Air New Zealand’s Koru Loyalty Program: A Game-Changer for Travel with Exclusive Upgrades and Benefits

Published on November 19, 2025

Air New Zealand is ushering in a new chapter for its frequent flyer program with the introduction of Koru in April 2026. This evolution of the long-standing Airpoints program promises to offer members an even more personalized, rewarding experience. With the launch of Koru Black—a new top-tier status—the airline is setting a higher standard for loyalty programs in the airline industry, bringing enhanced travel experiences for its most loyal passengers.

Air New Zealand’s CEO, Nikhil Ravishankar, mentioned that the upcoming transition to Koru is one of the most significant evolutions of the airline’s loyalty program in nearly 30 years. He explained that Koru represents not only a change in name but also a complete overhaul, designed to offer more value, simplicity, and deeper connections for members.

Koru Black: A New Tier for Air New Zealand’s Most Loyal Flyers

The most anticipated aspect of the Koru refresh is the introduction of Koru Black, the new top-tier status for Air New Zealand’s frequent flyers. To achieve Koru Black status, members must earn over 3,200 Status Points, including at least 1,920 from qualifying flights in a single year.

To express gratitude for their continued loyalty, Air New Zealand is offering select rewards to those who qualify for Koru Black before April 2026. These rewards include upgrades and exclusive benefits that elevate the travel experience for some of the airline’s most frequent customers.

Members of Koru Black will enjoy perks such as additional recognition upgrades, access to the new Koru Premier Lounge at Auckland International Airport, and extra valet parking vouchers. These members will also be invited to exclusive trials, such as a priority express lane for security screening at Auckland Domestic Airport.

What’s New for Koru Black Members?

The revamped loyalty structure for Koru Black members will provide several high-end benefits. For example, Koru Black members will have the ability to share their status and privileges with others through Koru Circle. There are two options: the Family Package, which includes one Koru Black Nominee and Koru Family Nominees for dependents, and the Friends Package, which includes two Koru Black Nominees.

Additional perks include:

• Enhanced OneUp™ Offers: Members will enjoy an upweight of 60% on their OneUp™ offers, which allow them to bid for an upgrade to a higher cabin class.
• Status Rewards: As Koru Black members reach new Status Points milestones, they will receive special rewards, such as curated gifts, a Koru Black banked year, and unique experiences.
• Exclusive Access: The Koru Premier Lounge, located at Auckland International Airport, will be exclusively available for Koru Black members when it opens. Koru Black members will also receive priority boarding, baggage benefits, and dedicated check-in services.

A More Personalized Experience with Koru’s Refresh

The Koru refresh isn’t just about a new top-tier status; it’s about offering a more intuitive and personalized experience for all members. The introduction of Koru Bronze, Koru Silver, Koru Gold, and Koru Platinum tiers aims to simplify the travel loyalty journey, making it easier for members to track and access the benefits they’ve earned.

In addition, Air New Zealand has made improvements to its Koru Club and Koru Lounge experiences. These lounges, which are currently available in Auckland, Wellington, and other key international airports, will offer even more premium features, including gourmet dining options, private workspaces, and relaxation areas for members traveling through these hubs.

What’s Next for Koru Members? New Partners and Opportunities on the Horizon

The new Koru program doesn’t stop at loyalty points. Air New Zealand has teased upcoming collaborations with new partners, expanding the opportunities to earn Airpoints and Status Points across different sectors. Additionally, Koru members will be able to use their Airpoint in even more exclusive ways, further enhancing the value of their membership.

Koru: A Gateway to the World for Loyal Passengers

For frequent flyers who already have a deep connection to Air New Zealand, Koru is poised to take that relationship to the next level. As the airline continues to innovate and create new ways to reward loyalty, the Koru program reflects its ongoing commitment to providing a travel experience that is both rewarding and enriching. Whether it’s enjoying the comfort of a premium lounge, securing exclusive upgrades, or sharing the benefits of Koru Black with family and friends, the program brings unparalleled value to those who depend on Air New Zealand for their travel needs.

As Air New Zealand prepares for its 2026 transition to Koru, the airline remains dedicated to enhancing the travel journey for its members, ensuring that loyalty is not only recognized but richly rewarded.