Australia’s second-largest airline, Virgin Australia, has announced plans to begin its flight service from Christchurch on the South Island of New Zealand to Rarotonga in Cook Islands.
Due to start in the next seven months, the weekly non-stop service will operate as a seasonal service between June 25 and October 8, 2016.
Flights will depart Christchurch every Saturday at 2pm (New Zealand time).
The flights will include Virgin Australia’s award winning Business Class with luxury leather seating and in-flight menus prepared by resident head chef Luke Mangan, announced the company.
This additional service will support the five flights each week that operate between Auckland and Rarotonga.
According to Virgin Australia’s Chief Commercial Officer, Judith Crompton, the service will give New Zealanders the opportunity to explore and enjoy the Cook Islands, and is a boost for tourism.
Virgin Australia, in their press release, highlighted their close working relationship with Christchurch Airport and the Cook Islands Tourism Corporation in developing the new service.
General Manager of Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, Graeme West, said that they are delighted that Virgin Australia will embark on this new venture.
“It’s a short non-stop flight to paradise.”
