Christchurch is the number one destination for kiwis wanting to take an autumn break this year, a survey released today shows.The Mood of the New Zealand Traveller survey by Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton, found 79% of New Zealanders took an overnight trip in th
Christchurch is the number one destination for kiwis wanting to take an autumn break this year, a survey released today shows.
The Mood of the New Zealand Traveller survey by Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton, found 79% of New Zealanders took an overnight trip in the last six months and 71% were planning to take an average 2.2 overnights trips in the next six months.
The Tourism Industry Association, which released the second quarterly survey today, said one in three New Zealanders were planning an Easter break in the country.
Most people wanted to visit friends and family (59%), get some sun or spend time at the beach (40%) and see some natural wonders (29%).
Domestic hotspots were Christchurch (at top place), Wellington, Auckland, Queenstown and Nelson.
Internationally, most people would prefer to travel to Australia for an autumn/late summer break, followed by the US, Fiji, UK and Rarotonga.
Of the 1000 people (over 18 years old) surveyed, 40% planned to travel overseas in the next six months.
Finances were stopping 71% from travelling more, along with being too busy at work (48%) and family commitments (29%).
Over the Christmas/New Year period, 51% of Kiwis stayed at home but 49% went away for at least one night. The average time away was 7.2 nights.
Fly Buys head of marketing and product development Chris Lamers said with 30% of people undecided about how they were spending their Easter break, good value, short-break holidays could appeal to those short on money or time.
“If you’ve got space for Easter weekend bookings, there are opportunities for tourism operators, especially in the hot spots. There’s also great news for businesses in these places, because each household spent around $31 a day on groceries alone while they were on their last trip.”
TIA chief executive Tim Cossar said 6% of New Zealanders (223,000) included some cycling during their holidays in the last six months, which was positive, given the Government’s intention to invest in the national cycle way.
Interviewees were sourced from Colmar Brunton’s Fly Buys online panel.
Aitutaki bouncing back
The Tourism Council of Aitutaki says the cyclone-battered island is open for business after Cyclone Pat caused widespread damage.
Chris Ingram, Cook Islands Tourism general manager – New Zealand said efforts were being made to clean up the island as soon as possible.
Most accommodation and restaurants were open and lines had been restored to most homes, although internet and cellphone coverage remained patchy.
He said the lagoon cruise companies that operated yesterday reported the lagoon was in great shape. “The beaches of One Foot, Honeymoon Island and Akaiami are in perfect condition.”
None of the eight villages on the island escaped damage and tree and leaf debris would take a few weeks to clean up, he said.
