United adds 40% more flights between the U.S. and Australia/New Zealand next northern winter, including new non-stop service to Christchurch, new routes from L.A. to Brisbane and Auckland, and more flights from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney. United serves more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all U.S. carriers combined. Next winter, United will have more flights and serve more destinations between the U.S. and Australia and the U.S. and New Zealand than any other carrier in the world.

United Airlines today announces the largest South Pacific network expansion ever to and from the continental U.S., including the first non-stop flight between San Francisco and Christchurch set to commence on December 1. United will be the only carrier to directly connect the U.S. and the South Island of New Zealand. With 66 flights between the US and Australia/New Zealand every week, United will operate nearly 40% more flights from the U.S. to Australia and New Zealand next northern winter versus last year.

The carrier is adding new direct flights from Los Angeles to Brisbane and Auckland and increasing service to the region from its San Francisco hub with daily flights to Brisbane, twice daily flights to Sydney and flying larger aircraft to Melbourne. And thanks to United's relationships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia, travelers can enjoy easy one-stop connections from these cities to more than 50 destinations in the region.

United already flies to more destinations in Australia and New Zealand than all other U.S. carriers combined, and now will have more flights and serve more destinations in the region from the U.S. than any other carrier in the world. Tickets are now on sale on the airline's mobile app and on United.com – just in time for customers to plan their trips for the region's peak winter season.

"This past winter, United enhanced our network and became the largest carrier to the South Pacific region. Now, this upcoming winter, we will expand even further," said Patrick Quayle, Senior Vice President of Global Network Planning and Alliances. "Our strong partnerships with Air New Zealand and Virgin Australia provide unparalleled connectivity, and with our historic expansion across five destinations in New Zealand and Australia, United is the clear choice for customers' travel to the region."

San Francisco – Christchurch, NZ*

Starting December 1, United will be the only airline to offer direct flights between the U.S. and New Zealand's South Island, with the first direct San Francisco-Christchurch service. United will fly this route three times weekly on a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. United's new flight to Christchurch is part of the airline's broader expansion efforts in New Zealand and next winter, the airline will be nearly 70% larger in New Zealand than in 2019.

Los Angeles – Auckland*

Next winter, United will build on its position as the largest U.S. airline to Auckland, adding four weekly flights from Los Angeles. United is the only U.S. carrier to serve Auckland year-round with its existing service from San Francisco. United will fly its Los Angeles-Auckland route on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, starting October 28.

Los Angeles – Brisbane*

In winter 2022, United became the only airline to offer direct flights between Brisbane and San Francisco. On November 29, United will add to this service by adding three weekly Los Angles-Brisbane flights on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – becoming the largest carrier between the U.S. and Brisbane.

More Flights to Sydney and Brisbane

In addition to adding new flights to its schedule, United will also increase its flying from San Francisco to Brisbane and Sydney. Starting October 28, United will offer daily flights between San Francisco and Brisbane on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and will be able to fly nearly triple the number of customers to Brisbane from the US next winter than it did in 2022. The airline will also fly twice daily between San Francisco and Sydney on Boeing 777-300ERs starting October 28, offering more flights to Sydney from the U.S. than any other carrier.

More Seats to Melbourne

This past winter, United became the largest airline from the U.S. to Melbourne, increasing from ten to fourteen weekly roundtrip flights, with one daily flight from both San Francisco and Los Angeles. Starting October 28, United will deploy its largest airplane on flights between San Francisco-Melbourne. The 777-300ER will add nearly 100 daily seats to each departure. Compared to winter 2019, United will offer 65% more seats to Melbourne.

New Zealand is one of the most stunning and diverse countries in the world. With its majestic mountains, rolling hills, stunning coastal views and world-class skiing, it is truly a paradise on earth. With the recent travel bubble that has opened up, there has never been a better time to visit this incredible country.

Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a longer vacation, there are plenty of ways to make your time in New Zealand unforgettable. Here are some tips on how to have the perfect New Zealand holiday:

Visit the North and South Islands

New Zealand is made up of two main islands, the North and South Islands. Each island has its own unique charm and attractions. The South Island is known for its stunning alpine scenery, while the North Island is home to some of the country’s most vibrant cities, such as Auckland and Wellington. No matter which island you choose to explore, you’ll be sure to find something to suit your interests and travel style.

Explore the Countryside

One of the best ways to experience New Zealand is to explore its beautiful countryside. From the rolling hills of the South Island to the untouched beaches of the North Island, there are endless opportunities to explore the country’s stunning landscapes. Take some time to wander through the rolling hills, take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the beaches, or take a hike in the majestic alpine regions.

Take a Tour

If you’re looking for a more structured way to explore New Zealand, taking a tour is a great option. There are a variety of tours available, ranging from day trips to multi-day excursions. With a tour, you can explore some of the country’s most iconic attractions, such as Milford Sound, the stunning Bay of Islands, or the Waitomo Glowworm Caves. You’ll also have the added benefit of having an experienced guide who can tell you all about the local culture, history and wildlife.

Sample the Local Cuisine

No trip to New Zealand is complete without sampling the local cuisine. New Zealand’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse and consists of a variety of dishes from around the world. From classic fish and chips to traditional Maori fare, there’s something for everyone’s taste buds. Be sure to try some of the country’s famous wines and craft beers as well.

Experience Maori Culture

New Zealand’s indigenous Maori people have a rich and vibrant culture that is still very much alive today. You can learn more about the culture by visiting a local marae or taking part in a cultural experience such as a traditional Maori haka performance. There are also plenty of opportunities to try some traditional Maori cuisine and explore the country’s unique art and craftsmanship.

Get Active

New Zealand is a great place to get active and enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you’re into skiing, hiking, biking or kayaking, there are plenty of opportunities to get your heart pumping and explore some of the country’s most stunning landscapes. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take part in some of the country’s extreme sports such as bungee jumping or skydiving.

New Zealand is a truly amazing destination and a great choice for a holiday. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and friendly locals, it’s easy to see why so many people are flocking to this beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing weekend getaway or an adventure-filled holiday, there are plenty of ways to make your New Zealand holiday unforgettable. So, take advantage of the travel bubble and plan your perfect New Zealand holiday today!

Hiking around Fiordland National Park in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience. The stunning scenery and abundant wildlife make it one of the most popular National Parks in the world. The park is located in the South Island of New Zealand and is made up of a variety of terrains, including mountain ranges, glaciers, rivers, and lush rainforest.

Fiordland National Park is a great destination for hikers of all ages and abilities. Experienced hikers can find plenty of challenging trails and experienced guides to help them navigate the park. For the less experienced, there are plenty of easy and moderate trails which provide breathtaking views and plenty of wildlife sightings.

One of the most popular hikes in Fiordland is the Milford Track. This 33.5km (20.7mile) track is one of the most famous hikes in the world and takes you through some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. The track starts in the northern part of the park and follows the Clinton Valley to the head of Lake Te Anau, before climbing up to Mackinnon Pass. From the pass hikers are rewarded with spectacular views of the Milford Sound and its many waterfalls.

The Routeburn Track is another popular hike which takes hikers from the Routeburn Shelter to the Divide. This track is 32km (19.9miles) long and takes hikers through a variety of terrains, including alpine meadows, waterfalls, and river valleys. Along the track, hikers can marvel at the spectacular views of the Humboldt Mountains, Lake Wakatipu, and the Routeburn Gorge.

For those looking for a more challenging hike, the Kepler Track is the perfect option. This 60km (37.2mile) track takes hikers through some of the most rugged terrain in the park, including alpine meadows, mountain passes, and glacial valleys. Along the way, hikers can spot native wildlife, such as Kea parrots, and marvel at the stunning views of Lake Te Anau and the Kepler Mountains.

No matter which track you choose, you’re sure to be rewarded with spectacular scenery, plenty of wildlife sightings, and plenty of memories that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, then Fiordland National Park is the perfect destination. So grab your hiking boots and start planning your trip to this stunning part of the world.

1. Milford Sound: Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful and iconic places. It is located in the Fiordland National Park and is known for its majestic mountains, thundering waterfalls, and breathtaking views.

2. Auckland: Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is home to the Sky Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country. It is also known for its spectacular harbor and the lovely beaches that stretch along the coastline.

3. Rotorua: Rotorua is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, known for its geothermal activity, hot springs, and Māori culture. It is also home to the world-famous Te Puia thermal valley, where you can explore bubbling mud pools, geysers, and other natural wonders.

4. Queenstown: Queenstown is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Zealand. It is known for its stunning alpine scenery, adventure activities, and luxury accommodation.

5. Wellington: Wellington is the capital of New Zealand and is the country’s cultural and political center. It is known for its beautiful waterfront, museums, art galleries, and cafes.

6. Nelson: Nelson is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, known for its sunny climate and stunning beaches. It is also home to the Abel Tasman National Park, a paradise for water sports and nature lovers.

7. Bay of Islands: The Bay of Islands is a stunning, subtropical area of New Zealand, known for its beaches, islands, and amazing wildlife. It is also a popular spot for boat cruises and whale watching.

8. Coromandel Peninsula: The Coromandel Peninsula is a popular holiday destination in New Zealand, known for its stunning beaches, hot springs, and lush forests. It is also home to the famous Cathedral Cove, a picturesque spot for swimming and snorkeling.

9. Canterbury: Canterbury is a beautiful region of New Zealand, known for its stunning landscapes, picturesque towns, and captivating wildlife. It is also home to the famous Christchurch Cathedral, one of the most iconic landmarks in the country.

10. Waitomo Caves: Waitomo Caves is one of the most popular tourist attractions in New Zealand. It is known for its cave systems, glow worm displays, and underground rivers. It is also a great spot for adventure activities like black water rafting and caving.