Qantas Increases Tasman Flights for Summer Holiday Season

Key Takeaways

• Qantas adds about 60,000 extra seats for Dec 2025–Jan 2026, increasing capacity by up to 20%.
• Christchurch Airport flights to Sydney rise 47%, with up to 21 weekly flights from 14.
• New Boeing 787 Dreamliner starts Aug 2025 on Brisbane-Auckland, offering Premium Economy and daily flights from October.

Qantas Expands Trans-Tasman Flights for Summer 2025-2026: What Travelers Need to Know

Qantas has announced a major increase in flights between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 for the upcoming summer holiday season. Starting December 15, 2025, and running through January 26, 2026, the airline will add about 60,000 extra seats across the Tasman compared to the same period last year. This move is set to make travel easier for families, tourists, business travelers, and anyone planning to visit friends or relatives during the busy summer months.

The biggest winner in this expansion is Christchurch Airport, which will see a dramatic rise in flights to and from Australia 🇦🇺. The changes are part of Qantas’ plan to strengthen its presence in the trans-Tasman market and respond to growing demand for travel between the two countries.

Let’s break down what this means for travelers, local economies, and the broader immigration and tourism landscape.

Qantas’ Summer Holiday Season Boost: The Key Details

On May 26, 2025, Qantas made its official announcement about the expanded summer schedule. The airline will increase its capacity on several key routes, giving travelers more choices and flexibility during the busiest travel period of the year.

Here’s what’s changing:

• Up to 20% more seats across the Tasman during December 2025 and January 2026
• About 60,000 extra seats compared to the previous summer
• Over 3.3 million seats will be available on Qantas flights between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 from January 2025 to January 2026

This increase is not just about numbers. It’s about making it easier for people to visit family, explore new places, and do business across the Tasman Sea during the summer holiday season.

Christchurch Airport: The Biggest Beneficiary

Christchurch Airport stands out as the main winner in this expansion. The airport will see:

• 47% more flights to Sydney (from 14 to up to 21 flights per week)
• 26% more flights to Melbourne (from 11 to up to 14 flights per week)

This means more direct options for travelers heading to or from the South Island, making it easier for Australians to explore New Zealand 🇳🇿 and for Kiwis to visit Australia 🇦🇺.

Justin Watson, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, welcomed the news, saying, “This is fantastic news, it shows Qantas recognises the strength of the Christchurch and the South Island market. These extra flights are a win for tourism, trade and travel. They’ll help businesses thrive and give Kiwis even more options.”

Gordon Bevan, the airport’s General Manager Aeronautical Development, added that the boost will be felt across the region, making it easier for Australian visitors to fly directly to the South Island.

Route-by-Route Breakdown: Where the Increases Are Happening

Qantas is not just adding flights to Christchurch. Several major routes between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 will see more flights, giving travelers more flexibility and better schedules.

Here’s a closer look at the changes:

The Brisbane-Queenstown route will see the largest percentage jump, with a 75% increase in flights. The Melbourne-Queenstown route will also get a 50% boost. These changes mean more options for travelers heading to some of New Zealand’s most popular tourist destinations.

New Aircraft and Service Upgrades

Qantas is not just adding more flights; it’s also upgrading the planes on some routes. Starting in August 2025, Qantas will introduce the Boeing 787 Dreamliner on the Brisbane-Auckland route. This modern aircraft will:

• Start with three flights per week in August 2025
• Increase to daily flights from October 2025
• Offer Premium Economy seats on the route for the first time
• Increase the number of premium seats by 80%

The Dreamliner is known for its comfort, quieter cabins, and better air quality, making long flights more pleasant. The addition of Premium Economy gives travelers more choice, especially those looking for extra comfort without paying for Business Class.

The timing of these new flights is also designed to connect smoothly with Qantas’ international services. This means travelers can easily connect to flights to Asia and Europe, making it simpler to plan multi-stop trips during the summer holiday season.

Why Is Qantas Making This Move?

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace explained the reasons behind the expansion: “We’ve seen huge growth for New Zealand in 2025, and this capacity boost represents almost 60,000 more seats compared to last summer. This increase will provide customers with additional choice and more convenience while supporting tourism and economic growth in both markets.”

The airline is responding to strong demand for travel between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿, especially during the summer months when families, tourists, and business travelers are on the move. By adding more flights and seats, Qantas hopes to make travel easier and more affordable, while also supporting tourism and trade.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For travelers, the benefits are clear:

• More flight options: With more flights on key routes, it’s easier to find a schedule that fits your plans.
• Better connections: The new flight times are designed to connect smoothly with other Qantas international flights.
• Lower fares: More seats usually mean less pressure on ticket prices, which could help keep fares from rising too much during the busy summer holiday season.
• More comfort: The introduction of the Dreamliner and Premium Economy on the Brisbane-Auckland route gives travelers more choices for comfort and service.

Andrew Waddel, Tourism New Zealand Regional Director for Australia, said, “With an increase across all four major ports, there are even more options for travelers to kick start their Aotearoa New Zealand getaway.” He also pointed out that Australians are keen to explore New Zealand’s coastlines, cycling trails, and food and wine experiences, especially in the summer when the days are longer and the weather is warmer.

Impact on Tourism and Local Economies

The extra flights are expected to bring more visitors to both countries, boosting local economies and supporting jobs in tourism, hospitality, and related industries.

Ali Adams, Chief Executive of ChristchurchNZ, said, “This is fantastic news for Ōtautahi Christchurch, it will give local businesses in our tourism sector a summer boost, while also supporting the city’s exporters and innovators.”

Tourism is a major part of both the Australian 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 economies. More flights mean more visitors, more spending, and more opportunities for local businesses. The increased capacity should also help ease pressure on airfares, making it more affordable for families and groups to travel during the peak season.

Immigration and Border Considerations

With more flights and travelers expected during the summer holiday season, it’s important for passengers to be aware of immigration and border requirements for both Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Key points to remember:

• Passport validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned travel dates.
• Visa requirements: Australian citizens do not need a visa to visit New Zealand 🇳🇿 for short stays, but other nationalities may need to apply for a visa or a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). You can check the latest visa requirements on the New Zealand Immigration website.
• Travel declarations: Some travelers may need to complete travel declarations or health forms before departure. Always check the latest requirements before you fly.
• Customs and biosecurity: Both countries have strict rules about what you can bring in, especially food, plants, and animal products. Declare all items to avoid fines or delays.

For those traveling for work, study, or longer stays, it’s important to apply for the correct visa and have all necessary documents ready. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, being prepared with the right paperwork can help avoid delays at the border and make your trip smoother.

How the Changes Affect Different Groups

Families and Holidaymakers

The extra flights and seats make it easier for families to plan trips during school holidays. With more options, it’s simpler to find flights that fit your schedule and budget. The increased capacity should also help keep fares reasonable, even during the busiest weeks.

Business Travelers

For business travelers, the expanded schedule means more flexibility and better connections. The introduction of Premium Economy on the Brisbane-Auckland route is especially useful for those who want extra comfort without the cost of Business Class.

Students

Many students travel between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 for study or to visit family during the holidays. The extra flights make it easier to find affordable tickets and convenient schedules, especially for those returning home for the summer break.

Local Businesses and Tourism Operators

Local businesses, especially in tourism hotspots like Christchurch, Queenstown, and Auckland, stand to benefit from the increased number of visitors. More flights mean more customers for hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and shops.

Looking Ahead: Qantas’ Broader Strategy

This summer capacity boost is part of a larger plan by Qantas to grow its presence in the trans-Tasman market. The airline has also announced:

• Two new routes to New Zealand 🇳🇿
• Refurbishment of its Auckland lounge
• Plans to launch three new trans-Tasman routes for Jetstar

With these changes, Qantas aims to have the highest frequency of flights between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 during the busy summer holiday season. This shows the airline’s confidence in the continued growth of travel between the two countries.

What Should Travelers Do Next?

If you’re planning to travel between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿 during the summer holiday season, here are some practical steps:

1. Book early: With more seats available, you have more options, but flights can still fill up quickly during peak times.
2. Check visa and entry requirements: Visit the official New Zealand Immigration website for the latest information on visas and travel rules.
3. Prepare your documents: Make sure your passport is valid and you have any required visas or travel authorizations.
4. Stay updated: Airline schedules can change, so keep an eye on updates from Qantas and your departure airport.
5. Declare all items: Remember to declare any food, plants, or animal products when entering either country to avoid fines.

Conclusion: A Win for Travelers and the Region

Qantas’ decision to boost trans-Tasman flights for the summer holiday season is good news for travelers, local economies, and the tourism industry. With more flights, better connections, and upgraded services, it’s now easier than ever to plan a trip between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿.

Whether you’re visiting family, exploring new places, or doing business, the expanded schedule gives you more choice and flexibility. Just remember to check your travel documents, book early, and stay informed about the latest immigration and border requirements.

For more detailed information on travel and immigration between Australia 🇦🇺 and New Zealand 🇳🇿, you can always refer to official government resources or consult trusted sources like VisaVerge.com. Safe travels and enjoy your summer holiday season!

Learn Today

Trans-Tasman → Travel or trade between Australia and New Zealand across the Tasman Sea.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner → A modern aircraft offering enhanced comfort, better air quality, and quieter cabins.
Premium Economy → A class of airline seating offering extra comfort above economy but below business class.
Visa → Official permission required for some travelers to enter or stay in a country.
Customs → Government procedures controlling goods and items brought into a country, ensuring legality and safety.

This Article in a Nutshell

Qantas expands trans-Tasman flights for summer 2025–2026, adding 60,000 seats and new Dreamliner service. Christchurch Airport sees huge growth, aiding tourism and business. New routes and premium options improve travel comfort and connectivity across Australia and New Zealand during peak season.
— By VisaVerge.com