Air New Zealand Launches Explorer Pass Product

This month Air New Zealand launches its anticipated Air New Zealand Explorer Pass fare product. Designed to encourage visitors to New Zealand to explore more of the region, the pass makes travel within New Zealand and around the South Pacific easier and more flexible than ever before.

The pass is available exclusively to residents of the USA and Canada traveling on Air New Zealand fares to New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific Islands and allows travelers to purchase between three and ten flights using zone fares. Date and routing changes or additions can be made for a nominal fee, even if the passenger is already on vacation.

"The number of inbound visitors from the United States shows a positive growth trend. In recognition of this and the fact customers may want to experience a range of destinations, Air New Zealand has introduced the Explorer Pass," says Air New Zealand's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Norm Thompson.

"As the prime carrier operating between New Zealand and North America we are committed to offering our passengers affordable and convenient air travel with greater connectivity," says Mr. Thompson.

Passengers can choose from 27 destinations within New Zealand, seven Australian gateways, and nine South Pacific island destinations including Tahiti, The Cook Islands and Fiji.

Travelers looking to visit the beaches and crystal clear waters of Fiji and fit in some shopping in Sydney or visit Auckland and see the highlights of New Zealand in a week should choose the Air New Zealand Explorer Pass which affords them the flexibility to make (and break) their own schedule.

Each destination sits within four price zones. Zone pricing is set from $79, $109, $199* and $269*. *Excluding any government/airport taxes/surcharges applicable to Tasman and Pacific Island sectors.

Last month, Air New Zealand announced it will move to 16 return services per week on the popular Los Angeles - Auckland route during the peak Northern winter period of mid December through February, including three flights on Thursdays and Sundays and double daily services every other day of the week.

The airline recently moved to daily services between San Francisco and Auckland. Capacity is also being increased on the Vancouver - Auckland route with an increase from three return services per week to six over the peak January travel period.

These schedule changes will see a total increase in capacity from North America to New Zealand by 8.7 percent over the Northern Winter period.

"Over the past 12 months we have continued to add more capacity into this market," says Vice President, The Americas at Air New Zealand, Chris Myers. "This reflects Air New Zealand's commitment to expanding our North American footprint."

The Air New Zealand Explorer Pass is only available to residents of USA and Canada if purchased in conjunction with Air New Zealand long-haul fares that originate outside of New Zealand, Australia or the South Pacific Islands.

Passengers can purchase the Air New Zealand Explorer Pass before departure from the USA or Canada through their travel agent or by calling Air New Zealand Sales Support. To purchase after arrival into Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific islands, passengers should visit an Air New Zealand Holidays store or call Air New Zealand. Terms and conditions apply.

For information on the Air New Zealand Explorer Pass, please contact your Air New Zealand Sales Support at 1-800-262-2468 (USA) or 1-800-287-2007 (Canada).

For more information please visit http://www.airnewzealand.com/explorer-pass or http://www.airnewzealand.ca/explorer-pass.