Gold Coast Becomes Most Connected Australian City to New Zealand

Queensland Airports Limited has struck a partnership with Qantas Group, with its airline Jetstar to operate services from the Gold Coast Airport (OOL) to Hamilton and Dunedin in New Zealand, from June 2025. There will be three flights each week from its new routes that will expand the airport’s Trans-Tasman connections to six.

The agreement was a significant milestone, solidifying the partnership and providing significant opportunities for growth across all the regions they serve. The signing of the long-term agreement shows the airline’s confidence in the destination.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Amelia Evans said: “Jetstar’s new services between New Zealand and OOL are a great example of the partnership in action, offering greater connectivity and choice for customers, making air travel more accessible for Kiwis looking to holiday on the Gold Coast.”

How were the new routes developed and what benefits will it bring?

The two new routes, made possible with the support of the State Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund (AAIF), build on OOL’s existing New Zealand connections to Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and Christchurch.

Jetstar Group CEO, Stephanie Tully, said the announcement is great news for the Gold Coast region.  

“Tourism is a key industry on the Gold Coast and the new agreement with Queensland Airports will support the growth of inbound tourism and provide a big boost to local operators. 

“It’s also great news for customers, with the new routes unlocking more than 115,000 new low fares seats a year between the Gold Coast and Hamilton and Dunedin, while helping to connect the city’s large population of Kiwi ex-pats to their home country.”  

“We thank the Queensland Government and Queensland Airports for their ongoing support of low fares travel across the Sunshine State.” 

Dunedin Airport Chief Executive Officer Daniel De Bono said “We look forward to welcoming with open arms our Australian friends and family, to our wonderful part of the world. We know they will enjoy the many attractions of the Lower South Island, including The Catlins, Southland, Waitaki and Queenstown. And we cannot wait to visit your stunning beaches and cities!”