Air New Zealand flight returns to Auckland after weather prevents landing

StuffNZ HeraldWednesday 19 November 2025 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated

In this story Air New Zealand, Flightradar24

Photo: NZ Herald (opens in new tab)

An Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Rarotonga was forced to turn back due to poor weather conditions in the Cook Islands. Passengers spent nearly eight hours in the air before the aircraft returned to its departure point.

How they headlined it

First reported by Stuff, Wed 19 Nov 2025, 4:55pm · 2 reports from 2 outlets over 2 hours
  1. StuffStuff

    Air NZ flight reaches Cook Islands then turns back home (opens in new tab)

  2. NZ HeraldNZ Herald

    Air New Zealand passengers on Rarotonga flight face 8-hour return after bad weather thwarts landing (opens in new tab)