Sunair Aviation will return to the Ardmore–Great Barrier route from November 4, restoring a direct air link between Aotea and South Auckland ahead of the summer.
The Tauranga-based airline will operate three return services a week, with flights on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Flights will leave Ardmore at 12.15pm, arriving at Claris at 1pm, while the return service will depart Great Barrier at 4.30pm, arriving at Ardmore at 5.15pm. Sunair lists the one-way adult fare at $290, with child fares at $210.
“Sunair is excited to introduce a new flight service between Great Barrier Island and Ardmore,” the airline told the Barrier Times.
“Our new service provides a convenient way to travel between Great Barrier Island and Ardmore, with connections to the Auckland region.”
Ardmore Airport is located around 33km from central Auckland and 11km from Manukau. Sunair says parking is available at the airport, with check-in through its office at the Auckland Aero Club.
The return comes as Sunair receives a $2.08 million loan from the Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund to support its wider regional operation.
The funding will go towards the potential acquisition of two larger aircraft, essential fleet maintenance and refinancing existing debt. The Government says the larger aircraft would increase passenger capacity and operational flexibility while reducing Sunair’s reliance on its existing six-seat aircraft.
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said Sunair was an important part of the regional transport network.
“Airlines such as Sunair are a critical part of the economic and social fabric of our regions,” Jones said, citing the role of regional aviation in supporting business, tourism and access to health and education services.
The loan is part of a $30 million regional air connectivity package established in 2025 to support regional passenger airlines and routes considered important to regional communities.
Sunair has operated regional services in the upper North Island for more than 30 years and currently serves Tauranga, Whangārei, Whitianga, Hamilton, Gisborne, Napier and Whakatāne.
The airline currently operates services from Great Barrier to Tauranga, Whangārei and Whitianga, with the Ardmore route adding a direct South Auckland connection to its schedule from November 4.
The new service is scheduled to begin just as the island heads into its busiest travel period of the year.
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Great news,I have used this connection many times in the past when I want to head south from Ardmore.
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