Air NZ safety video full of 'World Wonders' at home

Air New Zealand has unveiled its first 'domestic-only' safety video put together with the help of Tourism New Zealand.

While recent in-flight videos featuring 'Takahē' and Northland beaches have showcased New Zealand to passengers, this is the first video for which the national tourism body has been brought on board as a partner.

For the latest of the national carrier's high-concept passenger safety messages Air NZ has looked to Aotearoa for inspiration. More specifically, it has gone in search for the 8th Wonder of the World. Another one.

While international air travel is on pause due to Covid-19,  the airline and national tourism body have sought to bring a bit of inspiration and 'world-class wonder' to the pre-flight video that asks Kiwis to pick a new '8th Wonder of the World' - from our own shores.

The airline's chief customs and sales officer, Leanne Geraghty, hopes it will promote new travel destinations across New Zealand in a new light.

"Around 30 percent of people flying on our domestic network are usually visitors from overseas. In the absence of international visitors, the safety video is a unique way to stimulate further local demand, benefiting local tourism operators, the New Zealand economy and Air New Zealand employees."

New Zealand is spoilt for choice when it comes to '8th Wonders of the World'. At one point there were at least two '8th Wonders' in New Zealand - the Pink and White Terraces in Waimangu, Bay of Plenty, and Milford Sound in Southland earning the moniker.

However, with the terraces destroyed by volcanic activity and Milford Sound already on the map - Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand have used the safety video to propose new options worth a visit.

Geraghty hopes a touch of Kiwi humour might help the video catch the eye of international audiences - even if they can't fly to New Zealand at the moment.

"We know the decision-making process for visitors to come to New Zealand will be different into the future – so we need to be building the appeal and desire now in international markets in anticipation of borders reopening," she said.

"It's important to keep New Zealand as a visitor destination top of mind."