Air New Zealand Resumes Direct Flights Between Narita and Christchurch After 11 Years

Air New Zealand will resume seasonal direct flights between Narita and Christchurch on November 27, 2026, strengthening its network connecting Japan and New Zealand.

Currently, Air New Zealand operates the only direct service between Japan and New Zealand, with daily flights on the Narita-Auckland route, increasing to 10 flights weekly during the Southern Hemisphere summer season. From November 2026, by operating the Narita-Christchurch route three times a week seasonally, total direct flights between Japan and New Zealand will reach up to 13 flights per week during the summer season. This seasonal service is the first resumption in approximately 11 years since March 2015, providing a new, smoother option for travel from Japan to Christchurch, the largest city on the South Island.

The Narita-Christchurch service will operate on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (excluding the inaugural flight). The airline will use newly refurbished Boeing 787-9 aircraft, allowing customers to experience the updated cabin product.

The South Island, where Christchurch Airport is located, is home to numerous natural tourist attractions, including Aoraki/Mount Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand; Lake Tekapo, one of the world's premier dark sky reserves; easily accessible glaciers; and the majestic fjords of Milford Sound, offering different experiences depending on the season. According to Tourism New Zealand, approximately 61% of travelers to New Zealand visit the South Island, indicating high interest. The primary benefit of the direct flight to Christchurch is that it eliminates the need to transfer to a domestic flight in Auckland, making it easier for tourists to access the natural beauty of New Zealand.

Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran (Note: Source text mentions Nikhil Ravishankar, using source name) stated, "We are seeing increased demand for travel between Japan and New Zealand for tourism, business, study, and visiting family and friends. We are delighted to provide our Japanese customers with smoother access to New Zealand's South Island through the Narita-Christchurch flights."

"Through our domestic flight network connecting from Christchurch and Auckland to over 20 cities across the country, travelers can enjoy the diverse attractions of various regions in a single trip. We hope this service resumption will further expand the exchange between Japan and New Zealand."

Noriyaki Nagahara, Air New Zealand's Japan Regional Manager, added, "Christchurch is the gateway to exploring the South Island and is loved as a starting point for nature-filled journeys. Through this service resumption, we want to bring the charm of the South Island closer to many Japanese customers."

"The flight schedule includes a night flight departing after 9:00 PM for the outbound journey, allowing customers to effectively utilize their time after finishing work. The return flight departs Christchurch during the day, which reduces the burden of early morning departures and facilitates easier connections from regional cities. Furthermore, utilizing the return flight from Auckland makes it easier to plan itineraries that include both the South Island and the North Island."

"Through this new direct flight, Air New Zealand will continue to provide opportunities for travel that will remain in each customer's heart as an airline connecting Japan and New Zealand."

■ Narita-Christchurch Direct Flight Operation Schedule

Operating thrice-weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, using newly refurbished Boeing 787-9 V4 aircraft.

Operation Period: November 27, 2026 – May 8, 2027

Please check the official website for detailed schedules.
https://www.airnewzealand.jp/nrt-flights-information

*Note: This information is as announced in New Zealand on May 20, 2026, and is subject to regulatory approval.

In addition, a "Spectacular Direct Flight" campaign commemorating the service resumption starts today. For details, please check the release posted on the Air New Zealand official website.
https://www.airnewzealand.jp/press-release-2026-air-new-zealand-directflights-to-christchurch-campaign