Air New Zealand said two of its jets were struck by lightning on the way to Queenstown.
The two flights, which had departed Wellington and Auckland respectively, were both forced to divert to Christchurch for immediate checks for any damage.
Local media reported the smell of burning on one of the flights, citing passengers’ comments.
"Flight NZ605 from Wellington to Queenstown and flight NZ621 from Auckland to Queenstown diverted to Christchurch after encountering lightning this afternoon, a Air NZ spokesperson said on Sunday.
"Lightning strikes are not uncommon. Aircraft are designed with this in mind and our pilots train for this scenario."
"Customers have been accommodated on alternative services and by road," the airline added.
"There was a really loud bang. The whole plane shook and the skies outside the plane were brightly lit up. Afterwards, there was an acrid, burning smell for a few seconds," said Ben Taylor, passenger on the Wellington to Queenstown flight.
