The Sunshine Coast and New Zealand are about to become even better friends with the announcement of year-round direct flights.
Queensland Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the direct flights between Auckland and Sunshine Coast Airport had been secured as part of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan.
They will take effect after the already-scheduled winter seasonal service, that was due to begin Monday, but was cancelled due to pausing the travel bubble, and ends on October 30. Winter seasonal flights operate on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Sunshine Coast Airport Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Brodie, said the announcement of a year-round service was a strong vote of confidence in the region.
“Today’s announcement delivers on a long-held ambition to secure Air New Zealand flights to Auckland year-round, and our new, internationally-capable runway will allow the service to operate without weight restrictions,” Mr Brodie said.
To support the launch of the direct flights, Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC), Tourism Noosa (TN) and the Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) are launching an integrated multi-media campaign, in partnership with Air New Zealand, to attract Kiwis across the ditch to experience a warmer winter on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.
The campaign will run until early July, with the promotion encouraging Kiwis to fly direct to the Sunshine Coast to arrive by lunchtime and experience all the region has to offer as they lap up the mid-20C temperatures typical of the region during winter.
The Air New Zealand campaign highlights the fact that New Zealand travellers can depart Auckland in the morning and be dipping their toes in the famed Sunshine Coast waters by lunchtime.
It also showcases the many activities, from dining to adventure, on offer across the region from Caloundra and Mooloolaba to Noosa and the hinterland.
Follow Sunshine Coast News on Facebook.
The campaign is being promoted across various digital and social media channels as well as a Kia Ora print feature and in-flight entertainment on Air New Zealand’s domestic New Zealand flights. In addition, the region will welcome a large contingent of media and trade on the first flight to experience the destination first-hand.
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said prior to the pandemic, New Zealand was the region’s number one international market with 84,000 annual visitors, 650,000 room nights, and an economic value of $110 million.
“The recommencement of our Auckland service provides an incredible opportunity to grow our important Kiwi market. Not only are they our largest market, but they also travel to the region when we need them the most (ie over winter) and are a great fit for our nature-based experiences and laid-back lifestyle,” Mr Stoeckel said.
Tourism Noosa CEO Melanie Anderson said the direct flights from Auckland to the Sunshine Coast provides “a welcome opportunity to increase visitor nights and spend into Noosa”.
Keep up-to-date with local news by subscribing to our free daily news feed: Go to SUBSCRIBE at top of this article to register.
“New Zealand has always been a very important visitor mix to our tourism industry and the destination’s economy,” she said.
“Noosa operators are looking forward to welcoming back the Kiwi market, and sharing our beautiful sunny winter days, sparkling beaches and rolling green countryside.”
Air New Zealand’s Chief Customer and Sales Officer, Leanne Geraghty, said the airline was thrilled to have direct flights to the Sunshine Coast up and running again.
“The Sunshine Coast is the perfect destination for a mid-winter break, so we will be offering three direct flights per week on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday to allow as many kiwis as possible escape for some much-needed R&R.
“It’s also a wonderful family holiday destination, so it’s no surprise that we are seeing demand for flights ramp up over the upcoming school holiday period.”
