Australians and New Zealanders seeking a winter getaway are in for a treat. Air New Zealand is resuming its seasonal service between Auckland and Australia’s Sunshine Coast starting this Sunday, 25th June.
Flying three times a week—on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays—the airline plans to depart Auckland at 9:10 am, ensuring customers can immerse themselves in Sunshine Coast’s pristine beaches by midday.
Jeremy O’Brien, Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Short Haul, emphasized the strength of winter bookings and the appeal of the Sunshine Coast. He noted, “With more than 16,000 seats available between 25th June and 15th October, the demand from Kiwis and Aussies seeking a winter retreat is robust.”
The Sunshine Coast’s remarkable beaches, vibrant food culture, and laid-back ambience create an idyllic haven for travellers to unwind. Whether it’s couples looking for a romantic escapade, families seeking fun-filled activities, or solo adventurers exploring new terrains, the region offers everyone a rich array of experiences.
The recommencement of this direct service is a boon for New Zealanders and offers seamless travel for Sunshine Coast residents seeking a visit to New Zealand. With a population exceeding 360,000, the Sunshine Coast has many people who might be inclined to enjoy New Zealand’s ski season or connect with family and friends.
O’Brien added, “Seasonal services are critical to our operations, as they allow us to offer new destinations based on travel demand.” He also acknowledged Air New Zealand’s enduring partnership with Sunshine Coast Airport and Tourism and Events Queensland, expressing eagerness to continue offering this service to New Zealand and Australian travellers.
The flight schedule follows: Auckland to Sunshine Coast (NZ169) departs at 9:10 am and arrives at 11:10 am local time, while the return flight (NZ168) departs at 12:40 pm local time, arriving back in Auckland at 5:50 pm. Please note that daylight savings will alter these times from 24th September 2023.
As travel restrictions ease and borders reopen, the relaunch of this famous route reaffirms Air New Zealand’s commitment to connecting people and places, promising warm winter getaways to the Sunshine Coast and enhancing tourism exchanges between the two countries.
Written by: Anne Keam