Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

Air New Zealand To Restart International Network, Including 4 U.S. Routes

Daniel Ross's image
Daniel Ross
Daniel Ross's image

Daniel Ross

Senior Content Contributor

692 Published Articles 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 56U.S. States Visited: 17

Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

New Zealand is finally back on the travel map.

Nonstop Air New Zealand flights between its home country and 4 U.S. cities and several other international destinations are set to resume as soon as February 28, 2022.

This news comes as the remote nation of islands in the Southwest Pacific has confirmed that travel restrictions will begin to ease as of February 27, 2022.

Let’s dig into the details of this very exciting development.

Fly Air New Zealand From 5 U.S. Cities to Auckland (AKL)

Flights between Air New Zealand’s hub in Auckland (AKL) and Los Angeles (LAX) have been operating throughout the pandemic primarily for freight purposes and to serve those who have been eligible to travel between the 2 nations while the stringent travel restrictions have been in place.

However, on April 14, 2022, Air New Zealand will begin reconstructing its U.S. route map once again, with the return of its nonstop service to San Francisco (SFO), which will be operated on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Next to return will be a daily flight to Honolulu (HNL) from July 4, 2022.

Just 3 days later, on July 7, 2022, service to Houston (IAH) will resume on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Finally, the carrier’s nonstop flights to Chicago (ORD) will resume on September 30, 2022. This route will also be served 3 times per week, operating on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. The 8,184-mile leg from Chicago (ORD) to Auckland (AKL) has a block time of a casual 16 hours and 30 minutes, situating it among the world’s longest scheduled flights. 

Air New Zealand routes from Auckland to US
Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

Each of the routes to the U.S. will be operated by the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. These aircraft sport 2 different configurations for Air New Zealand. Both have a business class cabin with lie-flat seats, a premium economy cabin, and an economy cabin. The only difference between the 2 variants is the number of seats in each cabin.

Hot Tip: In advance of Air New Zealand relaunching its international route network, read up on everything you need to know about its loyalty program: Airpoints.

The Rest of Air New Zealand’s International Route Network

In addition to the aforementioned Los Angeles (LAX) route, Air New Zealand’s minimal pandemic-era international route network has continued to include Seoul (ICN), Shanghai (PVG), Taipei (TPE), and Tokyo (NRT).

Welcoming the return of Air New Zealand from Auckland are the Australian cities of Adelaide (ADL), Brisbane (BNE), Cairns (CNS), Gold Coast (OOL), Hobart (HBA), Melbourne (MEL), Sunshine Coast (MCY), and Sydney (SYD).

Additional airports outside of Australia that will see service resume include Nadi (NAD) in Fiji, Nouméa (NOU) in New Caledonia, Papeete (PPT) in French Polynesia, and Singapore (SIN).

Air New Zealand also plans to resume international service from Christchurch (CHC), Wellington (WLG), and Queenstown (ZQN) airports in the coming months.

Final Thoughts

Throughout the pandemic, New Zealand has had some of the strictest restrictions in the world when it comes to international travel. Now, as it looks like travel just might be “back” for good, Air New Zealand is eager to connect the islands of its home country to the rest of the world once again.

Daniel Ross's image

About Daniel Ross

Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy  and terms of service  apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status