Taupō loses Wellington air connection
Originair’s first flight from Wellington to Taupō arrives in Taupō on February 17. Photo: Dan Hutchinson
Originair has exited out of its new Wellington to Taupō route after just three months.
By Dan Hutchinson
Originair has exited out of its new Wellington to Taupō route after just three months.
The airline confirmed the decision but would not comment further.
Its online booking system has flights available until May 26.
Taupō Mayor David Trewavas says the decision is disappointing “but we appreciate them trying to give it a go”.
The airline began flights on February 17, with three return flights a week; Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
It was originally to be a six-month trial after Sounds Air withdrew its Taupō to Wellington service in late 2024.
Air NZ offers an Auckland to Taupō service, twice a day every day and used to provide a service to Wellington as well.
Trewavas said he had spoken to outgoing Air NZ CEO Greg Foran.
“He wasn’t dismissive of it. He said he would take it back to the team. So we will see what transpires.
“We are certainly open and available for business if there is a second tier airline that is interested. There is certainly a business case for it.”
In February Originair managing director Robert Inglis said the company was happy to step in to fill the gap, and if the trial was successful they would look to increase the service up to six days a week.
“Our aim is to operate a reliable, sustainable service that can grow with demand."
He said they were well aware the service had not been economic for Sounds Air, hence the three-day trial, rather than a more frequent schedule.
It is servicing the route with an 18-seat British Aerospace twin-turbo prop Jetstream aircraft.
Standard fares are $239 each way, with one return trip on each of the three days. The 70-minute flights from Wellington leave at 12.50pm on Monday and Wednesday and 11.30am on Friday.
Trewavas says getting the timing right was the key for a Wellington to Taupō route, especially for those doing business in the two centres.
“Everyone wants a plane at 8 in the morning and unfortunately there is not enough planes to go around so if it can be tweaked around that timing so people can get to Wellington and back in a day that’s ideal.”
The Originair service did not allow for return day trips, because of its three-day-a-week service.
Trewavas said the airport itself was still a “very viable business” despite only having one regular commuter route.
He said the new airport terminal is available for functions.
“We are saying to the public it is available, it is a beautiful facility so it’s certainly available for public bookings.”
Corporate jet visits and the wider airport precinct was also doing very well with tour operators, aviation maintenance businesses and the Greenlea Rescue Helicopter based there.