Air New Zealand flights back in our local skies for winter

Today marks the start of the second season of Air New Zealand return flights from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast.

And this time, the season is even longer – with flights every Tuesday and Sunday, from June 18 right through to October 13.

“This season offers an extra 3000 seats for Kiwi tourists to visit our shores – and for Coast residents to access an international winter holiday without the inconvenience of travelling via a capital city to do so,” Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson said.

“As for New Zealanders visiting here, apart from wonderful weather, accommodation, shopping and places to visit, we also have a huge range of events taking place during this Air New Zealand season,” he said.

“They include the Sunshine Coast Winter Bowls Carnival, International Rally of Queensland, Noosa LongWeekend, Sunshine Coast Marathon, Noosa Jazz Festival, Queensland Garden Expo, the Ironman 70.3, the Caloundra Music Festival – and we hope to see many Kiwis making the trip to take part in the inaugural Sunshine Coast Tough Mudder endurance event in August.

“I also encourage Sunshine Coast residents to use this service, which not only offers fantastic holiday experiences in New Zealand – it also connects with flights to North America.”

Queensland Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Small Business and the Commonwealth Games Jann Stuckey said the Queensland Government’s Attracting Aviation Investment Fund has helped secure the second season of Air New Zealand flights.

“Thanks to a highly successful partnership between Air New Zealand, Virgin Australia, Sunshine Coast Airport, Sunshine Coast Destination Ltd and Tourism and Events Queensland, the Sunshine Coast will see its twice-weekly direct flights return from Auckland for an extended season of 17 weeks,” Ms Stuckey said.

“Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) has been working with Air New Zealand and Sunshine Coast and New Zealand industry partners since November 2012 to promote these flights together with Sunshine Coast holiday packages in New Zealand through trade and marketing initiatives.”

Air New Zealand General Manager Australia, Leanne Geraghty, said the airline is delighted to provide the popular direct service for a second season, in partnership with its alliance partner Virgin Australia, to encourage visitation between two of Australia’s and New Zealand's most exciting and vibrant destinations.