Jetstar Game-Changing New Route: First-Ever Direct Flight from Hamilton to Christchurch with Affordable Fares and Seamless Travel for New Zealand

Published on December 1, 2025

Jetstar Airways has marked an exciting milestone with the launch of its first-ever direct flight between Hamilton and Christchurch. This new service takes off today, celebrating 20 years of successful operations at Christchurch Airport. The addition of this daily service is expected to make travel between the North and South islands more convenient and affordable, providing over 135,000 new low-cost seats annually.

New Direct Connection for Affordable Travel

Jetstar’s new route directly linking Hamilton and Christchurch eliminates the need for passengers to connect via Auckland, offering a more streamlined travel experience. This new service enhances the ease with which travellers can fly between the two cities, making it an attractive option for both business and leisure travellers. The daily service operated by Jetstar’s A320 aircraft ensures that passengers have access to a reliable and cost-effective travel option.

The introduction of this route also aims to boost competition on the route, potentially lowering fares and offering travellers more affordable options for visiting family, friends, or travelling for work. By providing a direct flight, Jetstar makes it easier for Kiwis to travel between the North and South Islands without having to go through Auckland, saving both time and money.

Celebrating Jetstar’s Growth in Christchurch

Since its first service to Christchurch in 2005, Jetstar has grown exponentially, carrying more than 17 million passengers through the airport. Over the years, the airline has connected Kiwis to various domestic destinations as well as international locations across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. The new Hamilton to Christchurch route is just the latest in a series of route expansions for Jetstar, which has also added new services between Hamilton and Gold Coast, Hamilton and Sydney, and Dunedin and Gold Coast this year.

With the addition of extra capacity across five popular domestic and trans-Tasman routes, 2025 is shaping up to be one of the airline’s busiest and most expansive years in New Zealand. This expansion highlights Jetstar’s continued commitment to growing its New Zealand network and offering more options for travellers seeking affordable flights.

Special Black Friday Sale for Travelers

As part of the launch of this new service, Jetstar is offering an attractive promotion for customers. During its Black Friday Sale, one-way fares between Christchurch and Hamilton are available for as low as $53. This promotion is designed to make the new direct route even more accessible to travellers looking for affordable flight options.

Jetstar’s Head of New Zealand, Shelley Musk, expressed the significance of today’s launch, noting that it not only marks the first direct flight between Christchurch and Hamilton but also celebrates the airline’s 20-year presence in Christchurch. Musk highlighted the importance of this new route in providing greater access to low-cost fares, which in turn will help drive tourism and business travel between the two cities.

She further emphasized that Christchurch has always been a key hub in Jetstar’s network, and the airline is proud to expand its offerings as it celebrates two decades of flying from the Garden City. This milestone marks a significant step in Jetstar’s journey in New Zealand and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to providing affordable travel options for both domestic and international passengers.

Christchurch Airport’s Perspective

Christchurch Airport’s Chief Executive, Justin Watson, echoed Musk’s sentiments, recognizing the long-standing partnership between Jetstar and the airport. Watson noted that for two decades, Jetstar has played a pivotal role in connecting the Christchurch region with the rest of New Zealand and the world. He pointed out that millions of journeys had begun or ended in Christchurch thanks to Jetstar’s operations.

Watson also highlighted that the new Hamilton service provides even more travel options for passengers, particularly for business travellers and those looking to reunite with family and friends for the upcoming Christmas season. The introduction of this route is seen as a significant development for Christchurch, enhancing its connectivity and offering greater choice for travellers.

Flight Schedule for the New Hamilton-Christchurch Service

Jetstar’s new Hamilton to Christchurch service will begin operating on December 1, 2025. The flight schedule is as follows:

• Flight JQ272 Christchurch to Hamilton (CHC-HLZ):
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Departure: 08:10
  • Arrival: 09:25
• Flight JQ273 Hamilton to Christchurch (HLZ-CHC):
  • Frequency: Daily
  • Departure: 10:00
  • Arrival: 11:15

This daily service will operate year-round, offering passengers a reliable and consistent option for travel between the two cities.

Expanding Jetstar’s Network in New Zealand

The new Hamilton to Christchurch service is just one of several new routes Jetstar has introduced in 2025. With the launch of services between Hamilton and Gold Coast, Hamilton and Sydney, as well as Dunedin and Gold Coast, the airline is expanding its footprint in New Zealand. This expansion is part of Jetstar’s broader strategy to enhance its domestic network and offer passengers more affordable travel options.

Jetstar’s consistent growth and expansion in New Zealand highlight its commitment to providing affordable, accessible air travel for Kiwis. The addition of new routes and the expansion of services on existing routes are expected to increase competition in the market, benefitting travellers with more choices and lower fares.

Conclusion

Jetstar’s new direct flight between Hamilton and Christchurch is a significant milestone in the airline’s journey in New Zealand. This new service, combined with the airline’s broader expansion in the country, provides Kiwis with more options for affordable travel. Whether for business, family visits, or leisure, Jetstar’s growth in New Zealand reflects its commitment to connecting people and enhancing tourism across the region.

[Image Credit: Jetstar]