Air New Zealand has begun direct flights to Vietnam.
The first flight took off from Auckland on Saturday afternoon bound for Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnam is a growing holiday destination, with 16,000 Kiwis travelling there in the past 12 months -- up 20 percent on the previous year.
Air New Zealand's chief sales and commercial officer, Cam Wallace, says outbound forward bookings are "very strong".
Mr Wallace says Vietnam was an attractive destination for the airline because of the varied, low-cost options it offers tourists.
Air New Zealand's chief sales and commercial officer Cam Wallace (Newshub.)
The country is known for its beaches, food and shopping, and also has a rich history and plenty of activities for the more adventurous.
It is seen as a growing business destination, says Mr Wallace.
"We see it as a very attractive outbound market and we see the trade and commerce growing between both countries."
It is expected to appeal to the adventure tourist.
Air New Zealand will fly to Vietnam three times a week from June until October. The direct flights will take 11 hours from Auckland to Ho Chi Minh City.
Newshub.
