Air New Zealand's direct A320 jet service between Auckland and Invercargill will operate over Christmas and New Year, the airline has announced.
There will be 10 additional return services between December 21 and January 10.
Air NZ's Head of Tourism and Regional Affairs Reuben Levermore says the airline has been encouraged by Kiwis' appetite for leisure travel over recent months.
"By operating the jet service over the holiday period, more friends and families will have the chance to reunite, take a holiday north or experience the deep south."
Invercargill Airport general manager Nigel Finnerty says it's great news for the whole southern region.
"Having the extra flights over the summer holidays gives those up north every opportunity to come down and taste our amazing southern hospitality, have a good look around and just spend some time at our place."
Last summer the A320 jet service didn't operate between December 25 and January 11.
