One year ago, Dunedin Airport welcomed the return of scheduled international flights with Jetstar's direct service to the Gold Coast.

Today, we're celebrating the route's first birthday and a milestone that has strengthened connections between the lower South and Australia.

Since launching on 24 June 2025, almost 50,000 passengers have travelled between Dunedin and Gold Coast Airport, making it easier than ever for Kiwis to swap southern winters for Queensland sunshine, while welcoming Australian visitors to discover Dunedin, the Southern Way, and the wider lower South.

Photo: Tallebudgera Creek, Experience Gold Coast

A year of stronger connections

The service has proven popular with travellers on both sides of the Tasman, providing a direct, affordable link between two destinations that share a love of nature, adventure, wildlife, and great hospitality.

Dunedin Airport Chief Executive Daniel De Bono said the strong support for the service reflects the value it is providing to communities across the region.

"We are over the moon at the support this service has received over the past year. It's not only providing access for Dunedin residents but also for the wider lower South, making it even easier and quicker for them to head to the Gold Coast and beyond.

"We've been heartened by the number of Australian visitors who have been enjoying all that the city and the Southern Way have to offer. There is a huge catchment of potential visitors in Southeast Queensland, and we're working hard promoting our region in this market."

The route has also opened up new travel opportunities beyond the Gold Coast, with many passengers using Gold Coast Airport as a convenient gateway to destinations across Australia and internationally.

Celebrating with a Gold Coast getaway

To mark the first anniversary, Dunedin Airport has partnered with The Hits Breakfast to launch Boarding Call: Dunedin to the Gold Coast.

Each morning, listeners have the chance to become a finalist for an ultimate Gold Coast holiday for four. One lucky finalist will be selected live on air and will have just 3 minutes and 40 seconds to call back and claim the prize, matching the approximate flight time between Dunedin and the Gold Coast.

The prize includes:

• Return Jetstar flights for four
• Accommodation at The Breakers Absolute Beachfront Apartments
• Passes to Dreamworld, SkyPoint, and WhiteWater World
• Ecotourism experiences with The Tour Collective
• A pre-departure meal at Provenance at Dunedin Airport

Thank you for flying

The anniversary is a chance to thank the thousands of passengers who have supported the service during its first year.

Passengers travelling on the Dunedin–Gold Coast service on Thursday, 25 June will also receive a sweet treat at check-in as part of the celebrations.

Whether you're heading across the Tasman for sunshine, family, adventure, or a connection further afield, thank you for making the first year of this service such a success. Here's to many more years of connecting the lower South with the Gold Coast and beyond.

View PDF