Jetstar will offer Gold Coast residents low fares to two exciting New Zealand destinations from December 2014.

The low fares airline today announced it will start flying three times a week between Gold Coast-Queenstown from 13 December 2014^ and three times a week between Gold Coast-Wellington from 12 December 2014^.

Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said the announcement was great news for local travellers as well as the Gold Coast tourism industry.

“Queenstown is widely recognised as the adventure capital of the world and is one of the most popular leisure destinations in the region,” Mr Hall said.

“From stunning ski fields to jet boating through the Shotover River canyons to bungy jumping from the iconic Kawarau Bridge, Queenstown has plenty to offer Gold Coast thrill seekers.

“Of course, Queenstown also offers world-class wineries, fine dining and a vibrant bar scene for those looking to unwind and take in the spectacular scenery.”

Jetstar also expects it will stimulate inbound tourism through the introduction of low fares flights to the Gold Coast from the New Zealand capital, Wellington.

Mr Hall said recent data released by Tourism Research Australia’s showed a nine percent year on year increase in New Zealand passengers travelling to the Gold Coast for the quarter ended June 2014.

“The Gold Coast Tourism Corporation has recently invested in some really well targeted marketing campaigns to attract more Kiwi visitors so we’re entering both of these markets with strong momentum,” Mr Hall said.

“We’re the first new airline to launch year-round international flights from Wellington in more than a decade and we’re confident our low fares will appeal to Kiwi travellers looking to get some surf and sun in the theme park capital of the world.

“These are exciting new flights for travellers on both sides of the Tasman and we acknowledge the support of the Gold Coast, Wellington and Queenstown airports in helping us breathe new life into these travel markets.”

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

^ Flights subject to government and regulatory approval.