By James Wilkinson

Air New Zealand has ramped up trans-Tasman operations, with the launch of direct Sydney-Rotorua flights last Saturday (Dec 12).

Air New Zealand has launched Rotorua-Sydney flights

The move from the New Zealand flag carrier follows the September blitz by Pacific Blue, which inaugurated a number of trans-Tasman flights, including new services to Dunedin, Hamilton, Queenstown and Wellington from Brisbane and Sydney.

A major conference and incentive destination, Rotorua is expected to pick up a substantial amount of new business from the Australian market thanks to the new direct flights.

Air New Zealand general manager – Tasman Pacific Airline, Glen Sowry, said the airline is operating twice weekly services on Saturdays and Mondays until the end of January, after which it will operate on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

“The Tasman is a tough market and we need the enthusiasm and support to continue for the service to be a success,” he said. “The commitment from tourism and business operators, the Council and general public has been outstanding.

“The launch of (a) new Central Park marketing campaign will position Rotorua as the gateway to this region, and help drive further interest in the direct trans-Tasman services,” he said.

The new Central Park marketing campaign Sowry mentioned has been extensive in the market to date and is expected to drive further business and awareness to Rotorua, which is also only 45-minutes from tranquil Lake Taupo, where a Hilton hotel has just opened.