Snow Time! Pacific Blue Takes Off to Queenstown

Snow bunnies and adrenaline junkies will be among those expected to fly on Pacific Blue's brand new year round direct flights from Sydney to Queenstown. The new services are set to launch tomorrow, just in time to carve up the slopes for spring skiing.

Snow bunnies and adrenaline junkies will be among those expected to fly on Pacific Blue's brand new year round direct flights from Sydney to Queenstown. The new services are set to launch tomorrow, just in time to carve up the slopes for spring skiing.

The new flights are part of Pacific Blue's ongoing expansion plans and coincide with the launch of other international direct services from Australia to Dunedin and Hamilton, New Zealand.

Virgin Blue's sister airline will operate a twice weekly service designed to suit those travelling to Queenstown to experience the delights of one of New Zealand's premier tourist destinations.
Sydney-Queenstown: Two flights a week
• Special launch day celebratory fare of $209* one-way on the internet
• Regular lead-in fares will start from $299* one-way on the internet.

Virgin Blue Group Chief Executive, Brett Godfrey, said, "Our Guests have lobbied us for some time to start direct flights from Sydney to Queenstown so we're responding to them at last with the opening of the new route."

He continued, "It's no secret Queenstown is one of New Zealand's most popular year round destinations and we are excited to be bringing more, choice and convenience for travellers wanting to fly direct, fly affordably and of course fly the fun way with Pacific Blue's friendly crew."

The carrier is also expanding into New Zealand's regional centres in recognition of the tourism opportunities and desirability's of the non-metropolitan destinations and the unique attractions the New Zealand's tourism regions have to offer. Whether it's the cobbled streets or ski slopes of Queenstown, the penguins in Dunedin or glow-worm caves and cultural heritage in Hamilton, these regional cities and towns have plenty to offer.

Forward bookings for Queenstown are trending well with early indications showing group bookings are going gangbusters. The service will be a year round flight and Pacific Blue will work closely with local businesses and tourism organisations to entice travellers to experience the summer sights and delights of the region including wineries, bush walking and of course mountain climbing.

Pacific Blue's holiday program Blue Holidays, offers some sensational snow holiday packages to New Zealand including:

Sofitel Queenstown ^
Return airfares to Queenstown
7 nights accommodation in a Superior Room
From $1570pp twin share

On Sale Until 30 November 2009
For Travel Between 4 September 2009 - 31 March 2010

For Booking see www.virginblue.com.au/holidays or call 13 15 16 within Australia or 0508 13 15 16 within New Zealand.

Launch flight takes off from Sydney's Kingsford Smith International Airport at 10.30am and arrive in Queenstown at 3.35pm. On board the first flight will be Pacific Blue executives who will conduct in-flight launch activities including a charity auction to raise money for New Zealand's registered charity "Cure Kids".



* All fares are subject to availability, are one-way on the internet or $15 more by phone. Seats are limited and may not be available at peak times or on all flights. A credit/debit card fee of $5 per person per one-way flight applies. Sale fares include taxes, fees and surcharges. International return fare may vary with the addition of local taxes and charges. Fare price is based on GO! Fare and is non-refundable. Checked baggage charges apply to all Blue Saver and GO! Fares. Pre-pay $8 online for up to 23kgs of checked baggage per person one way flight, or pay $20 at the airport for the same allowance. The special launch day celebratory fare is on sale from now until midnight 13 September 2009 or until sold out and is for specific travel periods between 20 October 09 – 10 December 09 and 12 January 10 – 24 March 10 and 20 April 10 – 24 June 10.

^ Package price is correct as at 1/9/2009. During some periods air and hotel pricing may not be available and surcharges may apply. Prices are subject to availability and not guaranteed until the booking is completed and confirmed. Prices based on direct route, including taxes, levies and other government charges which may vary and are subject to change. Seasonal surcharges may apply. Hotel rates quoted are based on double occupancy, per room per night, unless otherwise noted. Prices based on lead-in room, additional room types available. Charges for extra persons and/or children may apply and will be charged directly by the hotel. Package conditions apply. Further conditions may apply. Prices advertised are a from price based on per person, twin share

All travel is subject to normal terms and conditions of carriage which can be found at www.virginblue.com.au