KEY POINTS:
Multi-billionaire Sir Richard Branson, dressed in green jacket, green-and-white striped tie, whites and straw boater, punted down the Avon River in Christchurch with two airline staff in bright red uniforms today.
He lost his pole just as he approached the landing outside Christchurch's nightclub strip, then jumped into
the river, dragging his companions into the water with him.
His antics sparked a round of applause from bemused onlookers, strolling tourists and a contingent of media. Sir Richard said the Avon was a "beautiful river... but the mud's not so good".
He was due in Auckland later today where a further stunt was expected.
He said on Newstalk ZB this morning that a domestic air service from Pacific Blue was "on the cards" but would not reveal a timeframe for that.
Pacific Blue had started "some good competition" on the trans-Tasman route and was here to say, he said dripping wet at a brief media call on the banks of the Avon.
"We've captured 10 per cent of the market and we plan to put on more and more flights and more and more routes and grow that," he said.
"Competition is good for everybody," the billionaire pioneer of low-cost air travel said.
Sir Richard said he believed the "point of difference" between Pacific Blue and other operators who have failed to last the distance in the highly competitive trans-Tasman route was his staff.
"We've got a team of people who work for Virgin who love their jobs, who do great, who smile... and it's a pleasure to fly on a Virgin plane.
"Because people enjoy flying on it, we have full planes, which means we can be competitive with prices."
Sir Richard, who had to fly to Christchurch on a scheduled Air New Zealand service, said the only thing holding back Pacific Blue from further expansion was a lack of equipment.
The airline had put in a "big order" for more commuter aircraft and was trying to secure more Boeing 737s.
"Hopefully, next time I come we'll have a schedule running throughout the day."
Pacific Blue was in talks with a number of provincial airports here aiming mainly to get more flights across the Tasman to New Zealand cities and towns.
The Virgin Group chairman flew into Christchurch yesterday from Australia, where he was on holiday with his family.
A spokeswoman said the Auckland stunt would be "weather dependent".
Pacific Blue employees were "very excited to meet him", she said.
Sir Richard will not have time for sightseeing but will host a special lunch and cocktail party in Auckland. Guests include businessman Eric Watson, actor Sam Neill and designer Karen Walker.
He is expected to fly out of the country tomorrow.
- Additional reporting: NZPA, Newstalk ZB
