Airline to Expand Kapiti Service

Air New Zealand is expanding its services on the Kapiti Coast with new daily flights between Paraparaumu and Christchurch to start in November.

The new service will be operated by Air NZ subsidiary Air Nelson, providing more than 36,000 seats a year between Paraparaumu and Christchurch.

The flights, due to start on November 4, would offer a morning departure from Paraparaumu from Monday to Saturday, with a returning service from Christchurch in the afternoon. Air NZ currently operates daily flights between Paraparaumu and Auckland.

Air Nelson general manager Sarah Williamson said research had shown a clear demand for additional services from Kapiti, with the highest local demand being for Christchurch.

Christchurch International Airport chief executive Jim Boult said economic stimulation in Canterbury, because of the rebuild, had already resulted in increased travel demand between the two regions.

Kapiti Mayor Jenny Rowan said the new service was fantastic news. “This will connect families, stimulate business and increase the appeal of Kapiti as a tourist destination and place to live.”