Cut-price airline introduces new routes to Australia

Air New Zealand cut-price subsidiary Freedom Air will introduce new direct flights between Auckland and the Gold Coast and Hunter Region in Australia in November.

The airline said the new services would be an international first for Newcastle Airport, in the Hunter Region, and a major new route from Auckland for Freedom Air to the Gold Coast.

The service begins on November 12.

A direct flight will be offered from Auckland to Newcastle three times a week, and a Gold Coast service five days a week.

Introductory return fares for both destinations start at $399.