Air New Zealand has announced another direct connection with the United States, this time to Houston.
Photo: RNZ
It will start flying from December, opening up a direct connection between New Zealand and America's South for the first time.
The airline already offers direct services to two mainland US cities - Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The company says the new route is set to become the fastest way to get to popular East Coast and Midwest destinations, such as New York and Chicago.
Chief executive Christopher Luxon said the airline was committed to expanding its Pacific Rim network.
Air New Zealand would code share with United Airlines from Houston to other US domestic destinations as well as Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean.
Tickets are expected to go on sale next month, and flights are due to start in mid-December.