Sunshine Coast looking for record Kiwi winter travel with relaunch of Air New Zealand direct service to Sunshine Coast Airport

Rachael Titter, Air New Zealand | Hayley Daffurn, Air New Zealand 

Emily Zinowki, Visit Sunshine Coast | Matt Stoeckel, Visit Sunshine Coast 

Carl Jones, Sunshine Coast Airport | Jake Cosmai, Sunshine Coast Airport

Executives from Visit Sunshine Coast (VSC) and Sunshine Coast Airport (SCA) were in Auckland for meetings this week with Air New Zealand and major trade partners ahead of the recommencement of direct air services between Auckland Airport and Sunshine Coast Airport from 26 June.

The seasonal service will operate throughout the winter period and following a strong performance in 2023, the Sunshine Coast team is confident of attracting record numbers of Kiwis in 2024.

The Air New Zealand services will commence at a prime time for adventure lovers, with Mooloolaba one of Australia’s leading ports for whale watching, swimming with whales and even whale listening experiences.

It is also peak time for foodie events with The Curated Plate festival being staged from 26 July to 4 August.

The Air New Zealand flights will run through till October, and Visit Sunshine Coast CEO Matt Stoeckel welcomed the relaunch of the direct service.

“We know the Kiwi market has a great affinity with the Sunshine Coast, it’s our biggest international market and we see great potential for it to grow,” said Mr Stoeckel.

“We will continue to work with the Air New Zealand team as well as our trade partners to make the most out of the seasonal service and drive extra business to the region.”

Sunshine Coast Airport General Manager Aviation and Commercial Scott Norris said the return of Air New Zealand would unlock both high-value tourism and business opportunities for the region.

“The trip to Auckland with VSC has been incredible and I am excited to see Air New Zealand touch down at Sunshine Coast Airport again next week,” Mr Norris said.

“Every year we see thousands of New Zealanders choosing to fly directly to the Sunshine Coast, and with more than 17,000 seats available between the two destinations this season, we are expecting big things again in 2024.”