Air New Zealand Is Now Offering a Non-Stop Service to Tasmania

After being a predominantly domestic airline for the past 12 months, Air New Zealand has launched a new non-stop service to Australia's Apple Isle.

The service to Tasmania's capital, Hobart, is the tenth Aussie destination on the airline's network. The first flight to the island state will take off at 9am (NZT) on 22 April, just in time for the opening of the long-discussed trans-Tasman travel bubble on Sunday, April 18.

The non-stop Auckland to Hobart flights open a direct link between 540,000 potential Tasmanian tourists and our biggest city. The service will operate on Thursdays and Sundays to provide the best long weekend options for travellers.

Jesse Hunniford, Dark Mofo.

Where the Gold Coast is known for its white sand beaches and Sydney for its thriving restaurant and bar scene, Hobart is known for its dynamic art and culture scene. A visit in winter might see you catch world-class performers or brave a naked solstice swim as part of annual art festival Dark Mofo (June 16–22).

For outdoor adventurers, there are plenty of stunning walks and landscapes to tick off, including the misty forest, natural thermal springs and dolomite caves of Hastings Caves State Reserve — just a short 100-kilometre trip from the capital. See more ideas for a Hobart winter escape here.

Air New Zealand's Auckland to Hobart service runs ever Thursday and Sunday from 22 April. For more information and to book tickets, visit the Air New Zealand website.

Top image: Tourism Australia, Graham Freeman.