Direct flights boost Wairarapa's wine tourism

John and Kay Bell's organic winery in Martinborough. Photo / Supplied

Auckland is now just a short flight away from the Wairarapa's world-class wineries, thanks to the launch of a new Air New Zealand route.

The direct service between Masterton and Auckland operates six days a week, with fares from $105 one way per person.

Previously travellers had to fly into or out of Wellington or Palmerston North and make their way by road to the Wairarapa.

Air New Zealand spokesperson Tracey Palmer says passenger numbers to date have been very encouraging.

Destination Wairarapa marketing manager Barbara Hyde says the service will boost the region's economy, giving Aucklanders easy access to the wine district, including the iconic pinot noir region of Martinborough.

Rachael Fletcher, general manager of winemakers' collective Wines from Martinborough and the annual wine and food festival Toast Martinborough - which last year injected around $1 million into the local economy -

says the service means Aucklanders are just over an hour away from some of the best boutique vineyards in the country.

"They can come and meet the winemaker at the cellar door - it's a unique experience," Fletcher says.

In this economy people are experiencing destinations within New Zealand rather than travelling overseas and Martinborough is "an old wine village in a new wine world, where people can escape the hustle of the city. "In one short flight they can find themselves immersed in a slower pace of life."

There's no need to hire a car either - Martinborough's compact, flat topography means wine tourists can bicycle or walk between cellar doors. And there are facilities catering for business meetings as well.

Winemaker John Bell of Vynfields organic vineyard says Wairarapa's wine businesses are delighted.

"The link from Masterton to Auckland provides efficient and timely access to Auckland's airport and from there, the world."