Carrier expects to move just under 6,000 tonnes between December and January, with capsicums, cherries and salmon leading export volumes
Air New Zealand Cargo has highlighted the wide variety of cargo it will carry over the 2025 festive season.
In a festive press release, the carrier said that between December and January, it expected to carry just under 6,000 tonnes of freight out of New Zealand.
This includes cherries bound for Asia’s New Year celebrations, salmon destined for sashimi in Tokyo and capsicums for Christmas feasts.
Air New Zealand general manager of cargo, Anne Dunne, said: “This time of year is all about sharing joy and connection, and we’re proud to play a part in that, delivering the very best of New Zealand to families and celebrations around the world.
“New Zealand has an incredible reputation for premium fresh produce, and it’s a privilege to connect our exporters with markets around the world.”
The top three export items this festive season are capsicums, with around 700 tonnes, followed by cherries at approximately 615 tonnes and salmon at 470 tonnes.
There is also expected to be an increase in last-minute lobster shipments to China for New Year celebrations, while earlier in the season, premium cuts of New Zealand beef head to the US for Christmas.
The cargo division also highlighted one of its most memorable shipments: four blue penguins being flown from Auckland to Christchurch, en route to their new home at the West Coast Wildlife Centre.
The rescued birds, unable to return to the wild due to injury or illness, were given a second chance as ambassadors for the new West Coast Penguin Encounter.
“Whether it’s cherries for good luck, salmon for a celebration, or a few feathered friends hitching a ride to a new home, we’re proud to deliver a little Kiwi magic to the world,” said Dunne.
