China Eastern Airlines has announced a major new international route set to take off this December—linking Shanghai, Auckland and Buenos Aires in a first-of-its-kind connection across the Pacific.

From December 2025, the airline will add two weekly flights from Shanghai to Buenos Aires, with Auckland as the transit point.

This new link is in addition to China Eastern’s existing daily Shanghai–Auckland service, plus flights from Hangzhou direct to Auckland and via Sydney.

For locals on the Hibiscus Coast who love to travel, or have roots in China or South America, this news opens exciting new options.

It's also the first time in years that New Zealand will be directly connected to Argentina by air.

“This enhances not just travel, but also trade, education and tourism links between three continents,” said Auckland Airport Chief Executive Carrie Hurihanganui.

She noted the new route gives South American Kiwis, around 40,000 live here, a fresh and efficient way to connect with home.

China Eastern has flown to Auckland since 2014, and during that time has grown into the airline with the most flights between New Zealand and China.

Auckland Airport has recently upgraded its transit area, including a big boost in space and new security tech, making transfers faster and smoother.

Good news for Coasties keen to take the long way round the world.

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