Increased Air NZ flights to boost Lake Wanaka tourism opportunities

This week’s announcement of increased Air New Zealand flights into Lake Wanaka from Christchurch opens up new opportunities in both the business and leisure markets for the popular resort town which until recently only received one flight a day.

The new schedule allows travellers to enjoy long weekend breaks from throughout New Zealand with a choice of two flights arriving on Friday and departing on Monday while excellent connectivity with Australian flights into Christchurch International Airport makes Lake Wanaka an easy-to-reach destination for trans-Tasman travellers.

The new flight schedule also creates opportunities for the local business market, creating the option of a day return trip to or from Lake Wanaka.

Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager, James Helmore, said he was delighted with the increased capacity and looked forward to seeing the benefits it would bring the town.

“We have been working towards this for a long time – the potential is definitely there to create a new mindset towards travelling to Lake Wanaka and we will be working hard at getting the message out there,” he said. “From weekend breaks to business travel to longer stays – all present the opportunity to showcase this spectacular region to a wider audience with the increased ease of travel.”

The new Air New Zealand schedule takes effect from 30 August 2010 with twice daily flights on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday and once-daily flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. One-way fares start from $90.

For further information, visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz or for a full schedule visit

www.airnewzealand.co.nz.