Queenstown back on Air NZ's network from Wednesday

Sep 06, 2021

From Air New Zealand:

Air New Zealand is making changes to its domestic network between Wednesday 8 September and Tuesday 14 September in response to the recent alert level changes around the country.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty says that while the airline is well versed at navigating the various alert level changes, it may take a couple of days for some offerings to return to normal.

"It's encouraging to see the rest of NZ move to Alert Level 2. Our customers can expect to see our lounges in Wellington, Christchurch, and the regions reopen; and valet services resume in Christchurch. While the country has been under Alert Level 3 and 4 for the past few weeks, it may take a few days to return to our full lounge service offering, but we'll be working with suppliers to ensure this is as seamless as possible.

“In line with the Government's announcement, Wellington, Christchurch and regional lounges will be operating with a capacity limit”

"Our famous inflight cookie however, will be saving its appearance for another day as food and beverage onboard remains suspended."

"We're looking forward to giving customers across New Zealand a warm Air New Zealand welcome soon."

For those in Auckland, or those wishing not to travel, we have extended our Covid-19 flexibility policy for domestic travel out to 31 October 2021. This means, in addition to allowing a waiver of the change fee, customers can place their booking in credit if their travel plans have changed.

Customers will be required to wear masks within airports, lounges and on all flights.

The airline's domestic schedule has been updated as follows:

Auckland - Wednesday 8 September – Tuesday 14 September

Route	Services per week
Auckland – Wellington	10 x return services
Auckland – Christchurch	16 x return services
Auckland - Whangarei	7 x return services

Rest of the North Island - Wednesday 8 September – Tuesday 14 September

Route	Services per week
Wellington - Dunedin	15 x return services
Wellington - Blenheim	16 x return services
Wellington - Invercargill	7 x return service
Wellington – Nelson	36 x return services
Wellington – Queenstown	21 x return services
Wellington – Hamilton	21 x return services
Wellington – Napier	20 x return services
Wellington – New Plymouth	14 x return services
Wellington – Timaru	7 x return services
Wellington – Rotorua	14 x return services
Wellington – Tauranga	20 x return services
Wellington - Gisbourne	14 x return services

South Island – Wednesday 8 September – Tuesday 14 September

Route	Services per week
Christchurch - Dunedin	24 x return services
Christchurch - Hokitika	7 x return services
Christchurch - Invercargill	17 x return service
Christchurch – Nelson	28 x return services
Christchurch – Queenstown	23 x return services
Christchurch – Hamilton	18 x return services
Christchurch – Napier	15 x return services
Christchurch – New Plymouth	13 x return services
Christchurch – Palmerston North	20 x return services
Christchurch – Rotorua	7 x return services
Christchurch – Tauranga	15 x return services

Under Alert Level 4:

Food and beverage service onboard domestic flights remains suspended with water available on request
Air New Zealand lounges, Fast Bag and valet parking remain closed in Auckland
Masks required onboard.

Under Alert Level 2:

Food and beverage service onboard domestic flights remains suspended with water available on request
Air New Zealand lounges will reopen with capacity restrictions and an adjusted service in place to adhere to the limit of 50 people in indoor settings
Unaccompanied Minor services resume
Our Fast Bag service will be reinstated except for flights in to, out of, or transiting Auckland
Valet parking will reopen in Christchurch
Masks required onboard.

Customers who are booked to travel and are no longer able to during Alert Level 3 or 4 do not need to do anything. They will receive a cancellation email, and their booking will be held in credit. Customers will have 12 months from the day their credit is processed to book a flight, and another 12 months to travel. Those who have booked through a third party will need to contact their agent.

Those who need to travel to an Alert Level 3 or 4 region should check their eligibility on the Government's COVID-19 website. Customers who meet the criteria and still wish to travel should call the Air New Zealand Contact Centre who will assist with their booking. Customers will also need to carry a letter or evidence confirming they are travelling for essential purposes.

For the latest information, customers can check the Air New Zealand COVID-19 Hub and travel alerts page.