Qantas to continue flights from Rotorua

Rotorua's tourism industry is celebrating more good news, with Qantas announcing it will continue its daily jet service to Christchurch and Queenstown.

Although Qantas has cut back the service by one day, on Tuesday, during the winter, the announcement has been welcomed by the Rotorua tourism and business sectors.

Two years ago Rotorua was in a dire situation when jet services would not land at Rotorua airport because its runway was too short.

It meant big conference and tour groups, along with those on incentive trips, were bypassing the city because aircraft flying into Rotorua were not big enough to allow them to travel together.

Following an extension to the runway, the first daily Qantas jet landed in Rotorua last April.

Qantas New Zealand regional general manager Allan Williams admitted it was probably "bad timing" to start the jet service in April because it was normally a "down season" for the overseas visitor market.

But the move exceeded Qantas' expectations, Mr Williams said.

"We always try to make money and we have been very, very happy with the results so far. But we have to give a plug for the support we have had, not only from the local tourism industry, but also from locals who have taken the opportunity to use the service to get down to Christchurch."

Air New Zealand operates three flights a day between Rotorua and Christchurch, including a jet service.

However, the jet service does not operate during the quieter tourist months.

- NZPA