Air New Zealand flight from Los Angeles to Auckland diverts to Fiji

A leak in the aircraft's drinkable water supply forced a stopover in Fiji to stock up on bottled water. File photo / Peter Meecham

An Air New Zealand long-haul flight from Los Angeles to Auckland had to make an unexpected pitstop after the plane ran out of drinkable water.

Air New Zealand flight NZ1 diverted to Nadi in Fiji on Saturday night after a leak occurred in the drinkable water supply on board the aircraft.

After a one-hour stop to load up on bottled water, the aircraft continued to Auckland and arrived around 8.30am on Sunday.

Toilets were not affected and other non-alcoholic drinks were available throughout the flight.

An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said this was not a regular occurrence for the carrier.