A Boeing 787-9 returned to Auckland after nearly 8 hours in the air and two landing attempts

Air New Zealand Flight NZ946 returned to Auckland after eight hours due to severe weather in Avarua.

Passengers aboard Air New Zealand flight NZ946 faced an unexpectedly long journey on Wednesday, November 19 2025 after the service from Auckland to Avarua was forced to return to its departure point due to deteriorating weather conditions in the Cook Islands capital.

The flight, normally a straightforward route across the Pacific, took off from Auckland at 09:02 NZDT then spent nearly eight hours in the air as the crew attempted to land in Avarua on two attempts resulting in go arounds.

Poor weather was reported with wind gusts up to 28 kt. With no improvement in sight and fuel reserves requiring a diversion decision, the pilots opted to return to Auckland, after the Boeing 787-9 (registered ZK-NZI) circled at 4,000 feet during 30 minutes.

Air New Zealand later confirmed the aircraft landed safely back in Auckland, where passengers were met with rebooking assistance and accommodation options.

Flight NZ946 will be rescheduled once conditions in Avarua improve, and the airline is working to ensure affected passengers reach their destination as soon as possible.