Christchurch Attractions’ CEO Marty Byrne noted a positive start to the summer season, with passenger numbers exceeding last year’s figures. He attributed the increase in Australian visitors to new direct flights from Adelaide to Christchurch by Air New Zealand. KiwiRail has also seen a growth in bookings for its TranzAlpine, Northern Explorer, and Coastal Pacific journeys, attracting both overseas travelers and domestic holidaymakers.
Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism CEO Mat Wood reported strong demand in Queenstown and Wānaka during the holiday season, with high occupancy rates in commercial accommodations. The diverse range of tourists, including visitors from the US, China, Europe, and India, has contributed to the region’s popularity as a premier four-season destination.
Natural attractions remain a major draw for tourists, with nearly 75% citing landscapes and scenery as the main reason for their visit. Tourism NZ revealed that visitors are drawn to New Zealand’s lakes, mountains, and rivers, with a significant number visiting national parks.
The latest statistics from Statistics NZ show a significant increase in overseas visitors landing in New Zealand, with Australian travelers leading in overall spending. Longer-staying visitors from Germany and the UK are the highest holiday spenders per trip, while Indonesian visitors have the highest daily spend.
Overall, the tourism industry in Christchurch is experiencing a thriving summer season, with a diverse range of visitors contributing to the local economy and enjoying the natural beauty and attractions of the South Island.
tim.cronshaw@alliedmedia.co.nz
