Air New Zealand is resuming direct flights between Tokyo and Christchurch on Monday.

The airline says a flight from Japan will be the first between the two cities since the earthquake on Feb. 22.

Air New Zealand will operate three services a week direct from Tokyo to Christchurch as part of its annual summer service.

The service will also include flights from Auckland to Tokyo and Osaka and charter services to other Japanese cities.

Christchurch Airport says the decision to resume flying between the city and Tokyo is a sign that confidence is returning to the region.

Airport spokesperson Matthew Findlay says both Christchurch and Japan have been through particularly tough periods.

He says the decision is a really good sign for the South Island tourism industry.