A new Air New Zealand connection between Adelaide and Christchurch would bolster the state’s tourism coffers, the government said.

The first-ever Christchurch-Adelaide service landed last night, marking the first direct route between the South Australian capital and a sister city.

Christchurch was Adelaide’s first sister city, with the international partnership dating back to 1972.

Tourism Minister Zoe Bettison welcomed the “terrific news for tourism in South Australia”.

“More direct flights into Adelaide from New Zealand – currently our state’s fourth largest tourism market – means more potential visitors coming to experience all our state has to offer,” Bettison said.

“The direct Air New Zealand service from Christchurch is the first in a series of exciting arrivals of new routes an

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