AUCKLAND- Air New Zealand (NZ) will launch a new non-stop service between Christchurch, New Zealand (CHC), and Denpasar, Bali (DPS), during the Southern Hemisphere winter of 2027. The route is expected to operate three times a week until the end of August.
The airline will also make its new Christchurch (CHC)-Singapore (SIN) service year-round, extending operations beyond its original seasonal schedule. The expansion will give travellers across New Zealand’s South Island more direct international connections and support regional tourism and economic growth.
Air New Zealand Expands International Flights From Christchurch
Air New Zealand is strengthening its international network from Christchurch as it works with Christchurch Airport to improve connectivity for the South Island. The airline’s latest announcements introduce a new route to Bali and secure year-round operations to Singapore.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar said the expansion reflects the airline’s confidence in Christchurch and its long-term potential as an international gateway.
“Christchurch is an important part of Air New Zealand’s future, and these new routes reflect the confidence we have here and the opportunities ahead for the South Island,” Ravishankar said.
He added that stronger international connections would bring more visitors into the region, support local businesses and give South Islanders more options for travelling abroad.
Christchurch Airport Chief Executive Justin Watson welcomed the announcements, describing them as an example of the airport’s partnership with Air New Zealand delivering results. The organisations aim to increase international connectivity and provide travellers with more destinations from Christchurch.
The expansion follows Air New Zealand’s plans to introduce additional seasonal services from Christchurch to Tokyo Narita and Perth in November 2026, subject to regulatory and airport approvals.
Christchurch-Bali Flights to Launch in Winter 2027
Air New Zealand will introduce non-stop flights between Christchurch and Denpasar, Bali, during the Southern Hemisphere winter of 2027. The service will provide South Island travellers with a direct connection to one of New Zealand’s popular holiday destinations.
The airline expects to operate the route three times weekly until the end of August 2027. The seasonal schedule will give travellers another option for reaching Bali during the colder months in New Zealand.
The direct service will also reduce the need for passengers to connect through other airports when travelling from Christchurch to Bali.
“Bali has long been a favourite holiday spot for Kiwi, and we know how appealing a bit of sunshine is in the middle of a South Island winter,” Ravishankar said.
He added that the direct connection would allow customers to spend less time travelling through connecting airports and more time at their destination.
Watson also welcomed the new route, saying Bali would be a valuable addition to Christchurch’s international network. He noted that the service would make tropical holidays more accessible to travellers from Christchurch and other parts of the South Island.
The new Bali route builds on the airport’s wider international expansion, following plans for additional direct connections to Singapore, Tokyo and Perth.
Air New Zealand expects bookings for the Christchurch-Denpasar service to open later in 2026. The airline has not yet specified the exact launch date, departure times or aircraft configuration in the announcement.
Christchurch-Singapore Route Becomes Year-Round
Air New Zealand has confirmed that its new non-stop Christchurch-Singapore service will operate throughout the year rather than follow its originally planned seasonal schedule.
The decision extends the airline’s direct connection between the South Island and Singapore, one of Asia’s major international aviation hubs. It will give travellers more consistent access to onward connections across Asia and other international markets.
The announcement follows the departure of the first non-stop Air New Zealand service between Christchurch and Singapore on 28 October 2026. The flight marked the return of wide-body services between the two cities after a six-year gap.
Ravishankar described the service’s return as an important milestone for the airline and the region. He said the move to year-round operations would make Singapore a permanent part of Air New Zealand’s international network from Christchurch.
Singapore also serves as a key connecting point for passengers travelling beyond the city-state. Through its long-standing alliance with Singapore Airlines (SQ), Air New Zealand can offer customers additional connectivity through Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).
The partnership provides travellers with more options for planning international journeys, including connections to destinations across Asia and other regions.
For Christchurch, maintaining the route year-round will also provide a more consistent direct link for international visitors travelling to the South Island.
Tokyo and Perth Services Add to Christchurch Growth
The Bali and Singapore announcements form part of Air New Zealand’s broader strategy to expand international flying from Christchurch.
The airline plans to introduce seasonal non-stop services from Christchurch to Tokyo Narita, Japan, and Perth, Australia, in November 2026. Both services remain subject to regulatory and airport approvals.
These additions will increase the number of destinations available to South Island travellers without requiring them to begin every international journey through another New Zealand airport.
The expanded network is also intended to make Christchurch more accessible to overseas visitors. Direct flights can provide additional entry points for international tourists, supporting accommodation providers, attractions, transport operators and other regional businesses.
Air New Zealand and Christchurch Airport are working together to develop international connections over the long term. Their partnership focuses on network development, improved customer choice and stronger links between the South Island and major overseas markets.
With Bali planned for winter 2027 and Singapore confirmed as a year-round service, Air New Zealand is expanding its Christchurch network across both leisure and connecting travel markets.
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