Updated 11:20am: Air New Zealand's announcement of a direct route between New Zealand and Argentina next December is getting support from the All Blacks.

All Blacks manager Darren Shand says the team has had to take long detours to make it to Argentina.

He says this will help the team prepare - and Kiwi Super Rugby teams when Argentina joins the competition in 2016.

"Where that match typically sits in the Rugby Championship now, it's the start of seven games in nine weeks and travelling round the world twice.

"We can make that easier and Air New Zealand, by flying there directly will certainly make it easier and that's going to be helpful."

Air NZ to provide vital link

Air New Zealand has just announced the latest addition to its schedule.

The national carrier will start flights to Buenos Aires in Argentina in December next year.

The government's been trying to pry open the door between our country and South America, and Air New Zealand could provide the vital link.

The national carrier expected to announce a new destination shortly.

Flight Centre NZ's general manager of product Simon McKearney says he's betting on Argentina.

"The Government's been pushing tourism New Zealand to open up that market and get South Americans to New Zealand and they've made considerable investment into the game there over the last couple of years."