Air New Zealand is set to make travelling to and from Rotorua even easier for customers, with improved flight times and additional capacity coming from March 2026. The changes support the airline’s commitment to deliver for New Zealand by strengthening regional connections that underpin local business and tourism.
As part of a broader refresh of its domestic network, the airline will upgauge Auckland–Rotorua services to ATR aircraft, meaning more seats to and from the region. It will also extend business-friendly timings on Wellington–Rotorua routes and increase capacity on Christchurch to Rotorua by 4%.
More options for business travellers
From 30 March, weekday Wellington–Rotorua services will depart at 6:45am, giving travellers a full day in Rotorua before returning on the 6:00pm Rotorua–Wellington flight. At weekends, the service will depart Wellington at 10:10am.
The schedule updates mean the business-friendly timings to and from Auckland will continue after March, including a 6:50am weekday Rotorua–Auckland departure and a 4:30pm Auckland–Rotorua return, giving travellers the flexibility to complete a full day in the city before heading home.
These schedule improvements will make it easier for business customers to complete a full day’s work without the need for an overnight stay, while also improving connectivity with Christchurch, Nelson, Dunedin and Queenstown.
Air New Zealand General Manager Short Haul and Domestic Lucy Hall says the updates are all about helping get New Zealanders where they’re going.
“We heard from the Rotorua community that better flight times for business travel were a priority, so we’re adjusting the schedule to meet that request. These changes will make it easier for locals to travel for work and return home the same evening.”
Rotorua Airport Chief Executive, Nicole Brewer, welcomes the changes for all three Rotorua routes, and is pleased about the introduction of the larger ATR aircraft to the Auckland schedule.
“We’re really pleased to see the ATR operating on the Auckland route, which will further enhance reliability and capacity for travellers. In recent years, Rotorua Airport has focused on improving reliability through initiatives such as a newly designed flight path and updated minimum visibility clearance requirements.
“It’s great to see these efforts supported by Air New Zealand through increased ATR flying into Rotorua – a positive outcome for the region and our travelling public.”
Growing with Rotorua
Overall capacity to and from Rotorua to Auckland will grow by 7% year-on-year. The Rotorua to Christchurch route will also see growth, with a 4% increase. These changes are part of Air New Zealand’s ongoing investment in connecting New Zealanders, supporting business, tourism and regional communities across the motu.
“As New Zealand’s airline, we’re here to help Kiwi customer connect, whether that’s for business, to visit loved ones, or to explore more of our beautiful country. Rotorua is an important part of our domestic network, and we’re proud to offer a schedule that reflects the community’s needs.”
Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says the changes are a welcome boost for the region’s business community and visitors alike.
“We’re very grateful that Air New Zealand has listened to feedback from our community. We expect these improvements to flight times and increased capacity will have a positive difference for people doing business in Rotorua, while also supporting our visitors to continue enjoying the great experiences our district has to offer. We can’t underestimate the importance that reliable, well-timed air services are for our regions, and this investment shows real confidence in Rotorua’s future.”
The updated schedule is now available to book for flights between March and October 2026 at www.airnewzealand.co.nz
Photo / Andrew Warner
