Jetstar's showing a vote of confidence in the South Island

It's adding another aircraft to its fleet of A320's in Christchurch, making three in the garden city -- and eight overall in the country.

The additional plane will bring a 35-percent surge in seat capacity to cross the Tasman, and a 21-percent increase on existing domestic routes.

Christchurch Airport spokesperson, Gordon Bevan says there's a strong demand for Jetstar's services in the garden city.

He says it's not just a summer spike, but rather sustained growth in both domestic and international interest in Christchurch as a destination and gateway to the South Island.