Air New Zealand celebrates 30 years flying direct between Auckland and Queenstown

In the past decade alone, the airline has carried over seven million customers between the two destinations and this coming summer will operate up to 116 return services a week, increasing to 156 over the Christmas period.

Air New Zealand General Manager Domestic Scott Carr, who has been with the airline for 35 years, says he remembers those first few years of flying between Auckland and Queenstown well.

To celebrate the 30-year milestone, customers travelling today will be treated with a few delights onboard, and the giant lolly jar is in town.

Customers travelling from Auckland to Queenstown could be enjoying a scenic TSS Earnslaw Cruise thanks to RealNZ or a giant swing or bungy jump thanks AJ Hackett Bungy.

Queenstown Airport CEO Glen Sowry says they are thrilled to celebrate 30 years of direct flights between Auckland and Queenstown with Air New Zealand.

It enables efficient, convenient travel for business or leisure, as well as creating long-haul connections with Asia, North America, and Europe.

Image Credit: Queenstown Airport