Increased flight services into Wanaka will continue through summer as decision crunch time looms for the town's tourism and business sectors, next year.
Air New Zealand subsidiary Eagle Air is in the middle of a confirmed six-month trial period, which has boosted flight schedules between Christchurch and Wanaka since September.
Initially, Eagle Air chief executive Carrie Hurihanganui had promised a trial period of between three and six months for the increase in Wanaka airport's flight services.
Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager James Helmore met Air New Zealand executives in Auckland last week to discuss demand for the service during the first three months of flights.
The initial demand had ensured the trial period would last through summer, he said.
He reiterated Wanaka residents and business owners needed to continue to support the flights, but also called for Air New Zealand to market the service better.
"I wouldn't say they are ecstatic about the demand. There is room for improvement [in the patronage of flights]. We are definitely still in the `use it or lose it' trial phase."
