Damage from the February 22 earthquake and the resulting cordon, has caused hotel capacity to be slashed by 3000 rooms, raising questions as to how the city can cater for the thousands of South Island-bound ski tourists.
The Otago Daily Times understands some transtasman operators were investigating using Dunedin International Airport rather than Christchurch International Airport for ski tours to the resort.
Dunedin International Airport chief executive John McCall confirmed he had spoken to airlines about increasing capacity into the city in time for the ski season, "but it is up to them".
"Dunedin is available and the airlines know that." Christchurch's airport was open for business, but the earthquake's effect on accommodation and activities meant the city had moved from being a destination in its own right to a gateway for the South Island.
Mr McCall said there was accommodation capacity in Dunedin during winter for those tourists wanting to access a 24-hour airport, explore a historic city and then drive to Queenstown.
"There is capacity here and we think there is an opportunity here."
The airport already received an increasing number of "fly and drive Australians". Dunedin was seen as a cheaper alternative to Queenstown, with fewer weather-related problems.
Pacific Blue currently operates four services a week from Dunedin to Brisbane, and Air New Zealand offers two a week from mid-June to the end of October.
Late last week, Tourism Dunedin chief executive Hamish Saxton was in Australia talking to "all travel partners" about the winter season, including the challenges they may face in bringing people to the South Island.
"The airlines and travel companies are continually looking for ways at ensuring the numbers to the South Island are maintained and grow.
"While there are considerable challenges, Dunedin will be offered as a great solution."
Airlines, including Air New Zealand, had already changed their transtasman schedules into Christchurch, giving tourists a chance to source vehicles, or take domestic flights to other South Island destinations, he said.
Destination Queenstown chief executive Tony Everitt said the ski season was looking promising, with 32 transtasman flights a week to the resort - more than double the numbers of two seasons ago.
New Zealanders and Australians made up the majority of visitors during the winter ski season, and Christchurch remained a major gateway for visitors, he said.
An Air New Zealand spokeswoman said that between July and September, seat availability on direct transtasman services to Queenstown would increase 29%, Auckland routes 9.2%, and Christchurch 5%.
Earlier this week, Holiday Accommodation Parks Association NZ chief executive Fergus Brown said holiday parks should be considered for those arriving in Christchurch on late flights.
"We have capacity available to look after campervans and other travellers, domestic and international, who may be looking for motels, cabins or backpacker-style accommodation outside the CBD," he said.
