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Regional airline Originair will launch a direct service between Christchurch and Nelson from Friday, February 13, adding capacity on one of the South Island’s key regional routes.
The twice-weekly service will operate on Fridays and Sundays using an 18-seat British Aerospace Jetstream 32 turboprop aircraft. Flight time is approximately 50 minutes.
The new route will supplement existing services operated by Air New Zealand.
Christchurch Airport general manager aeronautical development Gordon Bevan says the additional flights will support both business and essential travel between Canterbury and the top of the South Island.
“This service strengthens vital links between the regions,” Gordon says. “It supports business travel and makes it easier for people accessing specialist services in Christchurch.”
Originair chief executive Robert Inglis says the airline’s recent Christchurch–Blenheim service, launched in October, has demonstrated demand for regional connectivity.
“Nelson was a natural next step,” Robert says. “These routes provide important links for both business and leisure travellers, with peak Friday and Sunday timings offering options for weekend breaks or full business weeks.”
Nelson is a year-round visitor destination and a gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, while Christchurch remains a hub for business, education and healthcare across the South Island.
The addition strengthens Christchurch Airport’s role as a regional connector and increases travel options for communities across the upper South Island.
