For the first time in 23 years, an Air New Zealand plane has departed Aotearoa and touched down in Tasmania.
NZ197 departed Auckland at 9am and landed in Hobart just after 11am Thursday morning.
It's been a momentous week for travel between the two countries with the launch of the trans-Tasman bubble on Monday, allowing for quarantine-free flights between them for the first time in over a year.
New Zealand-Tasmania direct services haven't been running since 1998, when Air NZ pulled the route due to lack of viability.
Before take off from Auckland Airport, a karakia was performed at the boarding gate and the passengers were farewelled by a performance by the Modern Māori Quartet.
The passengers were then welcomed on arrival to Hobart International Airport with a welcoming ceremony.
Air NZ will operate two non-stop passenger services per week between Auckland and Hobart, on Thursdays and Sundays.
The introduction of the trans-Tasman travel bubble has accelerated the rebirth of international travel to and from Hobart.
