Kiwis stranded in Bali as Mt Lewotobi eruption cancels Air NZ flights
The eruption has left many Kiwis stranded in Indonesia after flight NZ291 due to leave Denpasar Airport in Bali for Auckland at 5.50pm tonight
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NZ Herald
18 hours ago
- NZ Herald
Tourism boom, finally? Flight Centre says four countries crucial as new campaign unveiled
Courtney said the new partnership between Flight Centre and Tourism New Zealand aimed to build on existing awareness and connections in the four target countries. 'They're four of our strongest leisure markets that we operate in.' The campaign also aimed to boost visitor numbers in the 'shoulder' season around peak tourist times. November, December and February usually had the highest tourism numbers, and July tended to be busier than other months in the middle of the year. Courtney said data showed many visitors from the four chosen countries made repeat visits to New Zealand. She said many Canadians, South Africans, Australians and Britons viewed New Zealand as a key destination. 'We are targeting predominantly Flight Centre brand, which is a pretty mass-market brand in terms of the customers that we attract,' Courtney said. 'Tourism New Zealand have been working with our luxury brands as well, but it's really around targeting all customers.' The group includes Travel Associates, Cruiseabout, Cruise Club, BYOjet, and Aunt Betty. Courtney told the Herald that airline capacity was a key issue affecting tourism growth potential. 'The biggest challenge we've probably still got is across the Tasman ... It varies during the year with seasonal flights, but really, we're only back to about 90% of our pre-Covid capacity.' Air New Zealand has faced aircraft shortages due to some Pratt & Whitney and Rolls-Royce engine maintenance issues. Its chief executive, Greg Foran, previously described the situation as akin to being a league team with players 'in the sin bin'. But the airline has indicated it is making progress, with a new Christchurch to Adelaide service announced in June. 'We know that both Qantas and Air New Zealand have added capacity across the Tasman, but it's still not up to the levels it needs to be,' Courtney said. 'There are similar challenges with capacity in and out of Asia, which then has a knock-on effect to getting up to Europe.' The International Air Transport Association (Iata) in June said aircraft deliveries were 30% behind their peak levels. Iata said the global aircraft backlog was at a record high of 17,000 and could take three to five years to resolve. Tourism NZ chief executive Rene de Monchy said the agency would tap into Flight Centre's global customer network. He also said more international air capacity was crucial for achieving tourism growth. The partnership is expected to run for three years. Meanwhile, Courtney said the Government was showing initiative to drive tourism, but some foreign visitors faced high costs and fees. In June, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism Minister Louise Upston announced $13.5 million in extra funding for Tourism NZ. Courtney said there was room for New Zealand to improve its performance in other markets, especially India and China. Another debate related to charging foreign tourists a $20 to $40 fee to visit some of the country's most popular sites. Courtney said there was obviously a cost to ensuring preservation of the environment. But she said New Zealand, with its geographical isolation, was already a fairly expensive place for tourists to come to. 'As much as possible, we need to try and ensure that we keep New Zealand as competitive as we can with other destinations.' John Weekes is a business journalist covering aviation and courts. He has previously covered consumer affairs, crime, politics and courts.
1News
2 days ago
- 1News
Kiwis flock offshore for travel getaways despite cost-of-living crisis
New Zealanders are continuing to prioritise international travel, with Kiwi holidaymakers breaking records – despite the ongoing cost-of-living crisis affecting households across the country. Statistics NZ figures show May was the busiest on record for New Zealanders returning from an international trip – exceeding numbers from before the Covid-19 pandemic. Paula Rhodes, owner of Hornby House of Travel, said the appetite for travel remains strong across all age groups. 'A lot of it is about making up for lost time,' she said. 'That older generation especially; there's a sense that you need to make the most of those years. You've got to get out there and live while you can." Trip numbers to Asia have also skyrocketed. ADVERTISEMENT Statistics NZ spokesperson Bryan Downes said short-term trips to Asia by New Zealand resident travellers were up 20% in the June 2025 year, compared with the previous year – driven primarily by more trips to Indonesia, China, Japan, and India. In the 12 months to June, 316,100 New Zealanders travelled to Asia for short-term getaways; a staggering 34% increase on the previous year. Rhodes said much of the Bali surge is due to Air New Zealand offering direct flights to Denpasar. 'It's more accessible than ever, it's an easy destination, and once you're there, it's relatively affordable,' she said. Japan is also experiencing a significant spike in visits from Kiwis, particularly among younger travellers. 'Japan is huge at the moment. People love the cultural difference. It's a real assault on the senses — from traditional kimonos to anime. The Japanese people are incredibly welcoming, and there's so much going on.' Arthur Blake of Christchurch attended the Travel Expo this morning and had already booked a Europe trip for 2026. ADVERTISEMENT 'There's more confidence now, so we can book a month-long holiday. You know you can book a holiday and know that your flights won't be cancelled,' he said. Despite the cost-of-living pressures facing New Zealanders, Rhodes said it hasn't dissuaded Kiwis from booking trips overseas. 'We do sometimes scratch our heads about the cost of living situation — but travel still seems to be very much part of people's budgets. We love to travel — and living at the bottom of the world, that's understandable. Especially with the weather we've had lately in Christchurch — who wouldn't want a bit of heat and sunshine?' she said.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- NZ Herald
Luxury for less: Five hot deals to book for 2026
Samoa beachfront bliss Nestled in a sheltered bay just one hour's drive from Faleolo International Airport on the southeast coast of Upolu, this new boutique retreat offers a tranquil escape with a white sandy beach, lush greenery, and exotic tropical flowers. Guests can unwind with daily swims, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and immerse themselves in Samoa's warm hospitality. House of Travel has a five-night package from $1439 pp, share twin. The deal includes return Economy Class (The Works) airfares with Air New Zealand from Auckland to Apia, five nights' accommodation, tropical English breakfast daily, two thirty-minute massages per room, two lavalava (sarongs) per room, and weekly Fiafia night live entertainment on Wednesdays (Fiafia dinner excluded). Valid for sale until August 31, 2025, unless sold out prior for travel from January 16 to March 7, 2026. Book at call 0800 713 715, or see your travel agent. Relax in Samoa. Hawaiian escape in style Fly to Hawaii and enjoy two nights in Waikiki before setting sail on a seven-night cruise aboard Pride of America with Norwegian Cruise Line. Explore the islands of Maui, Hawaii and Kauai, then enjoy one more night in Waikiki post-cruise before flying home. Package includes return economy class flights from Auckland to Honolulu with Air New Zealand, three nights' hotel accommodation at Outrigger Waikiki Beachcomber Hotel in a standard room (two nights pre-cruise and one night post-cruise). The seven-night cruise also includes selected specialty dining and beverage package. From $6299 pp, twin-share stateroom, this deal is on sale until August 25, 2025. Price is based on an Inside Stateroom. Airport transfers are additional. Selected departure: January 24, 2026. Subject to availability. Booking fees and terms and conditions apply. Contact Flight Centre on 0800 427 555 or visit Explore the Hawaiian islands. Sail the Mediterranean coast Hop aboard the magnificent Enchanted Princess and set sail for the stunning Mediterranean on a seven-day cruise. Departing from Civitavecchia on May 26, 2026, explore the Amalfi Coast, Santorini, Kusadasi, and Katakolon. Experience sun-soaked days, ancient wonders, and crystal-clear waters all in one unforgettable journey. Priced from $1962 pp, share twin for a Princess Standard fare, which includes standard dining, accommodation, and entertainment. Flights are additional. Prices are subject to change. Visit or call 0800 780 717. Experience luxury aboard the Enchanted Princess. Jewel of the Indian Ocean Discover the jewel of the Indian Ocean on a twelve-day escorted tour of Sri Lanka from March 12 to 24, 2026. Explore Colombo's vibrant streets, marvel at the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock, and journey through Dambulla, Kandy, and Galle. Experience a scenic train ride past tea plantations and waterfalls, and venture into Yala National Park for the chance to spot elephants and leopards in the wild. This all-inclusive adventure includes international flights, guided touring, tour accommodation and a rich mix of cultural and wildlife experiences. Prices start from $7779 pp for select departures. For reservations, book via or call 0800 785 386.
