To celebrate the milestone, Air New Zealand is offering sale fares from New Zealand to Hong Kong, with fares starting from $699 one way*.
On 3 March 1966, Air New Zealand operated its inaugural DC8 service from Auckland to Hong Kong, opening a new chapter in the airline's long haul history.
The route quickly became known for its memorable arrival into Kai Tak airport, famed for its dramatic approach. Pilots navigated sharp turns between high rise apartment blocks, offering passengers a close up view into neighbouring flats before landing on the harbour side runway.
Over the decades, the service has continued to evolve:
- 3 March 1966: Air New Zealand operates its first Auckland to Hong Kong service using a DC8, travelling via Sydney and Darwin.
- 28 October 1973: The first DC10 service begins operating from Auckland to Hong Kong via Sydney.
- 2 April 1978: Air New Zealand launches its first non-stop DC10 service between Auckland and Hong Kong, operating twice weekly.
- 3 November 1982: A once weekly Boeing 747 service operates Auckland-Port Moresby-Hong Kong in association with Cathay Pacific and Air Niugini.
- 1983: Air New Zealand establishes a long term relationship with Cathay Pacific.
- 2 April 1985: A non-stop Boeing 747 service between Auckland and Hong Kong is reintroduced, operating until 3 December 1986.
- 4 December 1986: Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific introduce a bipartite weekly service between Auckland and Hong Kong.
- 2 April 1992: Air New Zealand resumes operating a non-stop Boeing 747 service exclusively, continuing twice weekly flights.
- 1 November 1995: The first Boeing 767 service between Auckland and Hong Kong begins, replacing one of the two weekly Boeing 747 frequencies.
- April 1998: The final non-stop Boeing 747 service operates between Auckland and Hong Kong, with the route transitioning fully to Boeing 767 aircraft.
- April 2003: Air New Zealand increases the route to daily services.
- 2013: Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific launch a major strategic alliance, further streamlining services between Auckland and Hong Kong.
Today, combined with its alliance partnership with Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand carries more than 350,000 passengers each year, with up to 16 flights a week operating during peak periods, flying into Hong Kong International Airport.
Air New Zealand General Manager Long Haul Kylie McGillivray-Brown says the anniversary highlights the airline's long standing commitment to the region.
"Reaching 60 years of service between Auckland and Hong Kong is a proud milestone for Air New Zealand and a testament to the strength of this important connection.
"For six decades, this route is helped connect New Zealand to the world, supporting Kiwi travellers exploring Asia and beyond, enabling our exporters to reach global markets, and welcoming visitors, students and business partners to our shores."
The route is also a critical freight link for New Zealand. In 2025, the majority of products air freighted between Auckland and Hong Kong were carried on an Air New Zealand aircraft. Key commodities include e-commerce, accounting for 70 percent of volume, and consumer electronics at 20 percent.
In 2025 the airline transported:
- 900 tonnes of milk formula, equivalent to one million cans
- 133 tonnes of eggs
- 85 tonnes of mussels
- 210 tonnes of meat
- 159 tonnes of avocados
*Celebratory sale fares
To mark the milestone, Air New Zealand has launched special sale fares for travel between New Zealand and Hong Kong:
- One way Economy fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $699
- One way Premium Economy fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $1,499
- One way Business Premier™ fares from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch from $3,599
Sale fares are available from 2-15 March 2026, unless sold out prior. Travel periods and conditions apply. Customers can visit www.airnewzealand.co.nz to book.
Historical images and video content from the route are available here
