[LukeL]

How about Christchurch or Wellington? Do they have international airports?

[GeorgiaDawg32]

Well, IF they were in a A380, maybe those two airports didn’t have runways that could handle the flight..

I’m just guessing with no info..

[PGR88]

There’s the whole issue of ground crew, service contracts with airport, maintenance, scheduling of the plane

Its stupid and bureaucratic, but its probably easier/cheaper to simply fly 4500 miles back.

[Gay State Conservative]

If it was an A380 probably not. There aren't that many airports in the world that can handle the 380. Perth,Melbourne or Sydney could have been options it seems.