AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ) has resumed its seasonal Hobart service for the fifth consecutive summer, adding more than 25,000 extra seats to meet the steady rise in trans-Tasman demand.
The airline’s first flight of the 2025–26 season touched down on Sunday, marking an 11% capacity increase compared with last year, with larger aircraft now operating most services.
Air New Zealand Returns to Hobart
This summer, Air New Zealand will deploy its larger Airbus A321 aircraft on six out of every ten flights between Auckland (AKL) and Hobart (HBA). The change signals strong passenger demand from both sides of the Tasman and reflects the airline’s growing confidence in the route.
Hobart Airport Chief Operating Officer Matt Cocker said the expansion delivers a major boost to Tasmania’s tourism and travel sectors. He confirmed that the 2025–26 schedule adds over 25,000 seats to the airport’s busiest summer period yet.
Cocker described the service as a “great success story,” noting how it has evolved from government-supported beginnings into a commercially sustainable route with increasing popularity.
Air New Zealand General Manager of Short Haul, Scott Smith, said passenger numbers have strengthened consistently since the route launched in April 2021.
More than 80,000 passengers have flown between Hobart and Auckland since then. Smith added that strong, two-way demand continues to drive the route’s seasonal success.
Strengthening Tasmania’s Air Connectivity
The Hobart–Auckland service provides Tasmanian travelers with one-stop connections to global destinations, including New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), and Fiji (NAN) via Auckland. This connectivity is key for leisure and business travelers alike, linking Tasmania more directly to major international hubs.
Hobart Airport’s wider growth strategy includes a $200 million terminal expansion, set to double passenger capacity by 2027. The project aims to handle growing traffic from airlines including Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Jetstar.
The summer schedule is expected to be the airport’s busiest yet, supported by the return of Qantas flights to Perth (PER) and new Jetstar routes to Newcastle (NTL).
Air New Zealand’s seasonal NZ195 and NZ196 flights operate three times a week—on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays—through to March 29, 2026.
The consistent service pattern gives both Tasmanian and New Zealand passengers flexible travel options during peak months, reinforcing the airline’s strong trans-Tasman presence.
Hobart Travel Guide
Hobart is Tasmania’s vibrant capital, located at the base of Mount Wellington and framed by the Derwent River. It blends old-world charm with modern creativity, offering visitors a rare mix of colonial history, world-class art, and stunning scenery.
Flights arrive daily at Hobart International Airport (HBA) from major Australian hubs via airlines like Qantas (QF), Virgin Australia (VA), and Jetstar (JQ). With its compact layout, relaxed pace, and buzzing food scene, Hobart makes an ideal gateway for exploring Tasmania’s wild beauty.
Set against a backdrop of mountains and sea, Hobart delivers more than just postcard views. Founded in 1804, the city has preserved much of its colonial heritage through sites like Battery Point and the old sandstone warehouses of Salamanca Place—now home to cafés, galleries, and one of Australia’s most famous outdoor markets. Hobart continues to attract travelers who appreciate its unhurried rhythm and creative energy.
The city’s compact downtown makes it easy to explore on foot. A morning might begin at the Salamanca Market, sampling fresh produce and artisan crafts, followed by a ferry ride up the Derwent River to MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), whose provocative exhibits have redefined Hobart’s cultural scene.
By evening, locals and visitors alike gather at the waterfront for seafood dinners as the sun sets over Mount Wellington / Kunanyi.
Getting Around and Practical Travel Tips
Flights and Transfers
Hobart International Airport (HBA) sits about 17 km from the city center. Direct flights operate from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), and Brisbane (BNE), with seasonal connections from New Zealand. Transfers are easy—taxis, rideshares, and shuttle buses all serve the route regularly.
Car Rentals and Public Transport
For freedom to explore beyond the city, car rental agencies like Avis, Budget, and Hertz operate from both the airport and the city center. Metro Tasmania runs the local bus network, connecting popular spots such as MONA, Mount Wellington, and the Salamanca precinct.
Best Time to Visit
Hobart’s climate is mild year-round. Summer (Dec–Feb) brings festivals and outdoor dining, autumn (Mar–May) showcases brilliant foliage, winter (Jun–Aug) is quiet but cozy, and spring (Sep–Nov) bursts with color. Each season offers something unique.
Top Things to See and Do in Hobart
Salamanca Place
A lively strip filled with heritage buildings, Salamanca Place is the city’s cultural hub. Every Saturday, the Salamanca Market transforms it into a sea of stalls offering local produce, crafts, and music.
MONA (Museum of Old and New Art)
Accessible by ferry or road, MONA challenges conventions with its underground architecture and bold exhibits. It’s Tasmania’s most visited attraction and an essential stop for art lovers.
Mount Wellington / Kunanyi
Drive or hike to the summit for sweeping views of Hobart and the southern wilderness. The lookout is particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Battery Point
A charming neighborhood where narrow lanes and preserved cottages tell stories of Hobart’s maritime past. It’s best explored on foot.
Day Trips
- Bruny Island: Famous for beaches, cheese, and wildlife.
- Richmond: Colonial village with Australia’s oldest bridge.
- Huon Valley: Apple orchards, cideries, and scenic drives.
Where to Stay
Hobart offers a range of accommodations—from heritage hotels to modern lodges.
Luxury: The Henry Jones Art Hotel, The Tasman, MACq 01 Hotel
Mid-Range: The Old Woolstore Apartment Hotel, Vibe Hotel, Salamanca Inn
Budget: Montacute Boutique Bunkhouse, Hobart Central YHA, Blue Hills Motel
Food, Culture, and Local Life
Tasmania’s local produce defines Hobart’s dining scene. Try Tasmanian oysters, scallop pies, and Bruny Island cheeses. Cascade Brewery, Australia’s oldest, offers guided tours and tastings.
The city also celebrates creativity year-round with events like Dark Mofo, MONA FOMA, and the Taste of Summer festival—each bringing locals and visitors together through food, art, and music.
Outdoor Adventures
Hobart’s location makes it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Popular activities include:
- Hiking Mount Wellington or Mount Field National Park
- Kayaking on the Derwent River
- Cycling through the South Arm Peninsula
- Wildlife watching at Bonorong Sanctuary or Bruny Island
Each experience brings travelers closer to Tasmania’s pristine landscapes and native fauna.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs
Respect for nature and community runs deep in Hobart. Visitors are encouraged to follow Leave No Trace principles when hiking, respect Aboriginal heritage sites, and engage with indigenous-led tours for authentic insight into Tasmania’s first peoples.
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