As the quarantine-free, two-way travel bubble between Australia and New Zealand draws closer, Air New Zealand has got in early, confirming Hobart as its latest, and tenth, Australian destination.
The airline will launch a non-stop service between Auckland and Hobart as soon as quarantine-free travel is up and running.
Air New Zealand chief executive Greg Foran expects the new route to be a great attraction for both Kiwis and Tasmanians.
“This route will be a much-needed economic boost for New Zealand’s tourism industry,” Foran said on Friday.
“Our Hobart – Auckland route will open a direct link between 540,000 potential Tasmanian tourists and our biggest city, with regional hot spots like Queenstown and Rotorua a short skip away.
Air New Zealand chief executive, Greg Foran
We’ll be providing flights on Thursdays and Sundays to make the most of domestic connectivity and provide the best long weekend options for travellers.”
While New Zealand will be a key destination for Tasmanians, the route will open opportunities for Kiwis too.
“As Australia’s second oldest city, Hobart is rich in heritage and its world-famous Museum of Old and New Art mixes antiquities among contemporary art. The city’s vibrant Salamanca Market and surrounding bars and restaurants are a terrific introduction to what’s on offer.
“But there is much more to see beyond the city. I think New Zealanders will be blown away with what they discover in Tasmania, from world class art and culture, to the food and wine scene, spectacular landscapes and an abundance of wildlife.
“There are 18 National Parks to explore, with over 2000 kilometres of walking tracks where you may bump into a wombat or if you’re lucky, a Tasmanian Devil.”
Air New Zealand A320neo. Photo: Airbus
Similarly, the new non-stop service to Auckland will make it much easier for Tasmanians to get out into New Zealand’s great outdoors and access its winter playgrounds.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said Friday’s announcement of the new non-stop flights to Hobart from New Zealand was a significant opportunity for both destinations.
“I am very pleased that this service will enable us to welcome more New Zealanders to our State and encourage them to consider booking their next holiday in Tassie and see what we have to offer.”
Subject to final contract agreement, and government and regulatory approval, the airline will be flying year-round between Auckland and Hobart twice weekly using its A320neo fleet. Tickets will go on sale once quarantine-free travel across the Tasman is available.
Edited by Peter Needham
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