Qantas Expands Flight Capacity to Boost New Zealand Summer Tourism

Qantas Elevates Travel Options for the Summer Season

Qantas has launched an exciting initiative aimed at enhancing travel between Australia and New Zealand, with a significant increase in flight capacity for December 2025 and January 2026. This move is set to offer a whopping 60,000 more seats, translating to a potential 20% increase in capacity during the peak holiday season.

Boosting Popular Routes

The increase is particularly notable on some of the most traveled routes. Passengers can expect a substantial rise in availability, for instance:

Brisbane to Queenstown will see a 75% capacity increase.
Melbourne to Queenstown will grow by 50%.
Sydney to Christchurch and Wellington will receive increases of 47% и 31%, respectively.
Melbourne to Auckland will also expand by 23%.

Overall, Qantas aims to provide over 3.3 million seats across the Tasman up to January 2026, enhancing connectivity and flexibility for those looking to explore the delights of Aotearoa during this bustling time.

Innovations in Air Travel

As part of its service enhancement, Qantas is set to introduce Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights between Brisbane and Auckland starting August 2025. This upgrade brings an exciting new dimension to the route, including the introduction of Premium Economy, enhancing the travel experience with an 80% increase in premium seating availability.

Initially, these flights will operate three times a week but will shift to a daily schedule by October 2025, making it much simpler for travelers to find convenient flight options.

Insights from Qantas Leadership

Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace emphasizes the airline’s commitment to increasing services to New Zealand, drawing attention to the anticipated “huge growth” in 2025. This includes improvements at the Auckland lounge and the launch of new routes with Jetstar, intending to cater to the influx of travelers.

Wallace mentioned, “This capacity boost provides almost 60,000 additional seats compared to last summer, offering customers greater choice and convenience. This development not only supports tourism but also contributes to economic growth on both sides of the Tasman.

Encouraging New Zealand Tourism

Andrew Waddel, the Regional Director for Australia at Tourism New Zealand, expressed excitement about the expanded options for Australian travelers. With increased flights across major ports, Waddel highlighted how the longer summer days and warmer weather create an ideal backdrop for exploring New Zealand’s natural wonders, cycling trails, and culinary delights.

He noted that Australians are increasingly eager to uncover the hidden gems of New Zealand, thereby benefiting significantly from Qantas’s initiatives to boost travel capacity.

Effects on Airfare and Demand

Melissa Elf, Managing Director at Flight Centre Corporate, views this expansion positively as it could lead to lowered costs and improved capacity. Despite rising demand and airfares due to constrained capacity, she notes that the appetite for travel remains strong, with a recorded 10% increase in trans-Tasman travel in early 2025.

Additional flights will help to alleviate the supply constraints presently impacting travel options, thereby making it easier for Australians to visit New Zealand.

Flight Schedule Enhancements: December 2025 to January 2026

Маршрут	Current Schedule	Seasonal Seasonal Change
Sydney – Auckland	35 flights per week	Up to 6 additional flights
Sydney – Christchurch	14 flights per week	Up to 7 additional flights
Sydney – Wellington	14 flights per week	Up to 5 additional flights
Melbourne – Auckland	28 flights per week	Up to 7 additional flights
Melbourne – Christchurch	11 flights per week	Up to 3 additional flights
Melbourne – Queenstown	4 flights per week	Up to 2 additional flights
Brisbane – Queenstown	4 flights per week	Up to 3 additional flights

Resuming Nonstop Flights from South Australia

In a further boost, Qantas will reinstate nonstop international service from South Australia starting October 31, 2025, with the Adelaide–Auckland route adding over 30,000 seats between the two cities.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Tourism

The expansion of flight capacity by Qantas heralds a rejuvenating wave for summer tourism between Australia and New Zealand. With higher capacity, enhanced flight options, and lower airfares anticipated, it promises a promising outlook for travelers eager to experience Aotearoa. As exciting as all this news is, nothing can quite match the experience of visiting. When planning your adventures, consider the extensive range of options available on GetExperience.com, where verified providers offer tours and services tailored to every taste and budget. With the convenience of online booking and confirmation, travelers can enjoy peace of mind without breaking the bank. This summer, don’t hesitate to explore just what New Zealand has to offer. Забронируйте сейчас с GetExperience.com.