Home » AIRLINE NEWS » Whakatāne and Auckland Boost Regional Tourism with New Air New Zealand and Air Chathams Partnership
Published on
October 14, 2025
Whakatāne and Auckland are set to benefit from a game-changing collaboration between Air New Zealand and Air Chathams. Starting in December 2025, the two airlines will offer a seamless travel experience for passengers, particularly those flying between Whakatāne and Auckland. This new interline agreement allows travelers to book a single ticket for journeys that involve both airlines, making regional travel more convenient. The move is expected to enhance regional connectivity and support tourism in these communities, bringing more visitors to Whakatāne and improving access for residents.
The new partnership allows passengers to check in their bags once and travel without the hassle of managing multiple bookings. By linking Air Chathams’ flights from Whakatāne to Auckland with Air New Zealand’s broader domestic services, the airlines are making it easier for travelers to explore more of New Zealand. This move is expected to boost tourism not only for Whakatāne but for surrounding regions as well.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager welcomed the collaboration, calling it a “win for regional New Zealand.” Meager emphasized that the new connections are vital for supporting local economies, helping to keep New Zealand’s regions connected. He stressed that the partnership reflects the government’s commitment to regional development, particularly in the tourism sector. He also mentioned how such connections are key to ensuring that both locals and visitors can access a wider range of destinations more easily.
Air New Zealand’s incoming CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the partnership is all about offering more choices to customers. Ravishankar noted that travelers now have the option to book a single ticket for journeys extending beyond Whakatāne, like from Whakatāne to Kerikeri. This connectivity will help ensure that New Zealand’s regional communities remain well-connected, which is crucial for tourism and overall mobility.
For Air Chathams, this partnership represents a significant opportunity. CEO Duane Emeny pointed out that the collaboration provides his airline with greater reach and visibility, especially through Air New Zealand’s extensive sales channels. Emeny is confident that this partnership will help unlock opportunities for growth in regional areas. He added that the agreement is just the beginning, with the potential for further regional connections in the future.
The agreement has received enthusiastic support from local leaders. Whakatāne District Council’s CEO, Steven Perdia, expressed excitement about the positive impact this partnership will have on the region. Perdia noted that it will provide locals with more travel options and make it easier for visitors to come to the area. He highlighted that this move aligns with the council’s long-standing efforts to improve regional accessibility and boost local tourism.
Tourism in Whakatāne is expected to see a boost as the ease of travel increases. With Air New Zealand selling Air Chathams’ Whakatāne-Auckland services as part of its connecting journeys, the region will have better access to New Zealand’s broader tourism market. For example, a tourist could now travel from Dunedin to Auckland and then connect to Whakatāne in one seamless journey. Additionally, as more passengers pass through Auckland, the wider New Zealand tourism ecosystem will benefit, with increased bookings, accommodations, and experiences in regional areas.
NZ Airports CEO, Billie Moore, also welcomed the partnership, stating that it strengthens the foundation for tourism and business investment across the region. She commended Air New Zealand and Air Chathams for successfully creating an integrated domestic ticketing and baggage transfer system. Moore hopes this collaboration will set the stage for further developments, enabling more regional connections across the country. The ability to book a single ticket with integrated baggage handling provides much-needed convenience for travelers, further promoting tourism growth in New Zealand.
While the primary focus of the agreement is on Whakatāne, the potential benefits extend well beyond. Regional tourism relies heavily on strong connectivity, and this agreement is a clear demonstration of how airline partnerships can unlock new opportunities for travelers and communities. This initiative will undoubtedly contribute to the development of New Zealand’s tourism sector, ensuring that remote and less-visited areas gain increased visibility on the international stage.
The Whakatāne-Auckland route will be just the beginning. Air New Zealand and Air Chathams plan to explore further opportunities for connecting other regional airports, enhancing mobility and enabling more tourists to discover the beauty of New Zealand’s smaller communities. The seamless booking experience and integrated travel services provide a solid foundation for regional tourism expansion, encouraging both local and international tourists to explore areas previously harder to access.
The partnership between Air New Zealand and Air Chathams represents a significant step forward in making regional travel easier and more convenient for both tourists and locals. By creating seamless connections between regional communities like Whakatāne and major hubs such as Auckland, the airlines are not only enhancing mobility but also driving tourism growth in New Zealand. This collaboration lays the groundwork for future expansion and connectivity, ensuring that New Zealand remains an accessible and desirable destination for visitors from around the globe.
