Tourism industry thrilled by return of Mt Cook flights

Tuesday, 8 November 2011
News Release

Canterbury tourism industry thrilled by return of Mt Cook flights

Canterbury's tourism leaders say Air New Zealand's decision to resume flying to Mt Cook is a sign of the growing popularity of the area as a visitor destination.

Mt Cook is about to become the 28th destination on Air New Zealand's network with the airline announcing it will trial a new domestic route in the 2012-2013 summer.

The airline last operated services between Christchurch and Mt Cook in February 2002 and Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism chief executive Tim Hunter, who used to work for Mt Cook Airlines, is thrilled the national carrier has decided to resume services.

"Aoraki Mt Cook is one of the jewels in Canterbury's crown and a must-see for many of our visitors - both international and domestic. The number of people visiting the Mackenzie district have been growing steadily but not everyone has the luxury of time so it's great that we will soon be able to offer visitors the chance to fly there rather than having to make the journey by road. This will be a very popular option for tour groups from Japan who commonly include the Mt Cook region in most South Island itineraries.

"It's going to broaden the area's appeal and make it easier for people to take in this awe-inspiring part of the world," Mr Hunter says.

Mackenzie Tourism general manager Phil Brownie says the value of having direct flights to Mt Cook cannot be under-estimated.

"It is fantastic to return to the days where people can fly into the Mackenzie region and enjoy its wonderful scenic landscapes, from the majesty of Aoraki Mt Cook to the turquoise lakes and pristine night skies that are world-famous. It is a sign of the maturing of the Mackenzie region as one of New Zealand's iconic tourism destinations,'' Mr Brownie says.

Denis Callesen, General manager - Tourism, Aoraki Mount Cook Alpine Village Ltd, which owns and manages The Hermitage Mt Cook and key tourism activities in the region, says the new flights will add to the region's pulling power.

He believes the new air service will have particular appeal to the Japanese and to the growing South East Asian visitor market as they can travel directly into Christchurch International Airport.

Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau manager Caroline Blanchfield says the new service will also be another drawcard for incentive travel planners.

"It will give people who would rather fly than drive the ideal opportunity to add Aoraki Mt Cook to their itinerary and add another string to Canterbury's bow,'' Ms Blanchfield says.

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