Low-cost airline Pacific Blue's first flight to Queenstown arrived 15 minutes early on Saturday, with the 168 passengers treated to a perfect day in the resort.
The arrival of Pacific Blue brings the total number of carriers in Queenstown to four, joining Air New Zealand, Qantas and Jetstar.
On board flight DJ88 from Sydney, passengers enjoyed a glass of sparkling wine and Patagonia chocolates.
They also took part in an auction.
A return flight from Sydney to Queenstown along with two nights' accommodation at the Sofitel in the resort was auctioned for $1000, with the proceeds going to Cure Kids.
After the plane touched down there were cheers on board as it moved across the tarmac and through a water cannon arc, provided by Queenstown Airport fire rescue trucks.
Pacific Blue ground operations support manager Dave Bargh said the arrival of Pacific Blue was significant.
"We've been looking forward for some time to being able to offer people more affordable travel to Queenstown.
"We are absolutely thrilled to be here and we're looking forward to the support of the locals so we can grow our business."
Mr Bargh said there was enough business to ensure all the airlines servicing the resort remained viable, with more people able to travel now lower-fare options were available.
He said the airline, which begins its domestic operations with a twice weekly flight from Auckland to Queenstown on September 19, was considering "a number of options" for the future.
Destination Queenstown representative Vance Boyd said the arrival of Pacific Blue on Saturday was "pretty significant at a time like this".
"If you look at the projections for the coming year from the tourism industry, they are forecasting very little . . . growth.
"I think Queenstown . . . should expect moderate growth with the [flow-on] effect as well as the direct effect of additional flights."
Mr Boyd said because each airline would do its own promotions, that boded well for Queenstown as a destination and the addition of Pacific Blue had "grown the pie".
"It's always a chicken and egg scenario . . . with an airline model, if you put on a service, people will tend to come.
"Queenstown seems to be one of the places that shows [consistent] demand at the moment.
"A day like today, it pretty well sells itself."
Queenstown Chamber of Commerce chairman Alastair Porter said Saturday was "a very good day".
"Queenstown hasn't suffered a recession . . . during this winter, but that's thanks to the Australian tourists.
"Air service is critical to Queenstown, so we're absolutely delighted to see a second new airline this year flying into Queenstown.
"The Australian market has become increasingly important in New Zealand, and particularly Queenstown, in the downturn with record numbers of Australians coming to the skifields this winter. . . it bodes well for the 2010 season."
