tourist air travel nz

Before you travel I mua i tō haerenga

Get organised before you travel to make your arrival into New Zealand as easy as possible.

New Zealand entry requirements

Check that you have the right documentation to enter New Zealand, including a valid passport and visa or NZeTA, if required.

Valid passport

You must have a valid passport to enter New Zealand. Check its expiry date to make sure it meets the rules for acceptable travel documents. If you are a New Zealand citizen and you need to renew your passport, make sure you allow plenty of time before you travel.

Renew or replace your adult passport – Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government

Before you travel to New Zealand – Immigration New Zealand

Visa or NZeTA, if required

If you are not a New Zealand or Australian citizen, you may need to apply for a visa or an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to enter New Zealand.

Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTA – Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa New Zealand Government

Information about NZeTA – Immigration New Zealand

Travel insurance

When coming to New Zealand to visit, study or work, you are strongly encouraged to get travel insurance. Some visa categories require you to hold insurance as a condition of your visa.

Before you buy travel insurance, check what cover it provides. New Zealand has reciprocal health agreements with Australia and the United Kingdom.

Reciprocal health agreements – Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand

What you can't bring into New Zealand

There are strict rules for what you can and cannot bring into New Zealand. If you do not declare prohibited or restricted items, you could be fined or prosecuted. This includes items in your checked in luggage and carry-on bags.

Check if you can bring or send an item to NZ – Mānatu Ahu Matua Ministry for Primary Industries

Prohibited and restricted items – Te Mana Ārai o Aotearoa New Zealand Customs Service

Check to see if items or products you are bringing into NZ need a CITES permit (CITES protects many plants and animals globally) – Te Papa Atawhai Department of Conservation 

Travel restrictions for New Zealand

There are no longer any COVID-19 related travel restrictions for New Zealand. You do not need to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand.

Unite against COVID-19

New Zealand Traveller Declaration: Before you travel

Kia ora, Travellers arriving into Aotearoa New Zealand by air need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration. Children and infants need their own declaration too. It’s free, takes about 10 minutes, and you can do it on your mobile device or computer. You can complete your digital declaration within 24 hours of starting your trip to New Zealand.

Go to TravellerDeclaration.govt.nz or download the NZTD app.

Remember, check if you need a visa or NZeTA to enter New Zealand.

Support and resources in other languages .

Last updated: 10th July 2023

Things to do in New Zealand

• facebook-official
• youtube-play
• pinterest-circled

30 Tips for Travelling in New Zealand 🗺️ [2024]

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, the ultimate list of new zealand travel tips.

Ah, New Zealand ! Known to the local Māori as “Aotearoa”, New Zealand is a remote country in the South Pacific famous for its dramatic scenery. At about 1,600 km (1,000 mi) long and 450 km (280 mi) at its widest point, the country is easy to explore. And explore you will, with a range of landscapes to entice you, adventure activities to excite you, and friendly locals to guide you. But as is the case with exploring any new country, there are common first-timer pitfalls that may get between you and an idyllic Kiwi getaway. As New Zealand’s largest travel guide, we at NZ Pocket Guide are delighted to make your travels much more seamless with this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand.

1. Plan a Realistic Itinerary

Our first tip for travelling in New Zealand is don’t try to do everything. New Zealand might be a small country but there’s a lot to see, a lot of ground to cover, and a lot of tours and activities. Plan a realistic itinerary that fits your timeframe. If you only have a week in New Zealand , just explore one of the two main islands. We say two weeks is the absolute minimum to enjoy a trip to both the North Island and South Island, but we highly recommend stretching it to three or even four weeks . With New Zealand being far from pretty much everywhere on the planet, it’s a once-in-the-lifetime destination for many. Try to save your New Zealand trip until you have enough time to make the most of it.

For advice on planning your itinerary, see  How to Create the Perfect New Zealand Road Trip Itinerary and How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand .

2. Remember to Pay the NZeTA and IVL or Choose a Different Visa

If you’re visiting New Zealand on a Visitor Visa and you come from a Visa-Waiver Country , you are required to have an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) as well as pay the IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) before arriving in New Zealand. You may not have to pay these arrival fees if you are on another type of visa, such as a Work Visa or Student Visa . While we’re on the subject, you might want to look into different visa types if you want to be able to work and stay longer in the country, such as the popular working holiday visa .

For more tips on the arrival fees, check out the 10 Things You Need to Know About the NZETA .

3. Pack Lightly with Versatility in Mind

There is a bit of a misconception that New Zealand isn’t a developed country, but it’s not that bad! You can get a lot of goods and services very easily. With that in mind, you don’t have to pack a ton of food (or any, for that matter), months’ worth of toiletries, nor your whole wardrobe; you can get all that and more in New Zealand. Plus, with New Zealand being a destination where you’re encouraged to explore the country rather than staying in one place, you’ll find that a lighter bag is easier to move between accommodations. On a note about clothing, choose versatile outfits, preferably those to explore the outdoors comfortably. New Zealand tends to have a casual dress code, so there’s no need to pack a ton of different outfits.

For more packing advice, head over to our New Zealand Packing List: What to Pack for New Zealand .

4. Declare!

On the subject of packing, you need to be aware of what not to pack and what to “declare” when arriving in New Zealand . This is because New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules in order to protect its ecosystem. In short, you will be given a   New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) to fill out either online before your flight or on paper during your flight or cruise to New Zealand. Tick the boxes if you have, for instance, any food, sports gear, animal products or plant products packed in your luggage. If you are unsure, just tick the relevant box anyway. You’ll be asked more questions about the answers you give on arrival. Be honest, declare anything you’re unsure of. Otherwise, if you don’t declare something you should have, you could face a NZ$400 fine. Eek!

Get more details using our guide on What Do You Need to Declare When Arriving in New Zealand? and  Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & Arrival Process .

5. Be Aware of All of the Transport Options

Everyone seems to have an opinion on the “best way to travel New Zealand” but choosing the right transport is an extremely personal choice. Travelling by car , campervan , the bus network or a bus tour are the main ways to explore the country, but there are flights , trains and ferries that might be incorporated into your trip too. Start doing your research by checking out our New Zealand transport guides:

• Renting a car/campervan
• Buying a car/campervan
• Buses and bus tours
• Plane, train and ferry .

And if you don’t know where to start, check out our article, What is the Best Way to Get Around New Zealand?

Featured Bus Tour: Backyard Roadies

You can’t get more local than Backyard Roadies who formed out of the pandemic showing locals their awesome New Zealand “backyard”. Well, it’s time to show international travellers the highlights too on their variety of New Zealand tours ranging from 10 to 21 days! To add to the “Kiwi” vibe, Backyard Roadies is not only 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, but they go the extra mile to make their guests feel like locals, spending more time at each destination than most other tours. With small groups and a mix of male and female guides, Backyard Roadies offers fun, safe and great-value tours for all.

Learn more about their tours and become part of the Backyard Roadies family over at backyardroadies.com .

6. Travel in the Shoulder and Low Season

Summer in New Zealand is from December to February , but expect things to get busy from November to March . During this time, flights are more expensive, car rentals are costlier, accommodation books up quickly, attractions are more crowded… With those in mind, we recommend travelling in the low season , from June to August , or better yet, the shoulder seasons from April to May and September to October . The weather is not that bad, just check it out in The New Zealand Seasons and Climate .

For more tips on the best months to travel, see our article on The Best Time to Visit New Zealand .

7. Book Well in Advance if Travelling in Summer

Ok, so for those of you who can’t resist visiting New Zealand when the weather is at its warmest, be sure to do your bookings well in advance. The country goes crazy between the months of December and February so we recommend booking accommodation and vehicle rentals as soon as possible in order to get your first choice. Activities don’t tend to need booking too far in advance, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

For more advice on how to book your trip around New Zealand, head to  What You Need to Know About Booking Transport in New Zealand and  The Essential Guide to Booking Activities in New Zealand .

8. Travel from South to North

Due to most international flights landing in Auckland , the majority of tourists travel from the North Island to the South Island . The best tip to break away from the crowds and get better deals on transport is to simply travel from south to north! Take a quick flight from Auckland to Queenstown or Christchurch and travel your way back up to Auckland.

Another bonus is for those wanting to rent a vehicle . Car and campervan rental companies have an influx of vehicles being dropped off at their South Island depots, so tend to charge less or even provide more car relocation opportunities with pick-ups in the south and drop-offs in the north.

9. You Can’t Camp Just “Anywhere”

If you plan to stay in a tent or a campervan in New Zealand, be sure to know where you are allowed to camp. Most of the time, you will need to be driving a certified self-contained campervan if you want to park up and stay the night somewhere for free. Otherwise, you will need to stay in campsites and holiday parks . Oh, and you can’t really stay “anywhere” for free, as different regional councils have different laws – see the Freedom Camping Rules in New Zealand: Region by Region . In short, you’ll need to plan where to camp for the night.

For more information, see  What it’s Really Like to Freedom Camp in New Zealand .

10. Always Carry an Extra Layer!

New Zealand has a famous phrase to describe the weather: “four seasons in one day.” In other words, the weather changes so rapidly and unexpectedly that you’ll be glad to have an extra layer with you in case it gets cold. We even suggest carrying a rain jacket in your day pack in the likely case that you experience one of New Zealand’s frequent showers. For hikes, you’ll need to take the preparation to the next level, so check out How to Prepare for a Great Walk in New Zealand for tips.

11. There are Only Three Types of ID You Can Use to Prove Your Age

With the legal drinking age being 18 years old, you may need to show your ID to prove your age when buying alcohol. The only forms of ID that are accepted are your passport , a New Zealand driver license and the Hospitality New Zealand 18+ Card . So if you are on a short trip to New Zealand, keep your passport with you for the bar or for buying a bottle of wine from the supermarket. Even if you are actually 30, your ID still might be checked. If you are in New Zealand for a while, keep your passport safe and get yourself an 18+ Card instead.

For more information, see our guide on  What ID is Valid for Buying Alcohol in New Zealand?

12. Choose the Right Type of Accommodation for You

Accommodation comes in many forms in New Zealand, which might be different from what you’re used to when travelling. Motels typically consist of self-contained units, while holiday parks are similar but also have campsites and powered sites for campervans. Hostels have private and shared rooms with communal facilities, while hotels offer more premium rooms with facilities such as a restaurant. There are also homestays and holiday homes available. Browse our Accommodation category to see which type of accommodation appeals to you and your budget.

13. Pay in New Zealand Dollars (+ Know About Swedish Rounding)

The currency used in New Zealand is the New Zealand Dollar . You’ll find cheaper currency exchange bureaus in New Zealand’s cities compared to its airports. While cash is accepted everywhere, most vendors also accept Visa and MasterCard . Bonus tip: New Zealanders know “paying with card” as “paying with EFTPOS”. Note that when paying with cash, New Zealand follows Swedish rounding, i.e. rounding prices up or down to the nearest multiple of 10 due to the currency not having any 1, 2 or 5 cent coins.

Get more payment tips in  The Best Way to Pay in New Zealand .

14. Know the New Zealand Road Rules

To keep yourself and others on the roads safe, check out the New Zealand road rules before heading out. The obvious thing to remember is that traffic flows on the left in New Zealand, but there are some rules about intersections and one-way bridges that are essential to know. If you are not used to roundabouts, you should also learn how they work. Wise up by checking out our guide on How to Drive in New Zealand .

For more tips on driving in New Zealand, take a look at the 12 Safe Driving Tips for New Zealand .

15. Cyclists, Stick to the Bike Trails

For safety reasons, it’s not recommended for cyclists to travel via the highways in New Zealand. New Zealand drivers are not used to cyclists on the road, so often don’t give enough room when overtaking. On the other hand, the country has a myriad of off-road bike trails of various grades to enjoy car-free cycling. Learn more in our article, Mountain Biking in New Zealand: A Complete Guide .

For cycling rules on the roads, however, check out the City Cycling Rules in New Zealand .

16. New Zealand Might Be More Expensive Than What You’re Used To

Everyday items, such as food and drink, are likely to be more expensive than what you might be used to at home. That’s the downside of being in an isolated country with very little competition. Take a look at the typical prices listed in How Expensive is New Zealand? and plan your budget accordingly.

Check out our tips on how to budget for New Zealand in the 11 Ways to Save Money in New Zealand , as well as   How Much Does it Cost to Travel New Zealand?

17. Plan More Travel Time Than What Your GPS Suggests (+ A Warning About Google Maps)

New Zealand’s highways are not multi-lane straight roads (or, at least very few are). Most are single-lane winding roads and some are even gravel, so you’ll unlikely be travelling at 100 kph for the entire journey. For this reason, it usually takes a little longer to cover the same distance in New Zealand than in other countries. Plus, considering that you’re probably going to New Zealand to soak up the scenery and do amazing things, you’ll want to plan some extra time to allow for photo stops. On a similar note, Google Maps is notorious in New Zealand for taking drivers on the shortest route to a destination but not necessarily the easiest. If travelling to a more remote destination, double-check that Google isn’t taking you onto some obscure farm track or logging road.

For more driving tips like this, take a look at our Road Trip Tips category .

18. Come for Nature; Not for Cities

New Zealand does nature so damn well. It’s the home of two UNESCO World Heritage Areas , five International Dark Sky Reserves , 13 National Parks which are free to visit, by the way, and countless other conservation areas. On the other hand, cities in New Zealand don’t offer quite as much and to the same majesty as in other countries, such as Australia. Cities are where people live and work in New Zealand; the wilderness is where people play. The latter is far more interesting.

Add some of New Zealand’s natural attractions to your bucket list using our guide to the Natural Wonders of New Zealand .

19. Protect Yourself from the Sun and the Sandflies

The UV levels in New Zealand are about 40% higher than the same latitudes in North America and Europe. Just seven minutes of sun exposure can leave you with sunburn, while dehydration can come on quickly too. Lather up with at least SPF factor 30 before spending time outside, even when it’s cloudy in summer and even when it’s sunny in winter . Also in summer, sandflies are prolific. Learn how to protect yourself from these insects that leave an itchy bite in the 10 Ways to Stop Sandfly Bites .

For more health tips, check out  Health Tips For Travelling in New Zealand .

20. Don’t Underestimate the Amount to Do in New Zealand

Just scroll our  101 Things to Do in New Zealand: The Ultimate List and you’ll get an understanding of the staggering number of things to do. And that list just scratches the surface! Many travellers make the mistake of coming to New Zealand after doing little research and then finding themselves doing impulsive tours and activities in fear of missing out. Stick to your budget and timeframe by doing your research – our Activities category is a good place to start – and being choosy. Make a list of your must-dos!

21. Hiking Will Be Your Best Friend

Don’t be put off by the word “hiking” in New Zealand. The Department of Conservation (DOC) of New Zealand has made it easy with hundreds of easy-to-follow walking trails across the country, ranging from 10 minutes to 10 days! Some trails are stroller and wheelchair-friendly , while others are short and easy for beginners, while more still offer a challenge. Hiking trails are a fun and free way to see many of New Zealand’s top natural attractions and landscapes.

Check out some of the Top 50 Hikes in New Zealand to get an idea of the types of walks available.

22. Know the Difference Between the North Island and the South Island

If it hasn’t been obvious by the time you’ve hit point #22 on this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand, the country is split into two main islands; the North Island and the South Island . Some travellers have to make the tough decision to travel either the North Island or South Island when they are on limited time.

In short, the North Island is where you’ll find the most volcanic activity, Māori culture and cities, while the South Island is where you’ll find snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and, well, scenery, scenery, scenery. Contrary to popular belief, there are some things that you can find on both islands though, like ski fields, glowworms and wineries. Therefore, it’s always worth checking if an activity is available on your chosen island, even if it’s not famous for it.

See our full comparison of New Zealand’s two main islands in Should You Travel the North Island or South Island?

23. Try the Local Cuisine But Also Cook Your Own Meals to Save Money

Of course, you’re travelling in a new country with a new culture and flavours, so you’ll want to eat out in New Zealand to try staples like fish and chips, a Māori hāngī, savoury pies and more . But as discussed earlier in this list of tips for travelling in New Zealand, everyday items like food are expensive, especially in restaurants, cafes and even takeaways. If you’re on a budget , we highly recommend you make at least one meal for yourself per day. Many accommodations have self-catering facilities, as do campervans, so there’s no excuse! Get the lowdown on grocery shopping in New Zealand by following the tips in our guide, Food Shopping in New Zealand .

24. Luxury, Budget, Family, Working Holiday… New Zealand Suits a Range of Travel Styles

There’s room for everyone to enjoy a holiday in New Zealand. Make a luxury getaway by enjoying once-in-a-lifetime bespoke experiences or explore the country extensively by simply doing all of the free things to do ! New Zealand is also extremely family-friendly , while couples on a honeymoon can find many places to get secluded together. Backpacking and doing a gap year on a working holiday are also a top reason to come to New Zealand.

25. Don’t Expect a Good WiFi Connection

New Zealand is a little behind on the times when it comes to accessible WiFi. On the odd occasion when a cafe offers “free WiFi”, it’s usually slow or only for a small amount of data. Accommodations are getting better with offering WiFi, but don’t be surprised if an accommodation advertises free WiFi then gives you a coupon for 20 Mb, i.e. barely enough to email your granny! There are solutions to the WiFi problem, which we offer in How to Get Internet and WiFi in New Zealand , but disconnecting from the world to reconnect with yourself and those around you is not a bad way to experience New Zealand.

26. Tipping is Not Mandatory

Tipping is not common practice in New Zealand, bearing in mind that the minimum wage is quite high so workers’ livelihoods don’t depend on it. If you feel like the service has been exceptional, however, then a tip will always be welcomed.

Need more of an explanation on tipping? See our guide to Tipping in New Zealand .

27. Make Sure You Have the Right Travel Adapter

Ok, so this is a pretty basic travel tip for New Zealand but essential nonetheless. New Zealand’s power outlets use Type 1 three-pin connectors, so get yourself an adapter so you can plug in your electronics from overseas. See our recommendations in the 5 Best Travel Adapters for New Zealand .

28. The Tap Water is Drinkable

Yes, tap water in New Zealand is safe to drink. Many towns even get their tap water fresh from the spring! With that in mind, there’s no need to contribute to the world’s plastic problem by buying bottled water; just refill your reusable water bottle as you go.

29. Don’t Be a D*ck to the Environment

On the same note as the point above, be aware of the extra environmental customs in New Zealand. Otherwise, it just gives tourists a bad name! For instance, clean your shoes properly at cleaning stations to prevent Kauri dieback , keep your distance from seals and penguins , don’t feed kea , etc. Obviously littering is pretty insulting to the environment and the locals so try to avoid that! See the  30 Ways to Travel More Sustainably in New Zealand for more tips for the eco-conscious traveller.

30. Use NZ Pocket Guide

Finally, as New Zealand’s largest travel guide on the web, we’re here for you every step of the way for free! Have a look at our Destinations category for every single city, region and national park to discover.

Our   Travel Tips section gives you answers to all those questions you may have about visiting New Zealand, from arrival to departure.

When it comes to filling up your days with exciting experiences, our   Activities section is sure to inspire you.

When looking for places to stay, head to our Accommodation section covering all types of stays in New Zealand.

See full sample itineraries completed for you in our Trip Ideas section.

And those staying in New Zealand longer to work or study will find plenty of tips in our   Work in NZ category, including job listings .

For a more personal touch,  join us for our live Q&A session on YouTube where you can ask us your New Zealand travel questions.

More Tips for Travelling in New Zealand

That’s it for our tips for travelling in New Zealand. For more New Zealand travel tips, check out the following links:

• 30 Tips for Backpacking in New Zealand
• New Zealand Travel Advice: How to Plan a Trip to New Zealand
• The Complete Travel Guide to New Zealand

Happy travels!

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

Was this article useful?

Related posts, new zealand laws that may affect your trip, what you need to know about flying drones in new zealand, 10 mistakes & faux pas to avoid in new zealand, 10 ways to meet people when travelling alone in new zealand, 10 ways to not look like a tourist in new zealand, the essential guide to booking activities in new zealand, recommended for you, new zealand working holiday visa: everything you need to know, the top new zealand events & festivals 🙌 [2024], 15 best backpacker hostels in tongariro national park 🎒 [2024], destinations, travel tips, connect with us, accommodation.

Welcome/Kia Ora By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links.

Connect with us

Welcome/Kia Ora! By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and the terms of use within it.

© 2024 NZ Pocket Guide. Contact – Disclaimer – About Us – Our Standards

Make the perfect plan for any adventure.

Whether you're seeking thrills, craving chills or eager to immerse yourself in new cities and cultures, browse our destination collection and discover the places people love to go.

• Free Exchange
• Book Now - Pay Later!
• 24- Hour Fare Lock

Information

AI infused Kiwi magic for airfares that take you places

• Interest free After Pay option available for Kiwi users
• Experience Kiwi innovation
• A.I powered search

Unleash Mega Savings

Discover Unbeatable Fares for Your Journey. Pay later option available for Kiwi users with Afterpay

Ultra-Secure & Trusted

AI Powered Travel agents

Our AI-Powered Agents Guarantee the Best Airfare Deals Tailored to Your Preferences and Budget

How it works

Search for the best deals! using our AI powered website

Search, Compare and feel assured you are getting the best deal across the market

Call us and secure your flights instantly

Our Friendly team will help you look in flights so you don't miss out!! We can also call you back

Woohoo! get ready to travel your Flights are confirmed!

A booking confirmation will be delivered directly to you! See how easy it is to book with Ease Travel

Cheapest flight routes

Limited time deals on this routes

Los Angeles Flights

Book Your Flights

Auckland Flights

California Flights

Christchurch Flights

Queenstown Flights

Sydney Flights

Melbourne Flights

Phuket Flights

Dubai Flights

New Delhi Flights

International destinations.

Limited time deals on these destinations.

Flights to Bali

Flights to Amritsar

Flights to Singapore

Flights to Melbourne

Flights to Hong Kong

Top destinations.

Europe Flights

USA Flights

India Flights

Australia Flights

UAE Flights

New Zealand Flights

Canada Flights

l’ve been using Ease Travel for years, and it’s the only website I trust for booking flights coz they are transparent with pricing and fees.. can’t recommend Ease Travel enough.

Vance was great

I travel frequently for work and always use Ease Travel for booking flights. They are reliable and the prices are consistently affordable. They are my go-to website.

I had to change my flight last minute, and Ease Travel’s customer service was amazing. They helped me rebook my flight quickly and effeciently.

Agent Anthony

The customer service agent for my booking, went a above and beyond when we were speaking over the phone he helped me with informing me of my flight details. I am happy to be a customer with Ease Travel! Great personalized help and support. Thank you!

Anthony Richard is such a great

I really appreciate the assistance the agent was able to provide! I needed cheapest & an earlier flight and he was able to assist me quickly in a respectable manner. Thank you!

Excellent agency

The representative was very helpful kind respectful answer all my questions made sure my information was correct sent me my new booking reservation I truly enjoyed talking to her

Flight Deals from Major Airlines

Advertise with Us

Request Call Back As Per Your Convenience

• STORE & CONSULTANT FINDER
• My Wishlist

Register / Login

• Sign up for emails
• Cheap Flights
• Destinations
• Storefinder

Latest deals to

Central & South America

Cook Islands

Egypt & Morroco

North America

Pacific Islands

Last Minute Cruise Deals

Ski Holidays

All on sale

As Advertised

Australia city stays.

A-May-Zing Deal-tastic Sale

2024 ‘BOOK IT’ LIST

The world is on sale with Qantas

Qantas Global Sale

Europe in autumn.

AAT Kings NT

Royal Caribbean

Fiji Winter Escapes

South Australia

Disney Magic at Sea New 2024 Season!

Canada Alpine & Apres Ski

Gold Coast Winter Escape

All Inclusive Holidays

Online Brochures

Travel Articles

Inspire Magazine

Discover a Different Australia

Holidays@Home

Make Travel Matter Journeys

Face2Face Video Appointments

New Zealand

South Pacific

Asia flights

UK & Europe

USA & Canada

South America

South Africa & Middle East

Business Class flights

Book online.

Special needs or children (2-15yrs) travelling alone?

Stopover or Multi-city? Please fill in this enquiry form .

Explore our latest deals

View all deals, new south wales, sydney & beyond.

Introducing our free video consultant service. Share your plans and dreams, and together we'll make holidays even better!

SIGN UP FOR HOUSE OF TRAVEL EMAILS

• HOT exclusive travel deals • Travel inspiration & experiences • HOT in-store events • Travel information and news

WHY HOUSE OF TRAVEL?

Kiwi Owned & Operated

Creating better holidays & supporting local for 30+ years..

ASB True Rewards.

Redeem your asb true rewards for travel..

Interest Free Travel.

Pay by gem visa/gem creditline  , laybuy , q card  & more..

Your travel info at your fingertips.

Download the app to manage your booking and itinerary ..

* Satisfaction rating based on 12 month period 01 April 19 – 31 March 20

Start planning your holidays.

Sign up for house of travel emails, find your nearest store.

This blog started off by focussing on NZ's smaller 3rd level airlines, past and present. It has evolved to trying to present some record of NZ's domestic airline operations and some of the larger charter operators, interesting NZ international airliner movements and photos I have taken around the country. Comments, corrections or contributions are welcome, Steve - [email protected]

06 November 2011

A shower of spray and we're away - nz tourist air travel.

4 comments:

Don andrews - father in llaw who started flying to coromandel - is in taking off book available capitol books - and worked at de haviland in wgtn - still alive. he just sent old mags to tauranga aviation museum. was just wondering if you had a story my mum edna pithie had published called 'did he break anything' about fred ladd fluying under the bridge - i am looking for a copy

Chris Pennistone.. UK er ,hunter , aviation enthusiast and DH pilot from CFG England. Saw the Widgeon of Saltair in bits @ Keri Keri airport. II saw Aquatics Widgeon on the ramp years earlier... I really hope she returns to the sky. I would help rebuild for free Grant ! just ask. [email protected]

In the 1960's also flew to & from Lake Rotorua. O one occasion Capt Ladd received a parking ticket for leaving the Wigeon on the foreshore parking lot overnight. The cops had to use a ladder to put the ticket under the wiper blade. Much local humor at the time!

My Dad was a home movie enthusiast and took these home movies back in the 50's or 60's on holiday at Waiheke Island - buried in here are some classic movies of the Wigeon at Oneroa Beach: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nd_hm-RGaRY&t=2077s Contact: [email protected]

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

NZ Tourist Air Travel

> renamed | ^ merged in | => merged to form airline | +> or + assets taken | < divided |

New Zealand Tourist Air Travel Ltd was founded in Aug1954. On the 20Oct1954 the Air Services Licensing Authority granted a licence to the company to operate air charter and air taxi services, using amphibious aircraft. The airline did commence operations until 21-Jun1955. May1965 saw a further expansion of the fixed wing operation with another merger, this time with Queenstown-based Southern Scenic Air Services Limited and its subsidiary West Coast Airways. Mount Cook Airlines opened negotiations with the company about the possibility of a merger. A bid was made by Mount Cook Airlines and this was finally accepted on the 31Dec1967 with the company becoming part of Mount Cook Airlines on the 01Jan1968

[ – Mount Cook Airline was formed as NZ Aero Transport in 1920 at Timaru by Rodolph Wigley. Operations started on 30-Jun1920. Renamed to Mount Cook Air Services, specialising in scenic flights, agricultural work and rescue missions in 1954. Then renamed to Mount Cook Airline on 06Nov1961 when it started sceduled services. Had NZ Tourist Air Travel merge in on 01Jan1968. Now fully owned by ANZ). On 09Dec2019, the Air New Zealand Link was retired with all services operated under the Air New Zealand banner < regional scheduled services out of Christchurch >]

[ – Air New Zealand originated on 26Apr1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited (TEAL), a company operating trans-Tasman flights between New Zealand and Australia. TEAL became wholly owned by the New Zealand government in 1965, whereupon it was renamed Air New Zealand. Operations started on 01Apr1965. The domestic side was started in 1947 as NZNAC (New Zealand National Airways Corporation) trading as National Airways. In 1978 the New Zealand government merged all the owned airlines under the ANZ name. The 3 airlines that made up Air New Zealand Link were all merged back under the parent company < international and regional passenger and cargo airline >]

–:–

Do you have any extra history about NZ Tourist Air Travel to add or any of our other airlines in database? Click here to contact us now and get your information added to the airline history database.

View more airlines recently updated in New Zealand

Cookson airspread.

New Zealand

Updated: May 9, 2024

Cookson Air

Updated: May 8, 2024

Great Barrier Airlines

Updated: March 19, 2024

Mercury Airlines

Air coromandel, barrier air.

Updated: March 16, 2024

Tasman Air Services

Updated: February 5, 2024

Air Colombus

Akarana air.

Updated: January 23, 2024

Nationwide Air

( queenstown seaplanes ).

Updated: January 22, 2024

Airline History - Copyright © 2024 | Superfast hosting provided by Somerset Web Services

• NZ: 0800 505 005
• Int: +64 (0)3 520 3080
• Scheduled Flights Wellington Picton Wellington Nelson Wellington Blenheim Blenheim Paraparaumu Nelson Paraparaumu Wellington Westport Wellington Taupo Blenheim Christchurch Christchurch Wanaka
• Fare Options & Rules
• Regional Information
• Airport Guides
• Wellington Check-In Location
• Unaccompanied Minors
• Flight Schedules

Picton Shuttle

• Wanaka Shuttle
• Terms & Conditions
• Luggage Policy
• Unaccompanied Minor Form
• Special Assistance
• Pets Travelling with Sounds Air
• Alcohol Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Charter Flights
• Sounds Air Fleet
• Company background
• Working with us
• Pilatus Movie
• 0800 505 005
• Book Online

Sounds Air Scheduled Flights

Click on a route to see route information, airport and destination information

Sounds Air can take care of all your group booking and charter flight needs, click find out more and get in touch today!

Search for Flights

• Return Trip

See Unaccompanied Minors regarding travel requirements for children travelling alone under the age of 13.

• 10 Trip Tickets
• Manage my booking

Have a question?

Give us a call on 0800 505 005 or + 64 (0)3 520 3080 if you are calling from overseas.

Get social with us

Traveler Information

Travelling with Sounds Air in 2022 (April Update)

Sounds Air’s COVID-19 Policy has been updated to align with the Government’s COVID-19 Protection Framework (Traffic Light System). Update 20/04/2022: Sounds Air has removed the vaccination pass policy as a requirement to travel. Here's what we continue to require from you at this time: 1. Wear a mask at all times in the airport and on board the aircraft (unless valid exemption provided). 2. Aim to check-in at least 45 minutes before scheduled departure time to assist with on-time departure.  3. Observe social distancing where possible. 

Sounds Air is committed to the health and safety of staff and customers in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, our obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (HSWA) require us to manage all risks to our business and staff, including the probability of spread and infection of COVID-19 within the workplace. Sounds Air accepts the Ministry of Health’s view that COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool in ensuring the health and safety of New Zealanders, including our staff, and further recognises the role of vaccination in protecting those who interact with our staff. Thank you for your support and understanding as we've navigated through this ever-changing environment.

Read more about this..

Nothing more to read at this time! 

Scheduled Flights

Click on a route to see timetables, airfares and destination information

To book a reservation or find out more about our services call us on 0800 505 005

Keep in the loop. Sign Up for our Newsletter

From the ground to the sky we provide services that enhance our passengers' travel experience. We offer daily scheduled flights to 8 destinations around New Zealand as well as our Charter Flights that provide true aviation luxury. Our shuttle service located in Picton is available to transfer passengers to and from the Picton Airport and the Picton township. Our fleet  delivers excellent safety, reliability and passenger comfort.

Aircraft Charter

Plan your trip

Planning to visit New Zealand? Read our guide that covers all the practical travel advice you need to know ahead of your trip.

Travelling to New Zealand

Learn about the COVID-19 requirements for travelling to New Zealand, visa and entry requirements and what sort of travel visa you might need. Find out how to get to New Zealand and how to book your trip.

See more on travelling to New Zealand >

When is the best time to visit New Zealand?

It’s always a good time to visit New Zealand – find out about the weather, popular times to travel to New Zealand, seasonal activities around the country and major events and festivals you won’t want to miss.

Find out more >

Getting around New Zealand

Whether you want to self-drive, fly, join a tour, or hop on a bus or train, there are plenty of options for getting around New Zealand. Find out what’s best for you with our practical advice on travel and transport in New Zealand.

Find more transport options >

Essential travel information

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Next on your journey

Learn more about New Zealand long-arrow-right

Flights to New Zealand long-arrow-right

Getting around New Zealand long-arrow-right

West Coast’s ‘walking tree’ in the running for NZ Tree of the Year 2024

Share this article

Karamea's Lord of the Rings-like "Walking Tree" is a contender for Tree of the Year 2024. Photo / Gareth R Andrews

One of the West Coast’s most recognisable shrubs has put its best foot forward as a contender in New Zealand’s annual Tree of the Year 2024.

The Karamea “Walking Tree” is one of six of the country’s most adored arboreal specimens, shortlisted as finalists in the competition.

The northern rātā took root as a local landmark due to its twin trunks, which give it the appearance of having legs that are ‘mid-step’.

As a parasitic species of plant, it’s among the fastest growing Kiwi trees, if not the fastest moving. The bipedal appearance came from the fact it grew and consumed a host tree.

Despite its dynamic stance, the tree is now firmly planted in a place north of Karamea, near the cemetery.

“With an appearance like one of Tolkien’s sentient, tree-like Ents, it’s easy to see how The Walking Tree got its name,” says the entry to the contest run by The NZ Arboricultural Association.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gareth (@gareth.r.andrews)

Heath Milne, chief executive of regional tourism authority Development West Coast, says he hopes the nomination will help grow the district’s appeal with visitors.

“We encourage everyone to get out and vote, or better still visit Karamea and see it strut its stuff in person,” he says.

Standing alongside the rātā are six trees from across Aotearoa.

In Wellington, ‘Moko’, the centrepiece of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush “open-air plant museum” and arboretum is in the running.

Geraldine’s entry is “Hewlings Tōtara”, a 160-year-old tree that grows between buildings on the high street.

In Mount Maunganui, the “Pitau Road Pōhutukawa” is a gnarled, 400-year-old plant that predates Captain Cook by some way.

“Freddie’s Pōhutukawa” was planted in Gisborne by NZAC air force pilot Fred Naden, ahead of World War I.

Rounding off entries is “That Wānaka Tree” a willow that is well known as a PC screensaver, and needs no further introduction.

The annual competition, held since 2011, is run in collaboration with NZARB and Pouhere Taonga / Heritage NZ.

Tree of the Year chair Brad Cadwallader says it’s still a growing event dedicated to NZ’s largest “living legends”.

“We want people to tell us why these trees are important to them and to show us that they are the guardians of the next Tree of the Year,” he said.

Similar public votes and naturalist popularity competitions have courted controversy and satire recently.

A landslide win for pūteketeke in Forest and Bird’s ‘Bird of the Year 2024 led to claims of election tampering, after US comedian John Oliver encouraged his 4.1 million weekly viewers to vote for the “deeply weird bird”.

We doubt any late night talk show hosts will be dressing up as the walking tree.

Voting is open until May 31, with NZ’s Tree of the Year announced 5 June.

Latest from Travel

India isn't as chaotic as you think, if you know where to look

Find a quieter side in Kerala.

Here’s what you can and can't take from your hotel room

What to do in Norway, according to a local

Would you let your teenagers plan your next family holiday?

‘Dark delights’ of Great Barrier Island

• WEB STORIES New
• ENTERTAINMENT
• CAREER & CAMPUS
• INFOGRAPHICS
• ISL 2023-24

• Manorama Online
• Manorama News TV
• ManoramaMAX
• Radio Mango
• Subscription

Kakkayam eco-tourism centres reopen after 3-months closure

Kozhikode: Three-and-a-half months after it was closed due to the wild animal attacks in the area, Kakkayam Eco Tourism Centre re-opened on Saturday. Despite the high temperature and the anxiety over animal raids, nearly 200 visited the facility on Day 1, sources said. Kakkayam Forest and Urakkuzhi waterfalls are part of the Kakkayam Eco Tourism Centre, which is located on the Kakkayam Dam site in Koorachuntu panchayat. Riding through the forest road is one of the major attractions for tourists coming to enjoy nature's beauty.

The eco and the hydel tourism centres were closed on January 20 after a wild gaur attacked tourists. Though the boating at the hydel centre was reopened by March 1, another gaur attack that killed a local farmer forced authorities to postpone the re-opening. On March 5, farmer Palattiyil Abraham was fatally attacked by a gaur. This spooked even the local travellers away. Apart from farming, tourism is a major source of income for the villagers. The long closure impacted the businesses adversely and left the 19 tourist guides jobless. Considering the situation of the people dependent on the tourism centres, Balussey MLA Sachin Dev convened a meeting with the forest department, and it was decided to open the centre for visitors.

Weekend getaway A perfect weekend getaway, Kakkayam used to be filled with tourists who came on short visits. Tourist operators, hotels, jeep and autorickshaw services in Kakkayam town depended on the influx of visitors. “The re-opening of the tourism centres gives us new hope. Earlier on weekends, around 1,000 visitors would come in a day. If it's a holiday weekend, the footfall would reach up to 2,000. We had to close the ticket counter early,” said Salomi Thomas, a tourist guide. “The closure affected our lives, as many of us depend solely on this on the job.”

Dubai launches air taxi service: Passengers can reach various spots in the city in 10 minutes

Mangaluru – Lakshadweep high-speed ferry launched, travelling time reduced by 5 hours

The ticket prices have been increasing after the re-opening. For adults, tickets cost Rs 50 and Rs 30 for children between the ages of 6 and 12. Tourists can purchase the ticket from Kakkayam Valley, where a beautiful waterfall forms during the rainy season. The 7-km ride through the forests from the ticket counter brings tourists closer to nature. While private vehicles are allowed, tourists can also book jeeps that carry seven passengers each for Rs 250 per rise. You can also decide to travel to the dam site, but you have to take a Rs 30 ticket to see the reservoir.

Other tourist attractions Apart from the eco-tourism centre, Kariyathumpara, Panchavadi Palam, and the bamboo forest are other attractions situated in Koorachundu panchayat, all within a few kilometres' radius. It is a 50 km ride to the panchayat from Kozhikode on the road via Balussery.

• Kerala Tourism

Oman – Abu Dhabi railway: Hafeet rail to boost tourism in the area

Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru Vande Bharat timings revised, will come into effect on May 13: Details

KSRTC budget tours to Gavi, Marayoor, Vattavada and more: Check details

DTPC lodges complaint against trespassers at Vagamon Adventure Park

Air India Express strike: 1200 passengers return home from Karipur due to flight disruptions

Air India to conduct services in AIE's cancelled routes: Details

10 tips for Canadians travelling to Europe in 2024, from visa requirements to tipping culture

P lanning a European vacation this year? Whether you're eyeing a summer trip spent Greek island hopping or you'll be heading to Paris this fall, there are plenty of things you'll want to keep in mind before you head out.

From entry rules to what to pack, there are quite a few key things that Canadians should be sure to prepare for if they're travelling overseas.

To help, we've laid out a few key tips for Canucks visiting Europe in 2024. Including requirements for your Canadian passport , how to get a tax refund and local tipping etiquette, here are 10 things to keep in mind before embarking on your trip.

Check visa requirements

www.instagram.com

Before travelling to Europe, make sure you're aware of the entry requirements of the country or countries you'll be visiting.

While Canadians won't need a visa to visit most European countries, some have different rules when it comes to how long Canadians can visit visa-free .

For instance, in Schengen area countries such as Iceland, Italy, Portugal and Spain, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period and includes visits to any Schengen area country.

Other countries outside the Schengen area may have different rules. In the United Kingdom , for example, tourist visas are not required for stays of up to six months.

According to the Government of Canada, it's important to get your passport stamped when you first enter the Schengen area.

Without this, you may run into problems if you encounter the local police (or other authorities) anywhere in the Schengen area during your visit or with immigration officials when you depart.

Make sure your passport is valid

How long your passport needs to be valid for will also vary by country.

For instance, in Schengen zone countries, your Canadian passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the date you expect to leave the area.

Other European countries, such as Andorra , only require that your passport be valid for the duration of your stay.

Some countries in Europe are landlocked and without their own airports, meaning you'll have to also meet the entry rules of neighbouring countries in order to visit.

You can check the entry and exit requirements of a country by referring to Canada's travel advisory page .

Pack an adapter

Be aware that your Canadian appliances won't fit in the electrical outlets in Europe, which uses two round prong outlets unlike the flat pin outlets used in Canada.

A simple solution is to purchase a power adaptor or voltage converter beforehand. A voltage converter can also save you from potentially frying your hair dryer, as Europe uses 220 volts, compared to Canada's 110, according to the Travel Industry Council of Ontario.

If you're partial to Apple products, the company sells a World Travel Adapter Kit that you can buy on Amazon. However, you can get them from pretty much any travel store and even at the airport for last-minute shoppers.

It may be a good idea to bring more than one — that way, you can charge multiple items at once.

Travel with local currency

If you're travelling to Europe, you'll want to have some of the local currency on hand, which is especially important if you’re travelling outside big tourist cities to smaller towns.

While many European Union countries use the euro , some countries still use their own national currencies. Currently, the euro is the official currency of 20 out of 27 EU member countries which together constitute the Eurozone.

They are Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.

There are also six countries that are part of the EU but use their own national currencies: Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Sweden.

Non-EU member countries, including Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein, use their national currencies.

It's a good idea to check beforehand what kind of currency you'll need for your trip and to have some on hand.

Besides cash, you can usually also use your Canadian credit card when travelling in Europe, but be aware of differing conversion rates depending on the local currency.

Be aware of tourist fees

As a Canadian, there are certain fees you'll have to pay when visiting Europe that vary by country.

Many countries impose tourist taxes on foreigners in certain major cities, usually added to the price of the tourist's accommodation.

For instance, Barcelona in Spain charges a tourist tax that's levied on official tourist lodging and varies depending on the type of accommodation. As of April 2024, the tax is 6.75 euros (about CA$9.92) for five-star hotels, 4.95 euros for four-star hotels, and 5.50 euros for "housing for tourist use."

Other European countries including Switzerland, France, Portugal and Greece also charge tourist taxes. Check with your accommodation or the tourism board for each destination before travelling to be sure how much you need to pay.

Canadians will also have to soon pay a fee to visit 30 countries in Europe.

Starting in the first half of 2025, Canadians will have to pay a travel authorization called the ETIAS to travel to countries including Portugal, Belgium, Iceland, Greece, Italy, France, and Germany.

The ETIAS will allow travellers to stay in the territory of European countries requiring an ETIAS for up to 90 days within any 180-day period.

A full list of countries where the ETIAS will apply can be found on the European Union website .

Once it does come into effect, Canadians will be charged a fee of 7 euros (CA$10.29).

Get a VAT refund

Canadians visiting the EU who are about to leave EU territory to go home or to some other place outside the area may be able to buy goods free of VAT.

VAT, which stands for "value added tax," is a sales tax included in the price you pay for the goods you purchase while in the EU.

As someone who does not live in the EU, however, a Canadian traveller is eligible to buy goods free of VAT in special shops.

Generally, you will have to pay the VAT while shopping, but can get a refund on the tax.

The European Commission advises asking the shop assistant in advance whether they provide this service, and finding out what threshold applies to the purchase in order to be eligible for a refund.

To get your refund, you'll need to show your passport or other identity document proving your residence outside the EU, and will be asked to fill out a form.

You'll then receive an invoice for the goods which you must show to customs officers of the last EU country you leave in order to obtain the refund.

According to the European Commission, you can claim your VAT refund in bigger airports immediately; otherwise, you will have to send the refund form to the address given to you in the shop.

You can also get a refund on VAT when shopping in other European countries that are not members of the EU, such as Iceland and the U.K.

Know the local laws

Remember that different countries will have different local laws that you must abide by. Some apply to certain activities that may be perfectly legal in Canada, but could land you in hot water while abroad .

For instance, in Italy, certain municipalities — particularly those that see a high number of visitors like Venice, Rome, and Florence — have adopted strict public conduct rules, according to the Government of Canada .

In these areas, certain behaviours including sitting, eating or drinking on a monument or an archaeological landmark, walking in an urban setting in swimwear or without a shirt, and feeding pigeons are actually illegal.

Other European countries have their own rules for activities that would be innocuous in Canada. In Spain , some municipalities, including Barcelona, have banned beachwear outside of local beaches, and those caught could face on-the-spot fines.

Be sure to research the destination you're travelling to. You can consult the Government of Canada's travel advisories for information regarding local laws and culture.

Understand tipping etiquette

While tipping is practically obligatory in Canada, tipping culture is much different in Europe.

While it varies by country, generally, tips are not expected in Europe as they are in Canada.

"For most, tips are not expected in Europe, and it's fine not to tip at all, especially in more casual settings like bars or cafes," says ETIAS.com .

The website lays out tipping etiquette in several popular European destinations. For example, in France, tips are not obligatory, it says, and diners instead may notice a " service compris" or "service included" fee equivalent to 15 percent of the bill added to their cheque.

That said, diners may want to still leave something small to show their appreciation; in this case, they can simply round up the bill to the next euro, a common practice for when a larger tip may not be warranted.

For other country-specific tipping information, travellers can look to the local tourism board for their destination, which will often have information on local tipping etiquette.

Consider a budget airline

While Canada doesn't have many budget airlines flying to Europe, in 2023, Play Airlines launched its first flights from the True North, offering Canucks cheap flights to over 30 European destinations.

With Play, you can fly from Toronto to destinations like Greece, France, Italy, Portugal and more for considerably cheaper than other major Canadian airlines.

The airline also frequently has sales that offer additional savings on their already cheap flights.

Check baggage restrictions

If you'll be travelling in Europe, be aware that local European airlines will often have different luggage restrictions compared to those of Canada.

For instance, if you were travelling to the islands of Greece, you'd likely have to take a Greek flight once you arrive in the country on your flight from Canada.

While your Canadian airline may have not had any restrictions on cabin baggage weight ( Air Canada , for instance, specifies that cabin baggage has no weight restrictions but must be light enough that you can store it unassisted), the local airline you fly with in your destination may have different rules.

Popular Greek airline Aegean , for instance, says that carry-on baggage must weigh no more than 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds).

Be sure to check the luggage requirements for every airline you'll be flying with to avoid any hassles during your trip.

Bon voyage!

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

• Latest News
• Emergencies
• Ask the Law
• GN Fun Drive
• Visa+Immigration
• Phone+Internet
• Reader Queries
• Safety+Security
• Banking & Insurance
• Dubai Airshow
• Corporate Tax
• Top Destinations
• Corporate News
• Electronics
• Home and Kitchen
• Consumables
• Saving and Investment
• Budget Living
• Expert Columns
• Community Tips
• Cryptocurrency
• Cooking and Cuisines
• Guide to Cooking
• Art & People
• Friday Partner
• Daily Crossword
• Word Search
• Philippines
• Australia-New Zealand
• Corrections
• From the Editors
• Special Reports
• Pregnancy & Baby
• Learning & Play
• Child Health
• For Mums & Dads
• UAE Success Stories
• Live the Luxury
• Culture and History
• Staying Connected
• Entertainment
• Live Scores
• Point Table
• Top Scorers
• Photos & Videos
• Course Reviews
• Learn to Play
• South Indian
• Arab Celebs
• Health+Fitness
• Gitex Global 2023
• Best Of Bollywood
• Special Features
• Investing in the Future
• Know Plan Go
• Gratuity Calculator
• Notifications
• Prayer Times

ATM 2024: PIF-backed Riyadh Air and Saudi Tourism Authority partner to enhance travel experience for passengers

Both entities will collaborate on initiatives to enhance the level of service for tourists

Dubai: Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia's new airline and Saudi Tourism Authority (STA), have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Dubai's Arabian Travel Market (ATM), that will enhance the travel experience for passengers to and from Saudi Arabia.

The airline, owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), aims to fly to over 100 countries by 2030, and through this partnership, both entities will collaborate on various initiatives to enhance the level of service for tourists.

STA CEO Fhad Hamidaddin said, "Increasing Saudi Arabia's connectivity with the world is a crucial pillar of our tourism strategy. It will ensure we sustain our rapid growth and meet our new ambitious target of 150 million visits by 2030."

"We are currently connected to over 180 destinations and aim to triple annual passenger traffic to 330 million by 2030, and this new agreement will help turbocharge these efforts," Hamidaddin added.

Commenting on the partnership, Tony Douglas, Riyadh Air CEO, said: "This is another momentous day in the history of Riyadh Air. Working alongside the STA to elevate the travel experience for our guests and those visiting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia signifies what we're all about. We are elevating standards across the board in aviation to previously unseen levels. We have a shared commitment to travel and tourism in the Kingdom along with our forward-thinking approach to innovation, sustainability, and the satisfaction of our guests."

The partnership will focus on several key areas:

• Riyadh Air and the STA will jointly announce new routes and destinations to raise global awareness among travellers.
• Both will promote Saudi Arabia and any new destinations with an aligned strategy to attract and inform guests worldwide. Riyadh Air is expected to contribute to KSA's non-oil GDP growth by $20 billion while directly and indirectly creating over 200,000 new jobs globally and locally.
• Riyadh Air and the STA engage in sponsorship opportunities, enabling both parties to leverage each other's networks and resources.
• Working in unison, Riyadh Air and the STA will ensure a notable presence at key industry trade shows and major international events in the travel and tourism sector.
• The MoU will ensure accessibility to tourism-related platforms such as the Sustainable Tourism Observatories in Cities (STOCH) to keep both parties visible and accessible to tourists and guests year-round.
• Guests will benefit from collaboration between Riyadh Air and the STA thanks to joint benefits with their respective loyalty programs.
• Collaboration on payment solutions will simplify airline booking processes, enhancing the overall booking experience for Riyadh Air guests and tourists coming to Saudi Arabia.
• Riyadh Air and the STA will be active in the Tourism Accelerator Programme, driving innovation, growth and sustainability within the tourism sector. Riyadh Air also plays a crucial role in contributing to Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification and job creation toward realising Vision 2030 goals.
• As globally recognisable entities, both will work in unison to develop and produce various travel and tourism products that enhance travellers' overall experience.
• As part of the agreement, Riyadh Air and the STA will gather invaluable feedback and information from travellers to improve services and the overall experience where necessary.

Riyadh Air recently celebrated its first anniversary, signing major agreements and partnerships with global partners as it continues to prepare for its maiden flight in mid-2025.

More From Aviation

See: Stunning light show kicks off Korea Drone Expo

Airports in spat over right to use name 'San Francisco'

What's behind recent wave of Boeing plane incidents?

Saudi aims to grow general aviation into a $2b industry

New vs old: UAE sees flood of older iPhone models

UAE gold shoppers can now pay by 'advance instalments'

Gold surges $70/oz on 'Akshaya Trithiya' day

Dubai Holdings' Jumeirah unveils new brand identity

Emirates inks deal to promote Mauritius, Uganda tourism

Indian luxury homes claim larger share of sales: Report

Manchester united lift women’s fa cup for first time, chinese firms win more oil and gas bids in iraq, amazon, pfizer, morgan stanley make big bets in france, donors pledge over $2b for gaza at kuwait conference, visma’s kooij wins giro stage on napoli seafront.

Get Breaking News Alerts From Gulf News

We’ll send you latest news updates through the day. You can manage them any time by clicking on the notification icon.

EVA Air flight attendants praised for breaking up a fistfight in the sky

Related video: An investigation is underway after a container of petrol, and a chainsaw containing petrol, was checked in as luggage on an international flight from Christchurch to Sydney. Credits: Image - Supplied; Video - Newshub

Three flight attendants are winning praise for successfully defusing a physical fight between two passengers on board an EVA Air flight.

More from Newshub

In a statement to CNN, the airline said the scuffle began when a passenger was reportedly coughing and the man next to him tried to move into another seat to get away. However, the man's attempt to swap seats didn't work, as the seat he chose already belonged to another male passenger. Those two men then got into an argument over the seat, which the airline said turned physical.

That's when three female flight attendants stepped in to handle the situation, says EVA.

Flight BR08 was about three hours into its 12-hour journey from Taipei to San Francisco on Wednesday, May 8 when the incident took place. EVA, which is based in Taiwan, told CNN that the two brawling passengers were both foreigners but did not specify their countries of origin.

Thanks to the quick actions of these flight attendants, with assistance from some concerned passengers, the airline said the two men were separated from each other and the rest of the flight continued as scheduled, successfully landing in San Francisco on time.

"The company has always adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards incidents of passenger nuisance," EVA told CNN in the statement.

"The company will provide appropriate rewards to [the three cabin crew members] later on."

The plane's captain contacted San Francisco police mid-flight, and the two combative passengers were taken in for questioning on arrival, according to EVA.

This isn't the first time that an in-air incident on EVA made headlines. In 2019, an obese male passenger reportedly forced female flight attendants to help him undress, use the bathroom and clean him afterward, saying he was physically unable to do so himself.

Following the incident, EVA publicly expressed its "sincere gratitude" to its employees and vowed to look into the incident further.

That same year, EVA reversed its policy of only hiring women as flight attendants and said it would hire men as cabin crew members too.