Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Air New Zealand Relaunches Direct Auckland To Hobart Flights, Strengthening Australia’s Tourism Industry With Seamless International Access And Twenty-Five Thousand Additional Seats
Published on
October 26, 2025
Air New Zealand’s relaunch of direct flights from Auckland to Hobart marks a significant step in enhancing Australia’s tourism industry. The new service not only provides seamless international access to the popular Tasmanian destination but also adds an impressive 25,000 seats annually, catering to the growing demand for international travel. This move is set to boost tourism by making Hobart more accessible to New Zealand travelers, while simultaneously encouraging economic growth through increased visitor spending and global exposure.
Air New Zealand is set to reintroduce its direct flights from Auckland to Hobart this spring, offering fast, convenient, and seamless international access. The first flight took off on 26 October, marking the return of this highly anticipated seasonal service. The flights will add 25,000 international seats, significantly boosting the tourism capacity for Tasmania, especially during the peak summer season. This increase in capacity is a major development for the state, further cementing its position as a top tourist destination for international travelers.
The launch of these direct flights is a response to growing demand for easier and quicker access to Tasmania, which has become an increasingly popular destination for both international and domestic visitors. The service will run three times a week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, from 26 October until 29 March 2026. Air New Zealand’s decision to relaunch the service reflects the airline’s confidence in the route’s long-term success and the strong demand from passengers looking for direct, no-hassle flights between Auckland and Hobart.
Tourism officials have welcomed the return of the direct flights, recognizing their importance for Tasmania’s tourism sector. New Zealand has consistently been a crucial market for the state, with thousands of visitors traveling across the Tasman Sea to explore Tasmania’s natural beauty, vibrant cities, and unique wildlife. The direct flights will not only help attract more visitors from New Zealand but also cater to U.S. travelers looking to visit the island.
In fact, this route serves as a gateway for travelers from the United States. Many U.S.-based tourists will now benefit from the one-stop connectivity through Auckland to Tasmania, eliminating the need for multiple layovers. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston, and New York will be able to connect seamlessly to Hobart via Auckland, making it easier than ever for international tourists to reach the island.
The return of these flights also aligns with Tasmania’s efforts to boost its tourism industry. The state’s tourism and hospitality sectors rely heavily on international visitation, and the additional seats provided by Air New Zealand’s direct service will help fill the gap created by fluctuating global travel trends. With the added capacity, the tourism sector in Tasmania is poised to see a significant increase in visitor numbers during the five-month summer season. The benefits are not just limited to the state’s major cities; regional tourism providers will also reap the rewards as more visitors flock to the state’s scenic towns and historic sites.
Last season, visitors from New Zealand contributed approximately $39 million to the state’s economy, underscoring the economic value of this route. The reintroduction of direct flights is expected to further grow that figure, with international visitors likely to increase their spending on accommodation, food, tours, and other tourism-related services. With Tasmania offering a unique combination of wilderness experiences, outdoor activities, and cultural attractions, it remains an ideal destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable holiday.
The seasonal direct flights are not a new phenomenon. Air New Zealand initially launched the Auckland to Hobart route in April 2021, and over 80,000 passengers have since flown between the two cities. This figure highlights the route’s popularity and the growing demand for this direct connection. The success of the service in its first few years has proven that there is substantial interest in traveling between Auckland and Hobart, which has prompted the airline to expand its operations and increase the frequency of flights.
The decision to add more flights and extend the service’s duration shows just how successful these international connections have been. Tasmania’s appeal as a destination is on the rise, and the return of this direct flight proves the state is becoming more accessible to international travelers. Air New Zealand’s increased commitment to this route also speaks to its understanding of market trends and its ability to adapt to the changing needs of tourists, offering convenient and efficient flight options to some of the most sought-after destinations in the Southern Hemisphere.
In addition to making travel easier, the route also supports Tasmania’s long-term goals of boosting international visitation while maintaining sustainable tourism practices. By attracting more visitors through Air New Zealand’s flights, the state is ensuring that its tourism infrastructure can accommodate an influx of travelers, providing them with memorable experiences while simultaneously contributing to the local economy. The tourism sector is a vital part of Tasmania’s economic landscape, and initiatives like this direct flight service play an essential role in its growth.
Looking to the future, Tasmania’s tourism officials remain optimistic that the increased connectivity between Auckland and Hobart will continue to benefit the state for years to come. The combination of direct flights, world-class hospitality, and Tasmania’s diverse attractions will help to maintain its position as one of Australia’s premier tourism destinations.
Air New Zealand’s direct flights are a perfect example of how international travel can support and grow regional tourism markets. With these added flights, travelers from New Zealand and beyond now have a more accessible route to one of Australia’s most beautiful and untouched regions. Tasmania’s tourism industry stands to gain significantly from these direct connections, making it easier for international visitors to experience all that this remarkable state has to offer.
Air New Zealand’s relaunch of direct Auckland to Hobart flights strengthens Australia’s tourism by offering seamless access and adding 25,000 seats, boosting international travel and economic growth in Hobart.
In conclusion, Air New Zealand’s direct flights from Auckland to Hobart represent a win for both tourism and the local economy. With 25,000 additional international seats and a convenient three-day-a-week service, Tasmania is set to see a significant boost in visitor numbers. The seasonal service will help to ensure that the state’s tourism and hospitality sectors remain strong, enabling Tasmania to continue to thrive as a global travel destination.
