Jetstar has launched the first of two new routes between the Gold Coast and New Zealand today ahead of the festive holidays and peak summer travel season.

The low fares airline will operate three flights a week between Gold Coast-Wellington and three flights a week between the Gold Coast-Queenstown year-round.

Jetstar’s first flight from Gold Coast Airport to Wellington took off this morning with around 140 passengers on-board.

The inaugural Jetstar flight from Gold Coast Airport to Queenstown will take off tomorrow (Saturday) after both new routes were announced in September.

Jetstar Head of Commercial, Australia and New Zealand Nigel Fanning said the airline had seen a buoyant New Zealand dollar drive up demand on the new routes.

“There’s been a resurgence of the New Zealand economy, bringing their currency closer to parity with the Australian dollar, and this is making the Gold Coast an even more attractive destination for Kiwis this summer,” Mr Fanning said.

“The introduction of regular flights from two ports in New Zealand is enticing Kiwis to experience a typical Australian summer of surf and sun on the Gold Coast with the chance to check out its world famous theme parks.”

Jetstar is the only carrier to offer direct flights between Gold Coast-Wellington and Gold Coast-Queenstown.

“Our new direct routes offer a convenient alternative to travelling via Brisbane and have proven popular on both sides of the Tasman,” Mr Fanning said.

“Jetstar now offers more flights from the Gold Coast to New Zealand than any other trans-Tasman airline with up to 18 return services a week to four New Zealand destinations.”

Gold Coast residents have been eager to book fares to New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, to discover its unique charms or to visit friends and family on the North Island over the Christmas period.

"In recent years Wellington has cemented its reputation as the Melbourne of New Zealand – a cultural hub with a thriving café scene and the epicentre of the craft beer movement,” Mr Fanning added.

“We’ve also seen solid bookings for flights to Wellington in the first few months of the new year, coinciding with the New Zealand Fringe Festival in February and March.

“Breath-taking Queenstown is proving a popular destination over summer as well, where travellers can begin their day with an exhilarating bungy jump from the iconic Kawarau Bridge and finish the evening unwinding in the vibrant bar scene.”

Flights on both new Tasman routes will be operated by 180-seat Airbus A320 aircraft in a single class. Jetstar services between Gold Coast-Queenstown are offered on Monday, Thursday and Saturday and Gold Coast-Wellington flights on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.