Where Is Everyone Going? New Zealand’s Top 10 International Routes In 2026

Whilst New Zealand remains one of the most isolated countries in the world due to its geographical location, there is plenty of choice when it comes to international flights to and from the South Pacific country. New Zealand is a tourism mecca, attracting thousands of tourists from around the world every year to see its unique flora and fauna, stunning beaches, and alpine landscapes.

The country has six international airports, with the largest and busiest being Auckland Airport (AKL). AKL is the main gateway for long-haul services, with Christchurch Airport(CHC) also having a handful of year-round and seasonal long-haul services. Flights to and from Australia and the South Pacific are offered from Wellington Airport (WLG) and Christchurch (CHC). Trans-Tasman services are exclusively offered from Hamilton International Airport (HLZ), Queenstown Airport (ZQN), and Dunedin (DUD).

Plenty Of Choice To Australia

Air New Zealand and Qantas aircraft at Auckland Airport AKL

The largest market by far from NZ for international flights is to Australia. The top destination for one-way flights out of New Zealand is between Auckland and Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport(SYD), where, using data from Cirium, an online aviation analytics company, identifies that a total of 4,412 one-way flights (double for return) will connect AKL to SYD. This is an average of 12 daily. Multiple carriers operate the route, including Air New Zealand, China Eastern Airlines, Jetstar Airways, and Qantas.

Melbourne Airport is the second largest market in NZ, with services between Auckland and Melbourne. Air New Zealand, JetStar, and Qantas all operate on the route, and this year will record a total of 3,330 one-way flights (an average of nine daily). The map below outlines the top routes to and from NZ to Australia. Please note this map is not exhaustive and does not outline all trans-Tasman flights from NZ to Australia.

The third hottest market from NZ is Auckland to Brisbane Airport, with travelers flocking to Queensland for both business and pleasure. Air New Zealand, China Airlines, Jetstar, Qantas, and Solomon Airlines all offer flights on the route, with a total of 2,995 one-way services scheduled in 2026. This is an average of eight daily. Other top markets are detailed below:

Route	Airline	Total One-Way Flights In 2026	Average Daily
Queenstown to Sydney	Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas, Virgin Australia	1,803	4.9
Christchurch to Sydney	Air New Zealand, Emirates, Qantas	1,583	4.3
Christchurch to Melbourne	Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas	1,364	3.7
Wellington to Sydney	Air New Zealand, Qantas	1,113	3.0
Auckland to Gold Coast	Air New Zealand, Jetstar, Qantas (from June 16)	1,082	2.9
Christchurch to Brisbane	Air New Zealand, Qantas	1,001	2.74

Serving The Pacific Islands

Air New Zealand ZK-NZL Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner landing at Auckland International Airport.

Auckland Airport is an important gateway for flights to and from the Pacific Islands. Air New Zealand is one of the most recognisable airlines in the region, and it offers a robust network of flights to and from many Pacific Island nations.

The biggest market to the Pacific in 2026 is to Nadi Airport, Fiji, with both Air New Zealand and Fiji Airways serving the non- stop route. This year, more than 1,456 one-way flights will connect Auckland to Fiji, an average of 3.98 daily.

The second largest market from NZ to the Pacific is to Rarotonga International Airport in the Cook Islands. The Cook Islands are a self-governing island country in the South Pacific, in free association with New Zealand. Non-stop flights from Auckland to Rarotonga (RAR) are offered by Air New Zealand and Jetstar. In 2026, a total of 740 one-way flights are scheduled, an average of 2.02 daily.

Apia, Samoa, is the third hottest destination, with Air New Zealand currently holding the monopoly on the route. This is set to change in June this year, with Qantas adding its own non-stop link from AKL to APW. In total, 688 one-way flights are added this year, an average of 1.88 daily.

Qantas Boeing 787-9 on final approach after another long flight

Over 17 Hours: Australia & New Zealand’s Longest Nonstop Flights

Five airlines operate eight airport pairs.

Flying Long-Haul

Long-haul flights also feature in the countries top international routes of 2026. The most popular city pair is between Auckland and Singapore Changi Airport, with both Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines operating the route. A total of 1,179 one-way flights are scheduled this year, an average of 3.23 daily.

The second most popular long-haul link is between Auckland and Los Angeles International Airport. Air New Zealand operates the route year-round, while American Airlines and Delta Air Lines add seasonal services for the Southern Hemisphere summer season. A total of 815 one-way flights are scheduled in 2026, an average of 2.23 daily.

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the third most popular long-haul link, with Air New Zealand and China Eastern operating the Auckland to Shanghai route. A total of 788 one-way flights are scheduled this year, an average of 2.15 daily. Hong Kong International Airport remains the fourth most popular long-haul service, with a total of 778 one-way flights expected from Auckland, an average of 2.13 daily. AKL to HKG is connected by both Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific.