- Western Australia's aviation network has grown with a new seasonal direct flight between Christchurch and Perth
- Air New Zealand service will operate three times weekly from November 2026 to May 2027 and deliver around 18,000 additional inbound seats to Western Australia from New Zealand
- New service complements Jetstar's Christchurch to Perth seasonal service and further strengthens WA's connections with 22 international destinations
- Expanding Western Australia's aviation connectivity supports the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy and helps grow tourism, local jobs, and businesses
Western Australia is set to gain another nonstop international flight, with Air New Zealand launching a new seasonal service between Christchurch and Perth, supported by the Cook Labor Government.
Operating three times per week between 30 November 2026 and 7 May 2027, the seasonal service will provide around 18,000 additional inbound seats into Western Australia, strengthening the State's aviation connectivity.
The new route, which will operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, is supported through Tourism WA, and was secured in partnership with Perth Airport.
As Western Australia's third-largest international visitor market, New Zealand delivered 77,000 visitors who spent $155 million in 2025. Much of this demand is driven by strong community ties, with one in three travellers visiting family and friends.
Air New Zealand's seasonal service between Christchurch and Perth is one of 22 direct international routes connecting Western Australia to the world, elevating Perth's profile as a key aviation hub and Australia's Western Gateway.
The new service comes in addition to Jetstar's planned Christchurch to Perth direct route, as well as two nonstop flights connecting Auckland to Western Australia, giving New Zealand visitors more options to explore the State.
Growing Western Australia's aviation capacity by securing nonstop flights with international destinations supports the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy by attracting out-of-state visitors, growing the State's tourism sector and supporting local jobs and businesses.
Find out more and book flights at airnewzealand.com.au
As stated by Tourism Minister Reece Whitby:
"The Cook Labor Government is proud to support Air New Zealand's new direct service from Christchurch to Perth, which will bring more visitors to Western Australia and strengthen our global connections.
"This service, operating three times per week, will boost inbound capacity and provide yet another convenient link for travellers from one of Western Australia's most important visitor markets - New Zealand - to travel to our State.
"Expanding our aviation network is integral to positioning Perth as a key international hub and Australia's Western Gateway, supporting the Cook Labor Government's economic diversification strategy to grow the tourism sector and support local jobs and businesses."
