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Strong summer demand has seen the seasonal direct air service between Christchurch and Adelaide extended, with flights now available through to Friday, May 1, 2026.
Air New Zealand launched the seasonal route in late October 2025, with the service originally scheduled to end in late March. The extension means South Island travellers can continue to fly direct to South Australia into the autumn shoulder season.
South Australia Tourism Commission regional manager New Zealand Stacey Kerr says the extension reflects strong interest from Kiwi travellers.
“With 58 per cent of Kiwi travellers looking for new destinations to discover and a major festival season about to commence, Adelaide is proving to be an attractive and easy getaway,” Stacey says.
She says the extended season allows South Islanders to take advantage of the twice-weekly Monday and Friday flights, which suit both long weekends and longer stays.
Stacey says New Zealand visitors are drawn to Adelaide’s arts, culture and sporting events, as well as wine regions including the Barossa and Clare valleys. Travellers are also venturing further afield to destinations such as the Flinders Ranges and Kangaroo Island.
Latest results to September 2025 show international expenditure into South Australia increased 23 per cent, with about 40,000 visitors arriving from New Zealand. Kiwi visitors are also staying longer, with an average stay of 13.5 nights, up from 11 nights previously.
Air New Zealand general manager short haul and domestic Lucy Hall says the airline is pleased to see the route performing beyond expectations.
“The extension follows strong demand since the route launched on Sunday, October 27, 2025,” Lucy says. “It’s created more opportunities for our South Island customers to head across the Tasman and explore Australia.”
She says the twice-weekly schedule has proven popular, allowing travellers to maximise time at both ends of the journey.
Flight details
- Route: Christchurch (CHC) – Adelaide (ADL)
- Seasonal period: Final flight from Christchurch on Friday, May 1, 2026
- Frequency: Twice weekly (Monday and Friday)
- Aircraft: Airbus A320 or A321neo
