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Air NZ’s seasonal Christchurch-Rarotonga service takes off
May 27th 2026
Air New Zealand (Air NZ) has commenced three times weekly nonstop flights linking Christchurch with the Cook Islands. Read More » The inaugural flight NZ962, operated by A320neo registration ZK-NHD, took off from Christchurch a little after 1530 local time yesterday (May 25) and touched down around Rarotonga in the Cook Islands about four hours later. The aircraft was on the ground for about 75 minutes before returning to Christchurch as the NZ963. The Star Alliance member has scheduled three flights a week on the route, with the service to operate until October 24. It is the only airline offering nonstop service between Christchurch and the Cook Islands. "Rarotonga continues to be a firm favourite with New Zealanders keen for a warm-weather getaway," Air NZ general manager for short haul, Lucy Hall, said. "Our new direct Christchurch–Rarotonga service gives people an easier way to swap winter layers for island time, and we know it will be particularly popular with families travelling with children where we know seamless travel with fewer stops is important." Air NZ also serves Rarotonga from its Auckland hub.
