Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is celebrating the launch of Qantas’ new direct service from Adelaide – an additional trans-Tasman route that strengthens travel and trade links between South Australia and New Zealand’s largest city.
Operating four times weekly from 31 October 2025 to 3 May 2026, the seasonal connection adds more than 30,000 trans-Tasman seats and marks Qantas’ return to international services from Adelaide for the first time in two decades.
Annie Dundas, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s Director of Destination, says the new Qantas route highlights Auckland’s growing appeal and connectivity for Australian travellers.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Qantas’ new route linking Adelaide and Auckland. Australia remains Auckland’s largest visitor market, and direct services like this make it even easier for South Australians to discover everything our region has to offer – from world-class events and hospitality to culture, vineyards and beaches,” says Dundas.
“We are looking forward to a summer of incredible events in Auckland – from world-class tennis at the ASB Classic and Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour to Lorde’s Ultrasound Tour and SailGP. With flights on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays, they’re perfect for a long weekend escape,” Dundas says.
Qantas CEO International Cam Wallace is excited to officially put direct Auckland to Adelaide flights back on the Qantas map.
“We are seeing strong demand for travel across the Tasman and this new international service, along with our direct Auckland to Perth flights launching in December, will make it even easier for Kiwis to explore South Australia and travel to destinations like Europe in a single hop,” says Wallace.
“These extra flights are also great for the New Zealand tourism industry, providing more choice and access to customers from around our network looking to discover the beauty, culture and attractions of Aotearoa, while supporting local businesses and boosting visitor numbers.”
With increased airline capacity, driving demand amongst potential travellers is even more important. Through the Destination Partnership Programme, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited runs targeted marketing campaigns across key Australian regions which highlight Auckland’s vibrant events calendar, exceptional dining and unique outdoor experiences – all just a short flight away.
Through the Kiwi North initiative, TAU is also collaborating with other North Island regional tourism organisations to promote seamless, unforgettable journeys across the island.
ENDS
Note to editors:
- The service will operate four times a week using Qantas’ Boeing 737-800 fleet.
- Flights are departing Adelaide at 08.30 and arriving in Auckland at 15.15 (local times). The return flight departs Auckland at 16.15 and arrives in Adelaide at 18.35.
- Flight times are approximately 4 hours 15 minutes eastbound and 4 hours 50 minutes westbound (due to headwinds).
- Latest numbers for Australian visitors to Auckland: 51,700 in August 2025 (+3% YoY); 779,100 in year to August 2025 (+8.5%). Full report available here.
- For activity and attractions happening in Auckland see Discover Auckland.