31 March 2010

New charter service between Christchurch & Wanaka

Winter tourism will get a boost from a new charter flight service to Wanaka from Christchurch. “This is great news for the ski season,” said Christchurch Airport General Manager Marketing and Business Development Gareth Owen. “It gives Cantabrians and Australian visitors another option direct into Wanaka through Christchurch Airport, rather than needing to fly to Queenstown and then drive to Wanaka. We’re committed to growing  ski tourism within the South Island, and this additional capacity reaffirms Christchurch as New Zealand’s ski and tourism gateway.”

The charter company flyDirect will offer morning and afternoon flights between Christchurch and Wanaka on a 35-seat Dash 8 aircraft. As part of the Ski Wanaka package deal, people will also receive accommodation in Wanaka plus optional car hire, and Wanaka ski passes and activities. “An entry level package of flights and 2 nights accommodation is only $289,” said flyDirect’s CEO Jef Kay. “We’re excited about what we’re offering the market, because it’s great value for a ski holiday in a stunning place.” 

Lake Wanaka Tourism General Manager James Helmore said the new flight service was “fantastic”, and a great boost for the local tourism industry. “Last winter Lake Wanaka enjoyed a record season in terms of visitor numbers and the introduction of flyDirect’s flight/ski packages will help us to continue to grow the domestic market by making it even easier for visitors to get here,” he said. “We have four ski areas and the largest amount of skiable terrain in New Zealand, plus the largest heliski area outside of North America, so the flyDirect package initiative suits the destination perfectly.”

flyDirect launched its website on Monday and their inaugural flight is planned for 1 July 2010.