Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed that it is the first in a series of proposed flights.
In an online post about 2.20pm, Peters said the flight had taken off from Whenuapai Air Base in Auckland.
Peters said the flight would transport about 50 passengers with most urgent needs from Nouméa back to Auckland.
Passengers for subsequent flights would be given priority by consular staff.
“New Zealanders in New Caledonia have had a challenging few days – and getting them home has been an urgent priority for the government,” Peters said.
“We would like to acknowledge the support of the relevant authorities, both in Paris and Nouméa, in facilitating this flight.”
Peters said the situation in New Caledonia was “dynamic” and New Zealand officials were working with French counterparts and other partners, such as Australia, to figure out what was needed to ensure the safety of their people there.
“We are working on follow-up flights in collaboration with France and Australia in the coming days.”
Peters said New Zealanders in New Caledonia were urged to ensure their details on SafeTravel were up to date.
This would allow officials to be contacted for further advice.
Meanwhile, a New Zealander desperate to return home said it was encouraging to know a flight was on its way.
Barbara Graham, who was scheduled to fly home Monday from a research trip in New Caledonia, had vacationed there last month with her husband and six-year-old son.
She said she was desperate to get home, but knew others were in greater need.
“It's really encouraging to hear that the flights have started and I'm extremely happy that they are giving priority to the people who really need to go home, parents and children, I can't imagine what it would have been like if my son was still here been in this situation.”
A nearby bakery sold rationed bread to residents and visitors, Graham said.