VA x Air NZ trans-Tasman codeshare makes long-awaited return
The long-awaited reunion of Virgin Australia and Air New Zealand is now officially “official”, bringing enhanced travel options and seamless experiences for Virgin Australia passengers crossing the Tasman.
From today, under the new codeshare agreement between the two trans-Tasman carriers, travellers can directly book Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand with a VA flight number into Auckland,
Wellington and Christchurch for travel from 9 December 2024 onwards. These flights are in addition to Virgin Australia’s existing services to Queenstown.
Virgin Australia guests and Velocity Frequent Flyer members can also enjoy a variety of benefits and rewards when booking and travelling on around 300 services between Australia and New Zealand each week on Virgin Australia flights operated by Air New Zealand (with a VA flight number).
Benefits include:
- Earning Velocity Points and Status Credits
- Lounge access for Velocity Gold and Platinum members
- Seamless customer experience when connecting onto a Virgin Australia flight on its Australian network, including transfer of baggage and boarding passes issued for the entire journey.
- Velocity Gold and Platinum Status entitlements including one additional checked bag (up to 23kg), priority check-in and priority boarding
- Virgin Australia Business Flyers will also have access to exclusive discounts and benefits in addition to options for corporate customers
Virgin Australia chief strategy and transformation officer, Alistair Hartley, said the much-anticipated partnership gives Virgin Australia customers greater access to New Zealand destinations.
“The connection between Australia and New Zealand has always been deeper than just a stretch of ocean, and our new partnership with Air New Zealand celebrates that enduring bond,” Hartley said.
“This codeshare agreement isn’t just about flights – it’s about creating seamless travel experiences that give Virgin Australia customers more ways to explore, connect, and adventure. We’re committed to delivering unprecedented network coverage, loyalty rewards, and travel flexibility that make crossing borders as easy as crossing the street.”
Air New Zealand General Manager Australia, Kathryn O’Brien, said this partnership with Virgin Australia makes it even easier for Australians and Kiwis living in Australia to make the short hop across the ditch.
“Whether it’s for a weekend with friends and family, a business trip, or simply an excuse to experience some breathtaking scenery, this partnership seamlessly opens up more opportunities and destinations across New Zealand,’ she said.
“From today, we’re excited to extend a big Kia ora to Virgin Australia customers onboard and deliver our signature Kiwi hospitality, giving them a taste of Aotearoa at 30,000 feet.”
Latest News
Women leaders in STEMM set sail on Island Sky for historic Antarctic expedition
We have trouble figuring out what STEMM is, so this one is all yours.
Infinity Holidays and Tourism NT partnership kicks off with $500 gift voucher
Even though it is the most sparsely populated state in the nation there are even less people during shoulder season.
Nearly 80 dead following ski hotel fire in Türkiye
Holiday and death should never go in the same sentence. Thoughts with all those affected.
P&O Cruise apologises for crew’s Ku Klux Klanger
Ask Prince Harry, there are some dress-ups that are just not acceptable, although in this case it was an accident.
Select Aussies can now apply for easier US entry
We hope President Trump doesn't move the goal posts after we apply for this easy access visa.
Celebrity Cruises has guests dream up their own Celebrity Xcel adventure
Can you choose to introduce our own private club and rooms of which we are the only member? Guests allowed.
The ONE message that California’s tourism industry has for Australians
Delegates from California's tourism industry share how Australians can best support the state.
Oceania Cruises brings signature French restaurant, Jacques, aboad new Allura
There is no need to choose your favourite restaurant onboard, choose them all!
Harry Theoharis announces candidacy for secretary general of UN Tourism
Let's hope phrases such as 'greater transparency and accountability' actually mean something.
Copa Airlines partners with Smartvel for real-time travel information
Real-time travel information. Myth or reality. Discuss? Sounds like one of our uni papers.
Cinzia Burnes: Not having brochures is like having a handbag store without handbags
We think this might be the best quote so far in 2025.
On Foot Holidays launches new week-long hiking route in southern France
While 12km a day looks achievable, when it comes to 25km, we might travel to the next stop with the luggage.
South African Airways adds two aircraft to fleet helping popular Perth route
We hope there is plenty of room in the overhead for declared biltong and koeksisters when you have your next braai.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers chance to win an exclusive 18-day cruise
You'll need to pack your thermals for this one. Is Greenland the icy one and is Iceland the green one? We forget.
dnata Catering & Retail expands Melbourne Airport facility
25 million meals, that's a lot of breadrolls and would you like the chicken or the beef with that?
Perth tops Australian hotel occupancy in 2024, WA regions see surges over 10%
We've long been fans of the west and it's news like this that has us thinking about another trip.
Uncertain future for The Star hospitality venues if casino operator goes bust
There will be more than gold stars on the yearly report of the accountant who can get them out of this mess.
Tour operators given under two years to ensure all new buses are equipped with seatbelts
Incredible that protocols like this haven't been in place for years, but we are now moving in the right direction.
Journey Beyond launches ‘The Ghan Experience’
We'll be checking the experience out with our own eyes tomorrow, stay tuned for the video review!
Disneyland Paris set for AU$3bn+ expansion
With the amount of money being spent, we're expecting a seamless experience when lining up in the Paris heat.
REVIEW: Our family Anthem? Dad, please make the next cruise a longer one
Despite its size and scale, there are always pockets of serenity and enjoyable downtime to be had on Anthem.
Collette’s new agent incentive taking winners to the Swiss Alps and Italy’s Prosecco region
Plenty of agent incentives to kick off the year, but this 12-day jaunt might just take the glass of sparkling.
Warrawong on the Darling welcomes guests with pets
Yes all will be fine, and enjoy the serenity, that is until your fur baby hears the words 'Possum!' or 'Lizard!'.
NSW Tourism Association welcomes former tourism minister as new chair
There are some heavy hitters in this roll-call of travel professionals. Let's see what they can do for the state.
Virgin Australia triples number of reward seats between Sydney, Brisbane and Perth to Doha
What came first, the chicken or the egg? Or in this case, Qantas' 72 hour flash sale or more VA's Frequent Flyer seats.
One million discounted seats on offer as Qantas puts 100 domestic routes on sale for 72 hours
There's nothing we love more than a 72-hour flash sale, apart from maybe a 96-hour sale, but let's not be picky,
THE YEAR AHEAD: Brett Jardine, Council of Australian Tour Operators
Put a ring on it, goes the lyric, just like a lemur's tail at Brett's honeymoon destination of Madagascar.
Atlas Ocean Voyages announces special President’s Cruise
We are pretty sure this cruise will not include the presence of the new US president.
Wendy Wu Tours announces three new cruise itineraries
We are 100 per cent sure Wendy Wu would have checked out these river cruise and tour itineraries herself.
European Waterways expands its fleet with the Shannon Princess
You just need to choose nine of your closest friends to book this one out. Oh, and the better half! Make that eight.
Fiji hits the magic million mark for visitors in record year
It was a big hill to climb but going from almost zero during the pandemic to 1M is a huge accomplishment.
Virgin Australia rejects ‘unsubstantiated assertion’ that it turned a blind eye to staff safety risks
Young staff need to be protected, but trawling their social media profiles smells of shaming to us.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises elevates onboard entertainment
We expect Tina Turner songs like What's Love Got To Do With It, not the Beyond Thunderdome version of Tina.
Holland America Line welcomes two celebrated chefs onboard Grand Voyages
Worried that you'll be bored eating the same thing on a 100 plus-day cruise? Not with Holland America you won't!
AmaWaterways adds complimentary land packages on hundreds of sailings
And clients can use these added extras by combining them with them with loyalty schemes. Bonus!
Hong Kong Airlines celebrates resumed service to the Gold Coast
We've said it before and we've said it again, we'll never get bored of happy 'resume' service stories