Air New Zealand kicks off Auckland-New York route

Air New Zealand kicks off Auckland-New York route

Air New Zealand touched down at John F. Kennedy International Airport yesterday, marking the first of its non-stop flights connecting the city of sails and the city that never sleeps.

Minister of Tourism for New Zealand Hon Stuart Nash, chair Dame Therese Walsh and Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran were onboard the inaugural flight, along with key tourism and travel partners.

Foran said the introduction of a non-stop service between Auckland and New York connects his two favourite places.

“As one of the world’s greatest cities, Air New Zealand is proud to add the Big Apple to its list of 29 international destinations,” Foran said.

“By adding greater access to the East Coast of the US, we’re connecting our North American customers to the possibilities of 20 destinations within New Zealand as well as the Pacific and Australia, all within easy reach. This is terrific for our customers.”

Stuart Nash and Greg Foran speaking at the launch of NZ2

The airline’s new international menu was debuted onboard NZ2, showcasing Kiwi produce to the world. This features more choice in the air, so Premium customers can add the likes of seared salmon from Marlborough, free-range chicken from Waikato or bacon, and streamed green vegetables or fresh, crisp salads picked straight from orchards and fields in Gisborne, Waikato and the Manawatū.

As part of the new menu, business premier customers were welcomed to their dining experience with an amuse-bouche of New Zealand paua saucisson (abalone sausage) with herb cream and tomato.

Air New Zealand now serves seven destinations in North America – Chicago (from 31 October), Honolulu, Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver and New York City.

The first flight from New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL) departed at 21:55 ET with an estimated flight time of 17 and a half hours.

The flights will operate between Auckland and New York on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday each week.

The NZ2 flight from Auckland to New York will leave at 19:40 and arrive in the big apple at 19:55. The NZ1 from New York to Auckland will depart 21:55 and arrive at 07:30 +2.

Latest News

  • Destinations
  • News

APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures

APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]

  • Cruise
  • Luxury
  • News

Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]

  • Luxury

Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa

Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]