This April sees the launch of a brand-new AirAsia X route between Christchurch and Kuala Lumpur. There are now four flights weekly connecting Christchurch with South East Asia, bringing 30,000 more visitors to New Zealand in the first year alone .
When the brand-new flight went on sale last December a whopping 17,000 seats were sold in the six hours following the announcement! But when you consider the myriad of activities the South Island has to offer this shouldn't come as a surprise. From water activities, hiking in national parks and skiing to adrenaline pumping activities in Queenstown and wine tasting in Marlborough, there is something for everyone.
Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler says: "We are seeing increasing interest from throughout the Asian region for a holiday in New Zealand […] Together with our tourism partners in Christchurch we've worked closely with AirAsia X to ensure the new route is a massive success."
And the new Christchurch-Kuala Lumpur flights couldn’t have come at a better time. After the initial recovery from the earthquake, the Garden City of Christchurch is welcoming visitors again. Despite damage to the central city, there is still plenty to do and accommodation in motels, holiday parks and B&Bs is plentiful. Christchurch’s restaurants, cafés and bars have re-opened or relocated, many shopping malls are back up and running and, most importantly, Cantabrians are ready to give tourists their famous Kiwi welcome. And with the 2011 New Zealand ski season just around the corner, Christchurch and surrounds are gearing up to host skiers and snowboarders flocking to the ten great ski areas of the Canterbury area.