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.