NEW YORK, February 8, 2006 "“ Not only is Tahiti closer than ever from the Eastern U.S., but now New Zealand is too. Starting March 27, 2006, Air Tahiti Nui will fly to New Zealand twice a week, featuring non-stop service to Papeete, Tahiti, from New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport, connecting non-stop to New Zealand's, Auckland International Airport. From the Statue of Liberty to "Bali Hai" then on to the Sky Tower, in the largest Polynesian city in the world, Kiwi-bound travelers may also opt to enhance their South Pacific pleasures with free stopovers in Tahiti.
To celebrate the new service, Air Tahiti Nui is offering an exceptional value introductory fare for bookings made February 9 "“ 22, 2006: Maeva (economy) class roundtrip air is just $598 per person (plus taxes and fees of $188) for travel March 27 "“ June 10, 2006.
Trans-pacific travelers on their own quest to Middle Earth may explore locations used in the filming of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, bypassing Los Angeles for direct flights to the romantic South Seas from New York twice a week on Mondays and Wednesdays, departing at 5:15pm, arriving Auckland at 5:40am two days later (after crossing the International Dateline). Thrice-weekly return flights depart on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 1:05pm, arriving in New York the same day at 2:25pm.
Auckland Adventures
Home to more than one million people, Auckland, with its picturesque bays and islands, is the largest city in New Zealand. A vibrant café society of exciting nightlife and great restaurants, it's aptly known as the City of Sails" for its enduring maritime traditions and glorious seaside setting. Straddling a volcanic isthmus with harbours on either side "“ the Waitemata and Manukau "“ Auckland's a paradise for active and adventurous spirits, boasting the highest per capita rate of boat ownership in the world.
Using Auckland as their hub, travelers can set out to explore North and South Islands' dramatic landscapes and a vast diversity of attractions in a relatively compact landmass, including the capital city of Wellington's compelling architecture and national museum (Te Papa, showcasing the indigenous Maori culture), or race to adventure in such daring activities as caving, bungee jumping, jet boating, fly-by-wire, zorbing, white water rafting, parasailing or tamer pastimes like hiking and skiing (snow or water, virtually year-round).
Bonus Days in Gauguin's "Earthy Paradise"
En route to or from New Zealand, travelers may want to decompress by adjusting their body clocks with one of Air Tahiti Nui's free stopovers in Tahiti (on the U.S. side of the International Dateline). Visitors may spend a few nights unwinding on the black sands of Lafayette Beach on Matavi Bay, lounging in a luxurious overwater bungalow in Moorea or sun worshipping on a secluded motu off Bora Bora.
Air Tahiti Nui flies modern A380-300 Airbuses, with comfortable 2-4-2 layouts in which each seat is equipped with its own personal entertainment center. The airline boasts a friendly, top award-winning Tahitian cabin crew (Skytrax survey) and serves Polynesian-inspired cuisine.
Global Traveler magazine recently ranked Air Tahiti Nui sixth worldwide for "Best On-Board Service" and second in the "Best Pacific, Australia, New Zealand Airline Overall" category.
To secure the two-week introductory roundtrip economy airfare from New York to New Zealand, for $598 per person (plus taxes and fees of $188), bookings must be made between February 9 and 22, 2006, with travel March 27 through (completed by) June 10, 2006.
For more information, visit www.airtahitinui-usa.com or call toll-free 1-877-824-4846.
Air Tahiti Nui, the leading carrier to French Polynesia, has headquarters in Papeete and operates from Faa'a International Airport on the island of Tahiti. The company was founded in 1996 and commenced flight operations in 1998. It was ranked "Best Airline for the Pacific" and placed in the top ten in the "Cabin Staff" category overall, and "Best in Cabin Staff" for the Australia/Pacific region in the 2005 Skytrax airline survey.
For information on schedules and fares, call toll-free 1-877-824-4846, or visit your local travel agent, or Air Tahiti Nui online at www.airtahitinui-usa.com.
