New Zealand’s Invivo Air to Become the World’s First Winery Airline
All-inclusive flights from Auckland to Queenstown include wine-tasting experiences at 18,000 feet
Photo: Courtesy of Invivo
Bookings are now open for flights with Invivo Air, the world’s first winery airline, which will begin operations in New Zealand early next year.
The ideal experience for wine lovers and those who like to travel in style, Invivo Air offers all-inclusive trips that include a flight, an overnight stay in a wine-growing destination, and an eight-step wine-tasting course while in the air.
The first Invivo Air flight will take lucky passengers from Auckland to the winter resort town of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island at noon on January 31, 2023. Flights will be operated by a small, twin-engine Saab 340, accommodating up to 36 passengers.
During the two-hour flight, customers will be guided through a wine-tasting experience by the airline’s co-founders and wine experts, Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron. Passengers can expect to sample some high-quality, award-winning wines with Invivo, while low-alcohol and alcohol-free options will also be available.
Sparkling wine during flight / Photo: Jaromir Chalabala/Shutterstock
Limited tickets are on sale now, but they’re undoubtedly costly. Starting at NZ$1,149 per person (US$660), these can be booked directly at invivoair.com.
Of course, passengers coming from the U.S. must first make the long journey to Auckland. Carriers such as Air New Zealand, American Airlines, and United Airlines offer direct flights between the U.S. and the Down Under country, but tickets start at more than $1,000.
However, fortunate passengers who can make it to New Zealand can enjoy ‘the ultimate wine experience at altitude.’ Like all the best wine-tasting experiences, guests will be offered local snacks that perfectly match the wines they’re tasting.
Passengers will also get a tour of Legend’s Terrace in Queenstown—one of Invivo’s oldest vineyards—along with more wine tasting, while they will also get a four-course meal with more wine at a dinner at the Botswana Butchery. The all-inclusive tickets include an overnight stay at the Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa, which offers rooms with stunning views across Lake Wakatipu.
Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa / Photo: Courtesy of Hilton
“Invivo Air is the world’s first winery airline and we’re looking forward to guiding our guests through the ultimate wine lover’s experience – both at 18,000ft in our winery in the sky and also on terra firma at one of our beautiful Central Otago vineyards,” said Rob Cameron, one of the co-founders of Invivo.
“We’re thrilled to open Invivo Air to the public and deliver a truly unique experience for those that come on board. We’ll be tasting some stunning drops in some truly epic locations.”
Wine lovers who want to save thousands of dollars on a trip to New Zealand will be pleased to know there are more options for tasting high-quality wines on flights closer to home. British Airways has recently appointed its very own Master of Wine, selecting various bottles offered in-flight and in B.A.’s multiple airport lounges worldwide.
