The scheduled seasonal flights from
Japan arrive here on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays and come
direct from Narita in Tokyo.
Jim Boult, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, says
the services have always been popular with Japanese visitors, who
know exactly what they want to see here.
"Like most international travellers, Japanese visitors
come to New Zealand for the scenery they see in travel brochures -
the South Island mountains and lakes," says Mr Boult.
"That is why they love flying in to Christchurch over the
Southern Alps. They fly in here over the mountains, land with a
clear view out the windows of the mountains and the promise of the
brochures starts to be delivered.
"Christchurch Airport welcomes millions of visitors every
year and it's clear the South Island is a must-see destination for
Japanese travellers."
Air New Zealand General Manager Japan Ed Overy says
this year's charter programme is additional to Air New Zealand's
regular scheduled services from Tokyo and Osaka and is expected to
bring up to 3500 additional Japanese tourists into New Zealand over
the peak summer months.
"Christchurch is a hugely appealing destination for
Japanese visitors and these charter services will be a welcome
boost to South Island tourism over summer," says Mr Overy.
"The services are very popular and consumers and trade
partners like flying directly into Christchurch, because they can
begin tours of the scenic South Island immediately after landing.
Travel to New Zealand for our high season from Japan is
looking very positive and we hope to bring many thousands of
Japanese visitors to Christchurch over the summer, on our scheduled
services from Tokyo and six charters from Nagoya commencing on
Boxing Day (December 26)."
The seasonal services from Japan direct to Christchurch
will have the added appeal of a new service being offered by Air
New Zealand, flying to Mt Cook and on to Queenstown. The Mt
Cook flights begin on December 23, coinciding with celebration of
the birthday of His Majesty the Emperor of Japan.
The beginning of the regular seasonal services from Japan in
late October has led to a 110% increase in Japanese arrivals into
Christchurch for the past month. Arrivals from Asia are also
on the rise, with Korea up 70% this month. So far this year,
Singapore is up 20%, Chinese arrivals are up 32% and Hong Kong up
44%.
