Frequency Reduction

 

Following on from yesterday's news about Originair withdrawing from Taupō, the airline's timetable also shows a reduction in flights to Westport with flights on Tuesdays and Thursdays no longer being offered. 

Originair started serving Westport on the 3rd of January 2025 and initially offered 6 flights a week. The schedules offered were not tailored for business customers and the reduction indicates the leisure market isn't enough to sustain the schedule offered.

Cutting the Capital Connection

Originair has cancelled its Taupō-Wellington service, leaving the central North Island town with no flight links to the capital. The Nelson-based airline only started flying the route in February after Sounds Air had to axe the service. Flights on its website show ‘No Flights’ or ‘Sold Out’ after May 26 and there are no dates beyond June 7. Tickets for the three remaining dates (May 19, 23 and 26) are selling from $259 one way. Originair has not responded to Stuff Travel’s requests for comment. Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas told Stuff Travel it was unfortunate that the airline could not make it work. “We thank them for giving it a go but, unfortunately, the forward bookings just didn't stack up for what they needed for their business.” Trewavas said connectivity to the capital was “so important” so the council will be actively looking to find another operator. Originair was flying three days a week between Wellington and Taupō. He said he had a conversation with Air New Zealand CEO Greg Foran last week, who said he would go away and have another look at it. “Our economy is getting stronger and stronger. They are building another new geothermal plant. I believe the business is definitely there, but the timing's got to be right too.” Taupō residents will have to drive to Rotorua to get a flight to Wellington. The first direct flight of the day from there is 9.30am or else transit via Auckland. “Air travel is the way to go,” Trewavas said, ”so we'll be certainly open to any offers that might come our way. “We've got a brand new airport terminal, so we're all set to go and we just need that connectivity to the capital.” In February, after the plane touched down on its inaugural flight between the centres, Rachel Moffitt, Originair’s head of marketing, said there had been a "positive reception from local businesses and residents“ and showed ”the potential for this route to thrive.” Taupō MP and Tourism Minister Louise Upston said the company had not advised her of its plans. “Although I don’t use the Taupō service on a weekly basis, I do appreciate the work Originair has put into this regional route, and stepping in when Sounds Air withdrew.”  

The full article can be found here : https://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/360685789/taupo-lose-wellington-connection-originair-pulls-route-after-three-months

Aircruising Australia's cruising in New Zealand skies

 

While not a scheduled operator, Aircrusing Australia was a regular visitor to New Zealand from the mid 1990s operating regular air tours around the country over the summer tourist season. 

Charter Cruise Air Ltd was established by Neville Salisbury and started operations in 1983. It was known  this until the 18th of November 1994 when it was renamed as Aircruising Australia Ltd. 

From the 1995-96 summer through to 2003 Aircruising Australia operated summer aerial tours around New Zealand using their own aircraft. Over the first three years three different aircraft were used on New Zealand air cruising, Fokker F27 Friendship VH-JCC in the summer of 1995-96, Fokker Friendship VH-NLS (which had been previously operated by NAC and Air New Zealand as ZK-NAH) in the summer of 1996-97 and British Aerospace Jetstream 31 VH-OSW (which later operated with Origin Pacific Airways as ZK-OSW) in the summer of 1997-98.

Aircruising Australia's Fokker Friendship VH-JCC at Hokitika on 10 February 1996. From memory the flight arrived in the morning and the passengers visited Lake Kaniere and the Hokitika Gorge before flying out in the afternoon

Aircruising Australia's ex-Air New Zealand Fokker Friendship, VH-NLS, at Hokitika 14 March 1997

In 1998 a typical Aircrusing Australia tour around New Zealand was nine days as follows.

Day 1 - Auckland/Bay of Islands (with a flight from Auckland to Kerikeri)

Join your 9 day Aircruise this morning at Auckland Airport where your private aircraft awaits for a spectacular flight to the tip of the North Island, Cape Reinga, before landing at the picturesque Bay of Islands. Tour the historic township of Russell, site of the first European settlement in New Zealand. This old whaling port still contains some of the original buildings which have retained their elegance and grace. Cruise the picturesque Bay of Islands which was formed when the sea drowned the valley floors and turned the hills into a myriad of islands.

Day 2 - Bay of Islands/Rotorua (with a flight from Kerikeri to Rotorua and the aircraft positioning to Taupo)

Board our private aircraft for a spectacular flight over the islands dotted throughout the Hauraki Gulf. Today's journey takes us on to the Volcanic plateau and to the famous Rotorua thermal region, renowned world wide for its towering geysers, boiling mud and hot springs. A visit to Whakarewarewa highlights the largest concentration of thermal activity including Phutu Geyser, which erupts to an impressive 18 metres. Rotorua also provides a focus for the Maori Culture as there are excellent displays of arts and crafts, traditional buildings and fortified villages which highlight many of the traditions and ancient legends.

Day 3 - Rotorua/Taupo

At the base of Tongariro and Ruapehu mountains lies the picturesque Lake Taupo. Recognised for its excellent trout fishing, Lake Taupo is approximately 619 square kilometres. Cruise on the serene expanse of water which masks the scene of the country's most violent eruptions of the past several thousand years.

Day 4 - Taupo/Napier (with a flight from Taupo to Napier)

Board our private aircraft this morning for breathtaking views over Lake Taupo and Mt Ruapehu and the lush rolling pastures of the north-east coast. On arrival at Napier, tour this beautifully preserved art deco town. This afternoon visit the historic Clifton Station, set in 2,000 acres of beautiful coastal country. As guests on the property enjoy a delightful afternoon tea in the surrounds of the 100 year old homestead. We have the rare opportunity to see the only mainland Gannet colony in the world. Travel by four wheel drive to Cape Kidnappers to view the breeding grounds of these magnificent white sea birds.

Day 5 - Napier/Tranz Alpine Rail Journey/ Christchurch (with a flight from Napier to Hokitika and the aircraft positioning to Christchurch).

Leaving the North Island we head south to explore the picturesque South Island. Our exploration begins with a train journey crossing the Southern Alps. This rail journey provides access through some of New Zealand's most rugged terrain with views of the majestic Southern Alps. Arrive at Christchurch, acclaimed to be one of the most picturesque cities in New Zealand.

Day 6 - Christchurch/Te Anau (with a flight from Christchurch to Manapouri)

Tour this charming city and view the Gothic architecture of the cathedral and a superb display of native flora in the Botanic gardens. Your private aircraft awaits for a wondrous flight along the rugged west coastline of the South Island. Experience incredible aerial views of the Westland National Park which stretches from the coast to the top of the Southern Alps and includes the famous Twin Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers. The magnificence of this rugged and untamed landscape can only truly be appreciated from the air. Arrive this afternoon at Te Anau - the gateway to the Fiordland National Park.

Day 7 - Doubtful Sound

The Fiordland National Park is New Zealand's largest, spread over its most rugged and remote region. Today visit one of the most picturesque and untouched regions of the National Park-Doubtful Sound.

Day 8 - Te Anau/Queenstown (with a flight from Te Anau to Queenstown)

Departing the Fiordland our aircraft will head down to the Foveaux Strait. Enjoy spectacular aerial views of the lush valleys before landing at Queenstown. Set at the foot of the aptly named "Remarkables", Queenstown in the summer months is a picture postcard surrounded by snow covered peaks and situated on Lake Wakatipu. Travel by Gondola and enjoy panoramic views of the town, lake and mountains. This afternoon is free to explore the town and enjoy a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw Steamship.

Day 9 - Queenstown/Dunedin/Christchurch (with flights from Queenstown to Dunedin and later on to Christchurch)

Heading east a short flight takes us across the magnificent alpine scenery to Dunedin. Dunedin is the old Gaelic name for Edinburgh with ornate Victorian architecture that bears resemblance to its namesake. Reboard the aircraft this afternoon for our final flight to return to the charming city of Christchurch.

A change in colour scheme and titling... Aircruising Australia's British Aerospace Jetstream 31 ZK-OSW at Hokitika on 18 February 1998

Repainted and rebranded, Aircruising Australia's ex-Air New Zealand Fokker Friendship, VH-NLS, again at Hokitika on 16 December 1998

From the 1998-1999 summer onwards only Fokker Friendship VH-NLS was used and aircraft came for shorter periods. The routings of the air cruises remained largely the same but from late 2000 the flight to Hokitika and associated Tranz Alpine Express trip were cut. Other destinations replaced this including Masterton, Wellington, Palmerston North and Nelson. 

The last Aircruising Australia flights in New Zealand were operated in March 2004. 

Whakatāne Air Service Safe for Now

 

Whakatāne District Council has agreed to waive airport fees for Air Chathams for the next six months but has said no to other forms of financial support the airline has requested. The council also voted to run an expressions of interest process with the aviation sector asking them to submit proposals for business-friendly Auckland and Wellington services. "We are not an airline," Mayor Victor Luca told the airline's owner and chief executive Craig Emeny and chief commercial officer Duane Emeny on Thursday. The Emenys had fronted up to a council meeting to field questions from elected members about their requests for financial support made at a public excluded workshop in early March, which it said it required to continue operating the Whakatāne to Auckland route. Air Chathams warned in April that it was considering withdrawing from the Whakatāne to Auckland route as it had lost more than $1 million on the flight leg since April 2023. Their request from the council included writing off a $350,000 five-year loan paid to the council as support to restart flights during Covid-19 restrictions, 12 months relief from paying landing fees with the option to extend if route viability is poor, entering into a 50/50 profit and loss share agreement and providing a loan to buy another Saab340 aircraft. Air Chathams has since withdrawn the request for the loan to buy the aircraft as circumstances had changed to allow them to keep a Saab340 that is currently leased to Tonga's Lulutai Airlines for three months. They had previously planned to sell the aircraft to a Canadian airline late last year to increase their business' liquidity, but the sale and purchase agreement had fallen through. They proposed that when the Tongan contract ended at the end of June the aircraft could be used to restore Whakatāne's business flights provided the council was prepared to support the airline. "If we could work something out with council then we could bring back that dedicated aircraft." Air Chathams had provided an alternative proposal to the chief executive and two councillors but this had not been formally provided to council or tabled for consideration. It was not made clear at the meeting what the new proposal involved. Duane Emeny said they believed the Saab340 could work in Whakatāne. "We do truly believe that if we can partner with you properly and get this aircraft back on the schedule that people want, that five-to-10 years down the track you've got a thriving Eastern Bay of Plenty. You've got population growth, business growth, and you've got air connectivity to support that. I do think the Government is going to see the value in that very soon and it will benefit you." Dr Luca said he didn't think anyone at the table wanted to see the district lose an airline. "But we are a public service institution and we're here to serve the public - all of the public ... [Airlines are] a difficult business to make money in especially in provincial areas and I do think that, rather than us subsidising, it should be central government that comes to the party with its big checkbook. I think we need to do more along the lines of advocating to them." The council was unanimous in rejecting the proposal of entering into a profit and loss share agreement or providing a loan to purchase a new aircraft. Some of the councillors said, while they would not support writing off the $350,000 loan made in 2020, they would support an option to convert the loan to shares as this was a clause written into the loan contract. Air Chatham has said that when the loan was initially provided it was never the intention of the council of the time for it to be repaid. It had simply been a quicker way of providing financial support for the airline than having them apply for a grant. Councillor Julie Jukes, who was part of the council at the time, partially corroborated this at Thursday's meeting. "If I had to be honest, I don't think we did have any expectation that it was likely to actually be repaid. We needed to keep the airline going and it was hopeful that it would be able to be repaid, which was why it was set up as a loan." Councillors voted no to writing off the loan but most indicated they would be willing to consider some other option such as converting it to shares. Councillors Tu O'Brien, Gavin Dennis and Ngapera Rangiaho were adamant that it needed to be repaid. "It needs to be paid back. It's ratepayers' money, not ours. I would be happy for them to pay it off at $50,000 a year," Dennis said.

Source : https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/ldr/560381/we-are-not-an-airline-whakatane-mayor-says-as-airport-fees-waived 

A few more from Woodbourne

Ridge Air's Piper PA34 Seneca ZK-BJM at Woodbourne on 2 May 2025... Sounds Air's Pilatus PC12 ZK-PLT photo-bombing behind

My ride from Auckland to Blenheim, Bombardier Q300 ZK-NEK, departing Woodbourne for the return flight to Auckland on 2 May 2025

Air New Zealand Bomardier Q300 action - ZK-NEU on the taxi to the terminal after arriving from Wellington, ZK-NEK backtracking for departure to Auckland

ZK-NEU had a bird strike on landing which led to engineers having to come from Nelson and a three hour delay before departing. 

The Royal New Zealand Navy's Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite NZ3611 being towed to another hangar

 

Sounds Air Flight 507 Flying into the Twilight Zone to Nelson

Part 2 of my flying with Sounds Air on Friday 2 May 2025 was the Paraparaumu-Nelson sector.

Airlines flying this go back to the 1950s when NAC were using Paraparaumu as the main Wellington airport before the development of the current airport at Rongotai. NAC continued to operate Paraparaumu-Nelson flights even after the introduction of De Havilland Heron flights betweeen Wellington and Nelson in 1953. Alongside the NAC service Safe Air used its Bristol Freighter aircraft on the same route for cargo operations. 

With the official reopening of the Wellington airport on 25 October 1959 the Paraparaumu-Nelson sector was not flown again until 1983 when Associated Aviation, later Associated Air and Associated Airlines began operating between the two centres.

See : https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2010/05/associated-air-paraparaumus-friendly.html

On the 4th of February 1991 Air Nelson expanded its services with Metroliners taking over from Associated Airlines' Cessna aircraft on the Paraparaumu-Auckland route with either a Metroliner or Piper CHieftain being used on the Paraparaumu-Nelson route. Three Associated Airlines' pilots transfered to Air Nelson staff and underwent training as Metroliner first officers and three Air Nelson captains will transfer to Paraparaumu. 

By 1991 these flights had been cut and it was not until late 1996 that flights between the two centres were reintroduced by Welair, later known as Air Wellington, who operated the route until 1999.

See : https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2018/03/air-wellington-another-paraparaumu.html

Air Wellington was replaced by air2there in late 2004. The airline had ambitious plans for a city hopper service in the Wellington region. This never came to much but the airline remained operating on the Paraparaumu-Nelson sector until 2018.

See : https://3rdlevelnz.blogspot.com/2015/03/air2there-city-hopper-air-service.html

On the 15th of June 2015 Sounds Air introduced Paraparaumu-Nelson services incompetition with air2there. Initially two return flights a day were operated on weekdays and one on Sundays. At the same time the Paraparaumu-Blenheim service changed to the same frequencies, the traffic not building as expected. Today Sounds Air operates the route 4 times a week, flying Blenheim-Paraparaumu-Nelson and return on Sunday afternoons and Monday mornings and both Friday mornings and afternoons.

Continuing on my flight to Nelson, I was able to stay on board while Ron, the local ramp agent, sorted the unloading and boarding of passengers and bags... 

Rolling 16 into the murk again

And into the spectacular last light of the day

Great colours and the sunset and the Sounds

Golden Bay out to Farewell Spit

Approaching Nelson, the Boulder Bank and Rabbit Island

A BIG THANKS TO CALEB AND ANDREW CRAWFORD AND THE SOUNDS AIR TEAM

Sounds Air Flight 412 Skirting the Storm to Paraparaumu

The day after the storm that lashed Wellington I flew on Sounds Air from Blenheim to Paraparaumu and on to Nelson having earlier taken advantage of a Sounds Air special air fares deal. 

Sounds Air is perhaps more well known for its Cook Strait flights from Picton, Blenheim and Nelson to and from Wellington but it has been operating Cook Strait flights from Paraparaumu since 2015.  On the 26th of January 2015 a new Blenheim-Paraparaumu service was offered in competition with air2there. Three flights a day, each weekday were scheduled with a return flight on Sundays. On the 15th of June 2015 Sounds Air introduced Paraparaumu-Nelson services. Two return flights a day were operated on weekdays and one on Sundays. At the same time the Paraparaumu-Blenheim service changed to the same frequencies, the traffic not building as expected. 

Today Sounds Air operates the routes 4 times a week, flying Blenheim-Paraparaumu-Nelson and return on Sunday afternoons and Monday mornings and both Friday mornings and afternoons.

My ride to Paraparaumu and Nelson, Sounds Air's Pilatus PC-12 having done a couple of Wellington flights arriving back into Blenheim's Woodbourne airport

Sister ship ZK-PLZ was being readied for Sounds Air's late afternoon service to Christchurch

Too close to the Woodbourne terminal for a decent photo

After having a bird strike ZK-NEU was waiting engineers to give it a clearance

Giving way to a RNZAF Texan

Back tracking 06 at Woodbourne

And lining up on 06

Marlborough vineyards turning colours

ZK-PLB's front office

Blenheim

Cloudy Bay and Big Lagoon

Big Lagoon

The Marlborough Sounds looking very calm

Looking out to Cook Strait

Pilot Caleb - in the cruise at 7000 feet

The bottom of the North Island and a very choppy Cook Strait 

Into the murk on descent into Paraparaumu

 Breaking out for the approach into Paraparaumu for Runway 16

Kapiti Island

Runway in sight... though my phone wanted to focus on the rain on the windows

Not the most beautiful terminal in New Zealand - Kapiti Coast Airport, Paraparaumu

As the passengers disembarked it was clear people like the PC12 and Caleb was known and liked as they thanked him for such a smooth ride.