Kiwis Fly To Norfolk Is In Record Numbers

Kiwis Fly To Norfolk Is In Record Numbers

Record numbers of Kiwis flew Air New Zealand to Norfolk Island in 2006.

Statistics released by Norfolk Island Tourism show that 8,601 Kiwis visited the sub-tropical island an hour and a half flying time north-west of New Zealand during the 12 months to December.

It is the second highest annual number of New Zealanders visiting the island since arrival statistics were first compiled in 2001.

During 2004, there were 679 more inbound Kiwis. However, for four months of that year a second airline serviced Norfolk Island. Air New Zealand carried 8,307 passengers in 2004, about 300 less than in 2006.

Today only Air New Zealand services the tiny 35 sq km island from here.

The ratio of New Zealand visitors to others is also on the increase – in 2006 it was 27 per cent compared to 26 and 25 per cent in 2005 and 2004 respectively and 16.2 per cent in 2001.

The high number of arrivals has been partly attributed to Norfolk’s 2006 sesquicentenary celebrations. Twelve months of festivities commemorated the arrival 150 years ago of descendents of the Bounty mutineers from Pitcairn Island.

“We really did have a fantastic year in 2006 with the celebrations spread throughout the 12 months,” says Norfolk Island Tourism marketing manager Steve McInnes.

“But we have also stepped up our marketing in New Zealand highlighting our points of difference. And of course the island is a perennial favourite among Kiwis for its diverse range of events and activities – from sedate to adventure tourism.”

Most popular month among New Zealand travellers was May when 910 Kiwis flew in, followed by November (790) and March (738). Norfolk Is. events in May included bowls and tennis tournaments and country music and line dancing festivals.

ENDS

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