Tasmania's first international flight in 23 years is set to take off from Auckland in what has been hailed as a "special" day for the state.  

Air New Zealand flight NZ197 leaves Auckland at 9am NZST on Thursday, landing at 11am AEST at Hobart International airport.  

Speaking from Auckland, Tourism Tasmania chief executive John Fitzgerald said it was a thrilling and historic day.  

"There hasn't been an international flight to Hobart for 20 years from New Zealand. So it's special," he said.  

The flights have been underwritten by the federal government, which last year announced a $50 million investment in returning international flights to Hobart.  

Much of that has gone into upgrading Hobart International Airport.  

Air New Zealand successfully bid for the rights to operate the route, and has committed to a twice-weekly service from Auckland for the next two years.