Houston, TX – New Zealand’s ski fields will soon be a step closer for thousands of Americans with the announcement of a new direct daily Continental Airlines flight from Houston to Auckland.nThe new route will come too late for the 2010 or even the 2011 ski and snowboard season, but snow sliders can begin planning for 2012. The new service, from one of America’s biggest air hubs, will start in November 2011. The new route will open up the Eastern and central U.S., with connecting flights into Europe to London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam and Paris.

Tourism New Zealand welcomed the airline’s announcement last week. The group’s Chief Executive, Kevin Bowler, said New Zealand has strong appeal as a specialist destination with North Americans, particularly those interested in the outdoors, adventure and culture.

“Our research shows that U.S. visitors are New Zealand’s most satisfied international travelers, rating their visits at 9.4 out of 10, and they are keen to recommend New Zealand once they’ve been here,” Bowler said.

Bowler said the new service was a great opportunity for New Zealand to attract more visitors from the U.S., where Tourism New Zealand is actively working to build New Zealand’s profile.

“Auckland is a great arrivals point for Americans wanting to explore the region and wider New Zealand,” he added.

Tourism Auckland worked in partnership with Auckland Airport to help secure the direct Houston to Auckland flights.

New Zealand is home to numerous international-caliber ski areas and low-key club ski fields scattered across both the country’s North and South Islands. The country’s ski and snowboard season typically gets underway in June and lasts into October, with ski areas on Mt. Ruapehu often remaining open into November and beyond. Connecting flights are available on Air New Zealand from Auckland Airport to Wanaka, in the heart of the South Island’s ski region.