Taking on the Tasman: Air New Zealand Unleashes 1.7 Million Seats for Summer

Air New Zealand is going all out this summer, ramping up capacity across the Tasman and the Pacific Islands with a whopping 1.7 million seats up for grabs between October 2025 and March 2026. This move cements Air New Zealand’s place as the largest trans-Tasman carrier, offering more flights, more comfort, and more premium options than ever before.

More Seats, More Choice

The airline is adding 130,000 extra seats on its Australia routes, thanks to increased flight frequencies and the deployment of more widebody aircraft. Travellers can also expect an 8% boost in premium seating across the short-haul network, catering to the growing demand from both business and leisure flyers.

Key highlights include:

• Auckland–Perth: Nearly 30,000 extra seats (+29%), with flights jumping from daily to nine per week.
• Auckland–Sydney: 25,000 additional seats (+20%), including 7,500 premium seats and up to 13 widebody flights weekly.
• Auckland–Melbourne: 16,000 more seats, including up to 13 widebody flights per week.
• Auckland–Brisbane: 18,400 extra seats, with daily widebody flights and more during peak times.
• Auckland–Gold Coast: 8,500 extra seats (+12%) and 11 weekly services over summer.
• Queenstown–Sydney: 9,600 extra seats (+26%), now nine flights a week for the December–February period.
• Christchurch–Melbourne: 9,500 more seats (+14%) and over 400 flights for the season.

Pacific Islands Get a Boost

It’s not just the Tasman getting attention—Air New Zealand is also adding more than 25,000 seats to the Pacific Islands, supporting growth and keeping Kiwis and Aussies connected to paradise. Look out for:

• Auckland–Rarotonga: 8,000 extra seats, with up to 12 weekly flights at peak.
• Auckland–Nadi: 8,600 more seats and up to 11 flights per week.
• Auckland–Papeete: 1,600 extra seats, with a 37% increase in premium seating.

A Kiwi Commitment to Connection

Air New Zealand’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jeremy O’Brien, says the airline is stepping up as demand soars:

“With more aircraft back in service and demand heating up, we’re stepping up our services across the Tasman. This isn’t just about flying more often. It’s about giving our customers better options, more comfort, and more reasons to choose Air New Zealand. We’re expanding our premium offering and strengthening our network across both Australia and the Pacific.”

The airline’s proud 85-year history of flying the Tasman continues, with milestones like the launch of Christchurch–Adelaide, a 30% capacity boost on Auckland–Perth, and 30 years of direct Queenstown–Sydney flights being celebrated this season.

What This Means for Travellers

With up to 380 trans-Tasman flights per week and a surge in premium seating, travellers will have more flexibility, comfort, and choice than ever before. Whether you’re off to see family, chasing a summer escape, or heading to the Pacific for some R&R, Air New Zealand is making it easier and better to get across the ditch.

Ready to book your spot? With seats filling fast, now’s the time to lock in your summer adventure with Air New Zealand.