The connections between the region and our Kiwi cousins are about to strengthen, with the recommencement of a direct air service.
Air New Zealand has announced that the direct service between the Sunshine Coast and Auckland will restart on June 25.
Operating three times a week (Sunday, Wednesday and Friday), the Air New Zealand seasonal service will continue until October 15.
The service will operate on an A320neo aircraft, providing more than 16,000 seats between the two destinations during the season.
Sunshine Coast Airport CEO Andrew Brodie said it was wonderful to have direct international services back and he was looking forward to the kiwi koru plane tails returning to our runway.
“Air New Zealand’s return to the Sunshine Coast is a vote of confidence in our destination, as we know the Kiwis have a long-standing love affair with all our region has to offer,” he said.
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“Just in time for the New Zealand school holidays, this service will bring high-value tourism into our region, and with a variety of natural assets, exceptional produce and calendar of world-class events, we’re ready to welcome our Kiwi cousins with open arms.
“For locals, too, this is a great opportunity to connect from your home airport directly to New Zealand, or with a short stopover in Auckland before venturing further afield to a variety of destinations in North America, the Pacific Islands and Asia.”
Air New Zealand’s chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said the airline was really pleased to have the direct flights between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast available again.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming Queenslanders to our shores to experience everything New Zealand has to offer – from our wonderful winter playground to the stunning wineries, there’s something for everyone,” she said.
“With our direct service launching and good connections onto our domestic network means more opportunity for Queenslanders to discover New Zealand any time of the year.”
Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel said New Zealand was the Coast’s largest inbound market and the destination was a ‘natural’ for Kiwis over the winter and autumn seasons.
“The Sunshine Coast’s renowned beach culture, wide range of events, rich food scene and laidback lifestyle makes the region highly attractive for international visitors,” Mr Stoeckel said.
“The timing of the flights is ideal for New Zealanders to experience two of our prime winter events – The Curated Plate food festival and the Horizon arts festival. The diversity of our attractions makes the Sunshine Coast ideal for both first-time and returning visitors.”
Tourism Noosa Acting CEO Susan Ewington said Noosa was excited to welcome back the direct flights to Sunshine Coast Airport, just 30 minutes away.
“Our Kiwi friends can start their holidays sooner and be at Noosa’s beautiful beaches, restaurants and spas just a few hours after leaving home,” Ms Ewington said.
“It’s perfect timing for Noosa’s winter and spring events calendar, with some great sporting, food and cultural events coming up including: the 10-day Noosa Alive arts and cultural festival; Floating Land, Australia’s premiere arts-in-the-environment event; the Noosa Enduro and Noosa Classic cycling events through the beautiful Noosa hinterland and the Noosa Open Studio arts trail.
“We’ll soon have holiday inspiration and great deals through our new Find Your Inner Noosa campaign.”
Ms Ewington said New Zealand had been an important source market for Noosa, particularly over the winter months, which had grown considerably in the few years before the pandemic.
“New Zealand had cemented itself in the top-two international markets for Noosa, spending around $25m in the region each year, so we’re looking forward to welcoming Kiwi visitors back to our beaches and river, to the food and wine scene, and on tours,” she said.
“We’ve had some great new breweries, distilleries and restaurants open in the past couple of years, so it’s definitely time to come back and explore Noosa.”
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