Sounds Air (S8, Picton) has announced the launch of scheduled passenger flights to Kaikoura, on New Zealand's South Island, with effect from November 21.

The service, which will run for a minimum of three weeks, will see the remote, unmanned aerodrome being connected to Christchurch and Blenheim using Cessna (single turboprop) Grand Caravan 208Bs.

The coastal town was severely affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake which struck the region earlier this month. As it stands, both road and rail links to Kaikoura have been severed leaving air travel as the only viable option for travel to and from the town.