Airlines Add Flights from Nelson to Auckland & Wellington

Nelson motel accommodation providers are on track for another great year with new airline services enabling more visitors to pour into the region.

Jetstar is extending its service with flights starting between Nelson and Wellington while Kiwi Regional Air has announced a partnership which will allow it to fly to Auckland.

Chief executive of Nelson Airport Rob Evans described Jetstar's new connection as "fantastic for Nelsonians". Evans anticipates business commuters will appreciate the additional flights as will those holidaymakers wanting a mini break.

Evans also pointed out that the work by Wellington Airport to increase tourism had huge "flow on" potential for Nelson. "For example, Singapore Airlines' new service between Wellington and Canberra, which will cut flight times to Asia significantly, promises to be a boon for Nelson's tourism sector," Evans said.

Kiwi Regional Air has also announced that it will partner with Barrier Air. KRA passengers from Nelson will now be able to connect in Hamilton with Barrier Air flights to Auckland, and on to Great Barrier Island, North Shore or Kaitaia, three days a week, opening up a new regional route in and out of Nelson.

KRA chief executive Ewan Wilson and Barrier chief executive Mike Foster said they were "very pleased to be able to help ordinary Kiwis living in regional areas to fly from north to south, and vice versa, on fully regional services."

Foster said they wanted to give all regional passengers more choice and better access to their services in the north.