07 August 2009

Air NZ opens gateway to central North Island

AUCKLAND - Air New Zealand is to launch direct air services between Sydney and Rotorua on December 12 utilising a 152-seat A320 aircraft.

The airline will operate a twice-weekly service from December 19 on Saturdays and Mondays until the end of January, after which they will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

"Rotorua is an iconic tourism destination and we see the potential for good passenger numbers from Australia and the continued strength of inbound tourism from there has lent weight to our decision," said Glen Sowry. Air NZ general manager Tasman Pacific.

"The new services will also make Rotorua significantly more accessible for visitors from Asia who often visit both Australia and New Zealand and whom we can now bring directly from Sydney to Rotorua instead of via Auckland.Ã¢â¬~

Sowry said through winter the new service also provided significant opportunities in attracting more Australian skiers to the central North Island ski fields.

He added, "The new flights will position Rotorua as the gateway to the central North Island and also provide residents from Tauranga, Taupo, Whakatane, Hawke's Bay and other areas across the region with a more convenient and competitive trans-Tasman service.

"Although the Tasman remains one of our most challenging markets we will continue to look for opportunities to grow visitor numbers into New Zealand particularly where there is a strong community desire to support the service."

Lead-in online fares from Sydney to Rotorua (one way per person), start from $249 and are now available at www.airnewzealand.com.au