Flights from Hobart to NZ to begin this month

Unrestricted travel between the two countries was announced last week after NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave the green light.

Premier Peter Gutwein said a direct service between Tasmania and NZ would take flight later this month, after approvals were given by the federal government.

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He said Hobart International Airport had been working with the government on the final approvals to allow direct flights to commence.

"These final approvals have now been granted, paving the way for our first flight to take off from Auckland to Hobart on April 22," he said.

"This inaugural flight will be the first direct flight across the Tasman to Tasmania in more than 20 years and we can't wait to welcome our first visitors."

Air New Zealand has bookings opened at 7am on Saturday, with the first flight set to take off at 9am New Zealand time on April 22 and arrive in Hobart at 11am.

It will then depart Hobart on the same day at 12.30pm, arriving in Auckland at 6.00pm.

The flights will operate twice weekly, on Thursdays and Sundays.

Mr Gutwein said the state welcomed about 20,000 visitors each year from NZ.

"We only expect this to increase through the introduction of the new flights, creating benefits not only for our tourism industry, but also opportunities for Tasmanians to more easily reconnect with family and friends," he said.

"The Australian Government will have Australian Border Force arrangements in place at the airport to support the new service, in addition to the upgrades undertaken by the Airport in readiness for the new flights.

"Backing our tourism industry and encouraging visitors back to our island in a COVID-safe way is a priority."

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