Jetstar’s trans-Tasman expansion opens new direct routes and low-fare travel to regional New Zealand

Jetstar carried over 700,000 passengers across the Tasman in 2025, a 9% year-on-year rise, supported by the launch of four new point-to-point routes and an additional 145,000 low-fare seats that widened direct access to regional New Zealand.

Trans-Tasman capacity and fare snapshot

The carrier launched a price-led push and a marketing tie-up with Tourism New Zealand in Australia, offering 20,000 trans-Tasman fares from $164 one-way. Affordability drove demand: nearly 400,000 customers flew on fares under $200 in 2025, shifting travel patterns toward regional airports and off-peak city gateways.

Regional connectivity: beneficiaries at a glance

• Local hospitality: More visitors to provincial towns boosts hotels, cafes and tour operators.
• Airport operators: Increased seat volumes improve slot utilisation and retail revenue.
• Ground transport: Demand for taxis, private transfers and shuttle services grows around arrival/departure windows.
• Seasonal tourism: New links to Queenstown and Dunedin smooth peak-season surges.

Operational effects on transfers and last-mile logistics

Expanded point-to-point flights change the rhythm of ground transport. More direct arrivals into regional airports mean a higher share of short-distance transfers instead of long intercity rail or coach journeys. For taxi and transfer providers, this translates into:

• peaks concentrated around new arrival times rather than traditional hub schedules;
• increased demand for private cars, 4- and 7-seaters, and luggage-capable vehicles;
• a need for clearer pricing transparency and pre-book options to manage expectations for fare, wait time and vehicle type.

Jetstar’s CEO, Stephanie Tully, emphasized that expanding the trans-Tasman network and keeping fares low helps not only major centres but also regional communities. Tourism New Zealand’s Regional Director – Australia, Andrew Waddel, noted that more direct connections give Australians greater choice to visit both cities and lesser-known destinations across Aotearoa.

How operators should prepare

At a glance, ground-transport companies and local taxi services can take practical steps to benefit from this route growth:

• adjust staff rosters to match new flight arrival windows;
• offer clear, published fares for popular routes from regional airports to nearby towns;
• promote vehicle options (private sedans, multi-seaters, luggage vans) to inbound tourists;
• integrate flexible cancellation and wait-time policies for seasonal fluctuations.

Practical example: transfer options per arrival group

Increased low-fare capacity often reduces the average fare barrier for short holidays, encouraging weekend and off-season travel. For transfer companies, that means more frequent, short-distance bookings and higher turnover—if price, service level and driver availability are aligned with passenger expectations.

Key highlights: Jetstar’s route additions, low introductory fares, and seasonal Brisbane–Queenstown service all sharpen New Zealand’s appeal to Australian travellers. Yet even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t replace personal experience. On GetTransfer, you can hire a car with driver from verified providers at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments, benefiting from convenience, affordability, extensive vehicle choices and a wide range of additional options. Start planning your next adventure and secure your worldwide transfer with GetTransfer. Book your Ride GetTransfer.com

In summary, Jetstar’s 2025 trans-Tasman expansion delivers measurable gains in seat capacity, opens direct connections to regional New Zealand and drives demand for efficient airport-to-destination services. For travellers and operators alike the changes affect exact timings, fare sensitivity and vehicle choice at the arrival curb: from taxi and cab fares to private limousine and seater options. Platforms that show vehicle make, model, driver license verification, seat count and transparent price breakdowns—such as GetTransfer.com—simplify the decision over how much to pay, where to book and which service best suits the city, airport or destination. With clear options for app or web booking, time-window selection and verified drivers, GetTransfer.com provides a global, user-friendly solution for booking personalised transfers, trips and deliveries—transparent, convenient and tailored to real travel needs.