First Goldy-bound NZ flight in over seven months brings tears, cheers and cuddles

Close to 150 kiwis touched down on the tarmac at Coolangatta Airport for the first Gold Coast-bound flight in over seven months. Flight costs, plus photos.

It was all Kia Oras and cuddles on Wednesday as the first flight from New Zealand in over seven months touched down on the tarmac at Gold Coast Airport.

As the A321 Air New Zealand flight landed, families eagerly waited in the arrivals area with arms wide open and tissues at the ready to welcome their loved ones – some who they hadn’t seen in over three years.

Emotions were overflowing like the South Island’s Sutherland Falls.

Emotions overflowing at Gold Coast Airport after the first New Zealand flight in more than seven months touches down. The Hutchison family reunited. Picture Glenn Hampson

Christine and Claude Schmidli walked through the doors and erupted in tears as they embraced daughter-in-law Alexandra.

“It’s been over a year and I’m just so happy to see them,” Alexandra said.

“My husband and I have a brand new baby boy and I can’t wait for Christine and Claude to meet him.”

Christine Schmidli with daughter-in-law Alexandra Schmidli reunited after more than a year Picture Glenn Hampson

Rohanne Hutchison, who was waiting with bated breath for her daughter Rebecca, said she “hadn’t slept” because she was “so excited.”

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“I haven’t seen her in two years and can’t wait to give her a huge cuddle,” she said.

“We’ve got her all to ourselves for ten days. We are over the moon,” Mr Hutchison said.

The Hutchisons are a family unit again. Rohanne Hutchison, Jim Hutchison, Rebecca Knight, Kimberly Hutchison and granddaughter Holly Hutchison (front). Picture Glenn Hampson

The first couple off the flight, Ant and Pauline Davies, said it had been three years since seeing their children and that they were yet to meet their granddaughter.

“It’s so great to be here. We couldn’t have asked for a smoother flight in,” said Mr Davies.

The couple said they were going to stay on the Gold Coast for six months to spend quality time with their family.

The first couple to arrive, Pauline and Ant Davies, wave to the crowd. Picture Glenn Hampson

Another proud grandparent, Jill Coomber, arrived from Auckland to meet ten week-old granddaughter Addison for the first time.

“It’s priceless. I’m so overjoyed,” she said.

Jill Coomber arrives to hug her baby granddaughter, 10 week old Addison Wilkeson, for the first time. Picture Glenn Hampson

Queensland Airports Limited CEO Chris Mills said the Gold Coast Airport would see up to three inbound flights per week off the back of Wednesday’s arrival, with “more clarity on increased flights in lead-up to the Easter period.”

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“This first New Zealand flight in is all part of rebuilding things for the Gold Coast and it’s fantastic news,” Mr Mills said.

A happy CEO – Chris Mills. . Picture Glenn Hampson

“New Zealand was the largest international market for the Gold Coast prior to the pandemic. Annually, we had over half-a-million passengers between New Zealand and the Gold Coast.

“This is the first step and day one of getting things back up and running. There will be three flights a week between Auckland and the Gold Coast and we are looking forward to re-establishing those other connections like Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown.”

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Mr Mills said “travel confidence is key” in getting flights back to pre-pandemic levels.

“It will take some time to rebuild but we recognise we’re back at the starting line which is the important thing,” he said.

Return flights on Air New Zealand from Auckland to the Gold Coast are currently starting at $480.

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