Nature, culture attractive
DEPARTMENT of Conservation camping grounds in the South Island drew campers back last summer.
In a release the department said international visitors returned to nearly 65% of preCovid summer arrivals.
Doc heritage and visitors director Cat Wilson said it was great to see people from overseas engaging with our natural and cultural attractions.
‘‘Half of all international visitors went to a national park, 49% went to beaches and a quarter had experienced a geothermal park or glacier.
‘‘Over a third went to a public museum or gallery and 25% went to a place significant to Ma¯ori,’’ she said.
‘‘The number of people camping at Doc’s bookable South Island campsites more than doubled when compared to the 202122 summer.
‘‘Unfortunately, this summer New Zealand saw several extreme weather events that damaged tracks, particularly across the North Island,’’ she said.
‘‘As a result, many Doc tracks, facilities and sites are still closed by storm damage and flooding.
‘‘In some places the damage has been significant, and includes some of our most popular sites, like Cathedral Cove.’’
While the weather was terrible at times over the summer, short walks in the outdoors were still popular with New Zealanders and international visitors. Walking — of any kind — was by far the most popular activity.
Generally, over summer easyaccess coastal areas near urban centres were popular with New Zealanders. Many of the most visited destinations were coastal areas and marine reserves located at or near the Auckland region, reflecting where New Zealanders live and travel.
For international visitors, the most popular national parks were in the South Island, including Fiordland and Aoraki Mount Cook.
Overall 90% of international visitors reported being ‘‘satisfied’’ or ‘‘very’’ satisfied with their New Zealand visit.