The trade has welcomed the news that Qantas will commence seasonal services between Auckland and Adelaide as the Aussie airline group continues to gain momentum on the Tasman.
Launch fares for the flights, which will operate four times a week 31 Oct-03 May using a 737-800 aircraft, are priced from $699 return (conditions apply). It’s the first time QF has operated on the route for 20 years and QF International ceo Cam Wallace says the carrier ‘couldn’t be more excited’. “This is the second new international service we’ve announced from Auckland this month as we continue to grow our network and respond to strong demand from Kiwis looking to explore more of Australia,” he says. “Our new international flights will give both business and leisure travellers more choice when travelling to South Australia and opens up more inbound tourism opportunities with connections for customers to Auckland and New Zealand through our Jetstar domestic network.”
. . . Kiwi Demand Up
New Zealand is the second-equal biggest international visitor to market to South Australia and Kiwi tourism spend in the state was up 29% year-on-year says South Australia Tourism Commission regional manager New Zealand, Stacey Kerr. A total of 48,000 Kiwis visited the state in 2024; and the Kiwi average length of stay is also up 56% to 11 nights, she notes, as she welcomes the new services. The food, wine and landscapes across the whole region are all enticing Kiwis to visit, says Kerr. “From Adelaide’s cultural and events calendar, to the vineyards of Barossa, the dramatic scenery of Kangaroo Island and the mighty Murray River, there is much to discover.” She says off-the-beaten track landscapes like the Eyre Peninsula and the Flinders Ranges are also proving to be a drawcard. “New direct flight choices on top of what is already available make Adelaide and South Australia an attractive choice for Kiwis looking for a ‘something different’ holiday.” The launch coincides with the opening of QF’s first domestic business lounge in Adelaide. It features a market kitchen serving up dishes created by Neil Perry and Maggie Beer.
