmanian Government.
The service is supported by the Aviation Attraction Fund, with the partners planning continued growth over the next three years.
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