Air New Zealand Offers New Low Fares to Samoa and Tonga; Save More Than 30 Percent on Airfares to Samoa and Tonga.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 26, 2003

Air New Zealand is offering roundtrip fares between Los Angeles and Samoa for $789 and between Los Angeles and Tonga for $799. These fares represent savings of more than 30 percent off regular advertised fares.

August marks the 50th anniversary of Samoa becoming part of the Coral Route, Air New Zealand's renowned tourist route for the Pacific Islands. In August 1953, Apia became part of the main Coral Route of Auckland - Fiji - Samoa - Cook Islands - Tahiti. Traveling on Solent flying boats, passengers experienced the creme-de-la-creme of flying at the time. The Solent was able to carry up to 45 passengers and cruised at 200 miles per hour, which set the airline on a path of international route expansion. The Coral Route was operated by Air New Zealand's forerunner Tasman Empire Airways (TEAL).

Travel from Los Angeles to Samoa or Tonga must commence between October 1 and November 18, 2003 and must be completed by December 09, 2003. Tickets must be booked prior to September 30. There is no minimum stay; however, the maximum stay is one month. Children's fares are available. Fares do not include taxes. Tickets may be booked through travel agents or directly with the airline by calling 1-800-369-6867. Book online at www.airnewzealand.com/usa and save. Online fares between Los Angeles and Apia, Samoa, are $725, and fares between Los Angeles and Tonga are $735; both fares offer an online saving of $64. Special restrictions, terms and conditions apply.

Air New Zealand offers more direct flights to the South Pacific than any other airline, including a total of 34 flights per week from Los Angeles to the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, Tonga and Samoa. The readers of Conde Nast Traveler and Travel & Leisure magazines consistently rate Air New Zealand among the world's best international airlines. Visit Air New Zealand online at www.airnewzealand.com/usa for web specials or call 1-800-369-6867. Travel agents can visit www.airnztravelagent.com or call 1-800-262-2468.