A new airline is now operating scheduled and charter flights between Tauranga and the North Shore.
North Shore Air has begun flying to and from Tauranga every Monday, Thursday and Friday using their 8-seater Piper Navajo. Charter flights are also available to other airports around New Zealand.
The new airline is based at an airfield in Dairy Flat and is also offering a corporate shuttle for passengers into Auckland's CBD using designated bus lanes.
The new airline's chief executive, Peter Newman, said it could take one to two hours to get across the city once a person had arrived at Auckland Airport.
"If it's raining or if there's an accident, traffic is even worse. Flying directly into the North Shore gives people another option. It's often closer to where they need to be, and they won't have to fight through traffic to reach the CBD."
Mr Newman said North Shore Air's two pilots offered a more personal, friendly service than larger airlines. He was currently driving the corporate shuttle each day to get to know clients better.
"People say smaller airlines don't last long but the difference with this one is our location on the North Shore. We're not in direct competition with anyone, we have exclusive use of the air field on these routes, and it's far more convenient not having to battle through Auckland's traffic."
Introductory prices for October are $149 one way. Fares will normally cost $195 one way or $375 return.
"We're very excited to establish this new service and provide more choice for airline passengers," he said.
Information about bookings and flight schedules can be found online at www.northshoreair.co.nz.