With its shiny new airport, Taupo (TUO) is looking into the feasibility of direct service to Christchurch International Airport (CHC), the largest city on the South Island of New Zealand. Last year, the Taupo Airport Authority (TAA) committee met and approached Air New Zealand to discuss the potential of a direct air link between the two cities.
Taupo's tourism potential
Taupo, located in the center of the North Island on the shores of Lake Taupo, has a permanent population of around 26,000. However, with many tourist activities, the population quickly increases in the summer.
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Meeting on Monday
The TAA plans to reconvene on Monday and discuss the 'work in progress' with Air New Zealand about attracting a range of new domestic connections to the region.
The analysis will be undertaken for current demand, in which passengers must connect via Auckland International Airport (AKL) to continue onto Christchurch. Another alternative for a quick trip to the South Island is nearby Rotorua Airport (ROT), an hour's drive north of Taupo (80 km / 49 miles), where Air New Zealand offers multiple direct flights daily to Christchurch.
Hoping for an outcome by winter
With the Southern Hemisphere winter kicking off in June, the TAA hopes to have a decision from Air New Zealand by mid-year. One can only imagine if the flight is to materialize, it would be in preparation for the busy summer months, capitalizing on Christmas travelers. Taupō Business Chamber president Amy Penn commented in the New Zealand online newspaper Stuff about the potential:
"The Christchurch to Taupō route opening would have a significant positive impact on local tourism and businesses, providing a much-needed connection to the South Island, not only for travellers but creating opportunities for businesses to connect easily."
Plenty of other opportunities
With Taupo nominating itself as an 'adventure capital,' the aviation sector is already humming. Scenic flights, sky diving, and private jet charter are big in Taupo. Post-pandemic, the airport is already nearing 90% of capacity and anticipating 65,000 passengers by the end of the financial year.
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For now, its Auckland and Wellington
Travelers to Taupo will have to be content with the airport's current scheduled services. The airport currently sees a connection from Auckland, operated by Air New Zealand's Bombardier Q300 DHC-8 Dash 8, operating multiple daily flights.
The other carrier on the block is a regional airline, Sounds Air. The small but mighty carrier has carved out a niche from axed Air New Zealand flights, creating its robust network connecting travelers across the Cook Strait. The privately owned aircraft, based out of Picton Aerodrome (PCN), operates direct services from Taupo to the capital, Wellington (WLG), in partnership with the Taupo District Council.
Sounds Air is currently in discussion with the local council about its 15 weekly return flights for the potential of expanded schedules and destinations. With Taupo looking to cash in on its new terminal, 2023/2024 could be an exciting few years if new flights are to take off.
Sources: Stuff.co.nz