Direct flights between the Sunshine Coast to New Zealand have resumed, with three flights a week now operating between the destinations until October.
The flights – which resumed yesterday – operate on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, and will provide a total of 16,000 seats between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast.
Arriving passengers yesterday were greeted by local culinary event the Curated Plate and MooloolaBARS, native animals from Wildlife HQ and giveaways from Aussie World, presenting travellers with a small taste of what the region has to offer.
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Air New Zealand general manager Kathryn O’Brien said the direct route between Auckland and the Sunshine Coast had always been a popular one for travellers over winter.
“Whether it’s welcoming our friends from across the ditch to the NZ ski slopes or bringing our Kiwi locals over to your incredible beaches to thaw out, we’re excited to be welcoming our wonderful customers on board on this route in 2023 and connecting two such amazing destinations once again,” she said.
Sunshine Coast Airport Interim CEO Gary Allen said the airport was now connecting more people and places than ever before.
“We have a long friendship with Air New Zealand and with today’s inbound flight nearing capacity, it shows just how desirable our region is to the world,” Mr Allen said yesterday.
“We have seen record passenger numbers over the last 12 months and, with Air New Zealand now back with us, I’m excited to see what the future holds.”
Sunshine Coast Airport general manager aviation and commercial Scott Norris said the flights unlocked high-value tourism and business opportunities for the region.
“I would like to say ‘kia ora’ to our friends from across the Tasman as we welcome Air New Zealand back to Sunshine Coast Airport,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast and Noosa are two incredible locations blessed with pristine beaches, natural beauty, amazing restaurants, and incredible experiences – it is important we showcase it to the world.
“The return of Air New Zealand will connect Coast locals, many of whom are from New Zealand, with friends and family across the Tasman, while also unlocking travel destinations in North America, Asia and the world.”
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Visit Sunshine Coast has been running its Fly to Sunshine by Lunchtime campaign with AirNZ, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Airport and Tourism Noosa, to let Kiwis know about the Coast.
“It’s all about enticing the Kiwis to escape a chilly winter to enjoy all the experiences we have on offer across Sunshine Coast,” VSC CEO Matt Stoeckel said.
“When you consider that our ocean temperature in winter is what Kiwis on the North Island enjoy in the middle of summer, you can see why coming here for a winter escape is a no-brainer.”
Tourism Noosa acting CEO Susan Ewington said Noosa was also excited to welcome back Air New Zealand’s direct flights.
“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,” Ms Ewington said.
“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, river and hinterland villages and to enjoy the many unique experiences on offer in Noosa.”
Sunshine Coast Airport is forecast to welcome more than 1.6 million passengers in 2023-24.
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