Windy days boost business
Blustery conditions on Lake Taupo has gifted retailers a huge windfall.
Taupo CBD is the busiest it has been this year with more than 42,000 pedestrians counted, on average, every day last week.
Replete Cafe owner Chris Johnston says they are so busy they are producing more than 5000 coffees a week for their 1000 plus customers each day.
‘‘It seems to be up 10 to 15 per cent from last year,’’ he said.
‘‘There has certainly been an influx of people coming into town.’’
In the first 10 days of the year 396,307 shoppers were counted in the Taupo CBD, an increase of 87 per cent from last year during the same time.
Johnstone said windy conditions on the water may be one reason for the additional customers as people have been unable to sail on the lake, so they go shopping instead.
Mainly Silver owner Debbie Littlewood agreed and said her jewellery store has been packed with people.
‘‘I’m getting some come in and say they have been here all week and still haven’t got to put the boat out,’’ she said.
‘‘I think it has been a big factor this year.’’
Littlewood and Johnstone have run their businesses for more than 20 years with many more tourists looking for keepsakes of their trip.
‘‘I’m getting lots of people looking for good quality souvenirs,’’ she said. ‘‘They are loving it. ‘‘Anything with a fern on it is selling well.’’
Towncentre Taupo said the January average smashed the previous peak during the Easter weekend.
Johnston said his staff are making close to 850 cups of coffee for it’s 1000 customers each day.
He said the last three years have become steadily busier as Taupo gains more recognition as a tourist destination.
He said the efforts of groups like Towncentre Taupo and Destination Great Lake Taupo have been pivotal but the creation of The Hub, where all these groups collaborate, has been a key driver for businesses in town.
‘‘It allows them all to communicate and work together on events,’’ he said.
‘‘It’s like we are all in the same boat so we all get to the oars together.’’