Customers flying between Invercargill and Auckland were treated to a unique experience as Air New Zealand celebrated five years of direct service on this route. The airline marked the occasion by serving cheese rolls, often referred to as 'Southland Sushi,' at an altitude of 30,000 feet.
The direct service first launched on August 25, 2019, experienced interruptions in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic but resumed operations in December 2021. It currently offers five return flights weekly.
Scott Carr, General Manager Domestic at Air New Zealand, highlighted the significance of this route within the airline's domestic network. "Over the past five years, we have operated more than 1600 flights between Auckland and Invercargill, welcoming more than 236,000 customers onboard," he stated. Carr also emphasized the route's importance for tourism and cargo transport. "The route is not only a staple for Southlanders but also serves as a gateway for visitors from the north to explore the wider Southland region and popular tourism areas such as Fiordland, Stewart Island and the Catlins."