Travel between the Gold Coast and the Land of the Long White Cloud is set to become easier, with Air New Zealand adding more than 22,000 seats between Gold Coast Airport and Auckland.

From March 2020, Air New Zealand’s schedule between the Gold Coast and Auckland will increase to daily, and up to nine services per week during peak school holiday periods in April, July and October. The change equates to almost 100 additional flights, or an approximately 15 per cent increase in capacity compared to last year.

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said it was a huge vote of confidence in the city.

“Moving to a daily service, and more during peak times, shows the connection between New Zealand and the Gold Coast region is only growing stronger,” he said.

“New Zealand continues to be the number one international market for Gold Coast Airport, so it is great to see Air New Zealand responding to the demand.”

Air New Zealand Regional General Manager Australia Kathryn Robertson said the boost was not only good news for Kiwis planning a Gold Coast getaway, but for Australians keen to explore New Zealand and the Americas.

“Air New Zealand’s Gold Coast schedule is timed for seamless onward journeys across our domestic network and our services to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Houston, Vancouver and Buenos Aires,” she said.

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland, had locked in the additional flights, supported through the Attracting Aviation Investment Fund, in partnership with Gold Coast Airport and Destination Gold Coast.

“Aviation access is vitally important to growing the Gold Coast’s tourism industry,” she said.

“These additional flights will continue the strong growth trajectory of the New Zealand market on the Gold Coast.”

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista said the increase in capacity will support peak travel periods for Kiwis keen to reconnect with Australia’s favourite playground.

“Increased services will see fares remain competitive and affordable, which remain central to safeguarding Gold Coast as a top of mind holiday destination for our Tasman neighbours,” she said.

“Kiwis just can’t get enough of our pristine beaches, warm weather, theme parks, family-centric experiences and natural attractions.”  

Air New Zealand will service the route using its new Airbus A321neo and its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during the July peak – which includes Business Premier and Premium Economy classes.

The announcement comes after Air New Zealand increased services between the Gold Coast and Auckland in February.

New Zealand is the number one international market for Gold Coast Airport, and in the past year, more than 550,000 people have travelled between the Gold Coast and New Zealand.

Gold Coast Airport is owned by Queensland Airports Limited, an accomplished airport operator which also owns Townsville, Mount Isa and Longreach airports.

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