Our Pacific has a small group tour to Norfolk Island, created for those seeking a foodie experience on an island that relies heavily on self-sustainability.   

It also provides some active outdoor activity events, ensuring the group participants get to enjoy the outdoors and scenery that Norfolk Island offers.

Our Pacific says the levels of enquiry around Norfolk have definitely increased with the launch of the AKL to NLK service on Air Chathams last week.

As a result the company has reviewed its product offers on the island, especially as the intention is for the airline increase to the service to two flights per week from the beginning of August. 

‘We have created air plus land packages for couples, families, holiday homes, long weekends, golfing and fishing adventures as the destination is now starting to attract a wider range of holiday makers than in the past,’ says Lindy Christian, head of strategic development. ‘Shelley Gutry, Our Pacific’s product manager, visited the island prior to Covid-19 , so we have a good working knowledge of the destination within the company.’

Air Chathams remains committed to its Norfolk Island service despite a hiccup last week when complications around the legislative process delayed the planned first post-Covid flight from Auckland.

Duane Emeny, chief operating officer at 3C, says the service will now resume 10 June.

‘The positive side is that because of the pent up demand we’ll now be utilising the larger ATR 72 for the service. We will then revert back to the SAAB 340 once a week with the plan to build to two flights a week.’

Air Chathams will have a keen interest in the opening up of Norfolk Island to Australian visitors on 10 July, says airline and charter general manager Duane Emery.

When Benny Ford opened The Black Anchor Bar in Norfolk Island last November, he filled a gap in the market. He opened a casual bar where people could relax after work, with a cocktail, craft beer or wine. Open Thursday to Saturday from 5pm till midnight, The Black Anchor serves  ‘pop up’ bar food from offsite caterers – dumplings on Thursdays, tacos on Fridays and American barbecue food on Saturdays.

The Black Anchor is a fitting name for someone who has worked for 20 years as a sea captain, and grew up on boats. Doubling as port manager by day, Ford has lived on the island for three years. ‘Norfolk Island is the place that everyone in Byron Bay

New tourism and hospitality operations are popping up in Norfolk Island to cater for the younger demographic that is discovering the destination.

These include activity operators, eateries and shops, says Rose Evans, team leader tourism and economic development. ‘We’ve seen great growth in new businesses that have a younger vibe and are environmentally aware, like eco-store, Prenke.’

Air Chathams is already aiming for a second service to Norfolk Island following the launch of its weekly flight on Friday.

‘Historic data from when other airlines operated the route (including Air New Zealand) indicates that is very possible,’ says Air Chathams general manager Duane Emeny who draws parallels with the airline’s Chatham Island services.‘We have been