Already eyeing that end-of-term escape?

Auckland Airport says airlines are adding China to New Zealand capacity as Lunar New Year travel ramps up, with the peak period running 17 February to 3 March 2026, which may suit families planning ahead from the Hibiscus Coast.

Air China is adding extra Auckland to Beijing services, lifting its schedule from seven to 10 flights a week between 24 January and 2 March, a 42% seat increase over that stretch.

China Southern has already expanded this summer with up to double-daily Guangzhou to Auckland services, adding over 30 return flights, and it has moved from a 296-seat Boeing 787-9 to a 360-seat Boeing 777-300ER for the summer months.

Looking further ahead, China Southern has confirmed 10 flights a week from the end of March to late October, up by a third on winter 2024 and back to pre-pandemic winter flight frequency.

Auckland Airport says the extra flights are a demand signal, with China to Auckland direct traveller volumes in November and December up 10% on the same months last year and average load factors around 91%.

Visa settings have also shifted, including simplified document translation requirements, electronic transit visas for Chinese nationals, and simpler New Zealand visa requirements for Chinese travellers who already hold an Australian visa.

The airport says that helped drive a 44% year-on-year increase in Chinese travelling between Australia and Auckland in November and December, with nearly 23,000 travellers using that route.

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