The advert also screened on television, and is believed to have been seen by more than a million viewers.
Air New Zealand global brand and content marketing general manager Jodi Williams said the video was part of Air New Zealand's "Where to Next?" campaign, which ran on TV, digital, and social media platforms.
University vice-chancellor Harlene Hayne said the video did a "wonderful job" of highlighting an educational journey undertaken by so many young people and their parents.
Auckland creative agency Exposure International was behind the ad's production, and filmed it after making contact in early March.
The university said the ad was fully funded by Air New Zealand.
The university had helped by making several locations available for filming, including property services, the central library, Knox College and the School of Business.