Air NZ flights to Christchurch cut by $20

Air New Zealand has taken $20 off its price to fly to Christchurch from Rotorua.

According to Air New Zealand Australasia Group general manager Bruce Parton the move comes after a decision to cut airfares on many of its regional routes to help stimulate tourism.

The new one-way price from Rotorua to Christchurch has dropped from $109 to $89 and came into effect yesterday.

The package of lead-in airfare reductions comes hard on the heels of the airline's special invitation only "Think Regional" tourism forum held in Nelson last week.

The forum was attended by representatives from Rotorua, Nelson, New Plymouth, Marlborough, Hawke's Bay, Tauranga and Queenstown.

Mr Parton said those regions were selected due to their strong track record of "constructive engagement with the airline and others in the industry to collectively benefit regional tourism growth".

Rotorua Mayor Kevin Winters said it was encouraging to see Air New Zealand was starting to address some of its pricing issues that affect regional air services.