Christchurch Airport and Ngāi Tahu Tourism have forged a partnership aimed at captivating the burgeoning Indian travel market.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s recent business delegation to India formalized this collaboration.
This is a significant leap in New Zealand’s tourism strategy, signalling a focused effort to boost the New Zealand South Island’s appeal.
‘Magnificent South Promotion’
The cornerstone of this initiative is the “Magnificent South Promotion,” a dedicated campaign set to launch in October 2025. This strategically timed campaign leverages the confluence of Diwali celebrations and India’s peak honeymoon season.
These are periods when outbound travel interest surges. By aligning with these key travel windows, the partnership aims to maximize its impact and attract a substantial influx of Indian visitors.
The campaign’s core objective extends beyond simply increasing visitor numbers. It seeks to foster deeper cultural connections and encourage longer stays. This allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the South Island’s diverse offerings.
To achieve this, Christchurch Airport and Ngāi Tahu Tourism are working in tandem with Tourism New Zealand (TNZ) and prominent travel partners to curate bespoke travel packages.
These specially crafted packages will showcase the South Island’s multifaceted allure, encompassing luxury experiences, thrilling adventures, and enriching cultural encounters.
As Christchurch Airport CEO Justin Watson articulated, the goal is to “make it as easy as possible for [Indian travelers] to start their journey in Christchurch.” It aims to enhance air connectivity, travel experiences, and cultural engagement.
Relationship with Indian Market
Ngāi Tahu Tourism General Manager Jolanda Cave emphasized the long-standing relationship with the Indian market, highlighting the popularity of their experiences, particularly the iconic Shotover Jet in Queenstown.
“Manuhiri (visitors) from India are among the largest groups enjoying our world-class experiences,” she stated, underscoring the existing affinity between Indian travelers and the region.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon lauded the collaborative approach, emphasizing the importance of unity in driving sustainable tourism growth. “New Zealand thrives when we work together,” he affirmed. The Prime Minister noted the partnership’s potential to strengthen economic and cultural ties with India.
The partnership’s strategic pillars include bolstering air connectivity to Christchurch and cultivating strong relationships with leading Indian travel agents. It seeks to facilitate familiarization trips for key influencers and media representatives.
Christchurch Airport will spearhead a comprehensive marketing and promotional campaign to support these efforts.
Conclusion
The “Magnificent South Promotion” will feature digital brochures and targeted marketing initiatives, with sales activities commencing promptly.
New Zealand’s top inbound tour operators developed the travel packages. A consortium of leading Indian tour operators and New Zealand Specialist Agents facilitate the distribution. The packages are designed to cater to both honeymooners and families seeking unforgettable experiences.
This initiative is particularly significant given India’s position as New Zealand’s largest source of new migrants and a crucial driver of tourism growth.
By positioning Christchurch Airport as the premier gateway to the South Island, the “Magnificent South Promotion” is poised to unlock new tourism opportunities. The initiative will solidify the economic and cultural bonds between New Zealand and India.
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