Air New Zealand is bringing two of New Zealand's great regions closer together, announcing plans for the first ever direct jet service between Queenstown and Hamilton.
The new year-round service will take off in late June 2027, with three return flights a week on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Operated by an Airbus A320 with 171 seats, the service will bring more opportunity for travellers to discover the best of both places.
For Waikato travellers, that means being able to swap the rolling green hills for Queenstown's snow-capped mountains in a single flight, just in time for the busy winter season. The new connection will also make it easier for international visitors to explore more of New Zealand, linking Queenstown's world-famous scenery and adventure experiences with the Waikato's iconic attractions, including Hamilton Gardens, Hobbiton and Waitomo Caves.
The service will also create new opportunities for businesses in the Waikato and Queenstown to connect across the North and South Islands.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Nikhil Ravishankar says the new route is an example of the airline’s targeted approach to growth, adding capacity where customer demand and regional opportunity are strong.
“We’re making deliberate choices about where we grow, and this route is a great example. There’s strong demand for travel between Hamilton and Queenstown, supported by the clear tourism links between both destinations and the continued growth of Hamilton and the wider Waikato.
“For Waikato travellers, it means a direct flight to Queenstown for a winter getaway or a long weekend. It also gives visitors to Queenstown another way to explore New Zealand, including the Waikato’s iconic attractions. We see real potential to bring more visitors to both regions and support the tourism businesses that make them special.”
The new route builds on the return of domestic jet services to Hamilton in September 2025, when Air New Zealand introduced its Christchurch–Hamilton service after a 25-year absence.
Nikhil Ravishankar says the new service is also a great example of what can be achieved through strong partnership.
“Growing tourism takes people working together. We’ve worked closely with Hamilton and Queenstown airports to make this route possible, and it’s exciting to see what that partnership can deliver for travellers, local businesses and both regions.”
Queenstown Airport Chief Executive Shane O'Hare says the new connection will provide another convenient way for visitors to experience the Southern Lakes region.
“This new Air New Zealand route is great news for residents, visitors, and businesses across both regions. Direct flights between the Waikato and Southern Lakes will make travel easier and create new opportunities for visitors to experience Queenstown and the wider region. We’re delighted to welcome the service and look forward to its launch next year.”
Hamilton Airport Chief Executive Mark Morgan says the new route reflects Hamilton’s growing role as a gateway to the central North Island.
“This service gives residents a more convenient way to reach Queenstown and supports longstanding interest from tour operators in linking the two regions directly. So this is great news for whole of the central North Island.”
Flights between Queenstown and Hamilton will be available to book from late November at airnewzealand.co.nz.
Above Photo: Todd Grace, Queenstown Airport Chief of Aviation & Customer, Nikhil Ravishankar Air New Zealand CEO, Mark Morgan Hamilton Airport CEO