Hold onto your sunnies and grab your booking calendars, because the Kiwis are coming! ✈️🌞
Thanks to an exciting new partnership between Queensland Airports Group and Qantas Group, the Gold Coast is poised to be the most connected Australian airport to New Zealand by June this year. The joint venture will see Jetstar offering flights between the Gold Coast and both Hamilton/Kirikiriroa and Dunedin/Ōtepoti three times a week, making it easier than ever for our kiwi neighbours to visit. With Air New Zealand also flying in daily from Auckland/Tāmaki Makaurau - and two flights on Saturdays! - we can look forward to a wonderful influx of Kiwis looking for the ideal getaway to our shores.
With nearly a million New Zealanders hopping the ditch to holiday or for business each year, now is the time to turn up the heat and make your property the must-stay accommodation for these sun-hungry travellers. From its stunning beaches and breathtaking national parks to its world-class markets and thrilling theme parks, the Gold Coast has everything our fellow antipodeans could ever dream of.
So, here’s how you can ensure your property is the go-to for Kiwis heading across the Tasman this winter.
1. Turn Off-peak into Opportunity!
As the winter chill sets in across New Zealand/Aotearoa, the Gold Coast will still be living its best sunny life, with temperatures averaging a welcomed 10° - 20° warmer than the land of the long white cloud, making it the perfect opportunity for you to shine! With Kiwis flocking here to escape the winter frosts and rain, your property can provide the perfect nest as their home-away-from-home. 💜
By targeting this sunny escape window with special offers and packages tailored specifically to Kiwis, you’ll capitalise on this opportunity, making it easy to turn those sunshine dreams into a reality while boosting your bookings at the same time. Reminding them that the Gold Coast isn’t just beautiful and warm, but the perfect place to reset and recharge will no doubt reap rewards come June and July.
2. Power Up and Partner for Success
“Teamwork makes the dream work.”
Team up with local businesses such as cafés, car rental companies, and tourism providers to increase your appeal. Creative partnerships are key to keeping your property top of Kiwis’ minds.
Consider connecting with airport transfer services or theme parks to create exclusive packages that include deals or discounts.
And don’t forget OTAs. These platforms are excellent at targeting specific markets in a cost-effective manner and they have extensive reach. Expedia, for example, powers Air New Zealand’s booking platform, meaning a collaboration with them could result in an easy entry-point to a wider Kiwi audience.
3. Take the Lead
Kiwis often book trips to Australia with just 6-12 weeks’ notice, giving you the opportunity to fill your rooms closer to their date of travel. By staying flexible with great offers that can fill gaps, you can keep your property occupied no matter the season.
The increase in flights paired with the right collaborations and strategically timed deals, means you can ensure your property stands out as a beacon of comfort and respite for those flocking to our sun-kissed shores this winter.
Now’s the time to plan ahead, get creative, and make sure this year is one for the books!
