New flights to New Zealand

The influx of international carriers into Houston continues:

Air New Zealand announced Wednesday it will add Houston as its North American destination with a flight to Auckland.

This new nonstop flight marks the 11th new international carrier added in Houston since April 2013. Air New Zealand will fly a Boeing 777-200 from Bush Intercontinental "up to" five times a week. The flight will start in mid-December with ticket sales available in May.

Air New Zealand is a Star Alliance member, so it makes sense for them to plug into fellow member United's largest hub.

Speaking of United, it's worth remembering that they had planned to offer Houston-Auckland service themselves a few years back, but canceled that flight as part of their temper tantrum when Southwest was given permission to fly internationally from Hobby.

Houston will be Air New Zealand's fourth US destination, after Honolulu, Los Angeles and San Francisco.