Unexpected new stars of NZ tourism
Our travel tastes are changing, and some unexpected regions are facing a surge in tourism. In the past year, we’ve seen a softening in demand from international tourists flooding into New Zealand. But that’s been offset by an increased number of Kiwis exploring their own backyard.
So, where have we been headed – and what can you do there?
We’ve dug deep into the Statistics New Zealand Accommodation survey from September last year. It gives a snapshot of tourism demand, compared to the same month the previous year, and helps reveal the regions on-trend with Kiwi travellers.
Ka¯piti: up 22 per cent
The Ka¯ piti region experienced the most substantial growth in visitor numbers; no doubt helped by the 2018 reintroduction of flights to Auckland with Air Chathams. In the first year alone, the airline carried more than 40,000 passengers on 1472 flights.
One of the increasingly popular attractions in the region is the Paeka¯ ka¯ riki Escarpment Walkway, a track which hugs the steep hills overlooking the coast and uses swing bridges and steep staircases. I liken it to a miniature version of Hawaii’s famed Stairway to Heaven.
This is not recommended for those who suffer vertigo; the track has steep drop-offs, and it can get windy.
You’ll ascend a zigzagging series of stairs, eventually reaching a stunning lookout, with sweeping views of the wild coast.
The Southward Car Museum is also home to an enormous selection of more than 400 cars, dating back to the first car that ever came to New Zealand in 1895. It even has a Delorean, made famous by the 80s sci-fi film Back to the Future.
Kapiti Island – just 15 minutes from the mainland – is also increasingly popular. The 2000-hectare predator-free nature reserve has dozens of species of birds that you can spot, including the ko¯ kako, weka and kaka. You can even take an overnight tour to try your luck finding little spotted kiwi; the island is home to more than 1200.
Wa¯naka: up 17.2 per cent
Wa¯ naka has seen a surge in domestic tourists and, talking to fellow travellers on a recent visit, it seems many are headed there as an alternative to Queenstown.
The region is one of the main gateways to the Mt Aspiring National Park, with no shortage of worldclass walks, framed against peaks, glaciers and dense rainforest.
The Blue Pools, just an hour return walk, is rated as one of the best short hikes in New Zealand; the pools offer some of the most transparent waters in the country.
A more off-the-radar walk is the five-hour return trip to the Rob Roy Glacier, which includes views of snowfields, glaciers and waterfalls.
Waikato: up 15.6 per cent
Raglan is New Zealand’s answer to Australia’s Byron Bay – and is one of the main drawcards in Waikato.
The once-sleepy surf village is now home to some of the trendiest accommodation in New Zealand, including a treehouse, tipis, yurts and a waterfront silo with luxury accommodation inside.
Another popular escape is a secret little shire on the outskirts of Hamilton called Underhill. Its exact location isn’t revealed until you book, and the underground luxury cave – which has a Hobbitlike vibe – is entirely off-grid.
The city’s biggest drawcard is the Hamilton Gardens. This enormous 54-hectare park has gardens represented from all over the world, and best of all, it’s free.
Mackenzie: up 14.2 per cent
The Mackenzie Country is one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations, and for a good reason. The glacier-fed lakes at the foot of our tallest peaks are almost hypnotically beautiful.
Interestingly, the latest data shows an almost 10 per cent drop in international bed nights – a measure of tourism demand – but that’s been offset by robust New Zealand growth.
The best way to explore the region is by bike, with many cycle trails around the lakes. Or, my alltime favourite activity is heading up to the hilltop Mt John Observatory and its Astro Cafe. There is a small entrance fee to use the private access road, but you’re rewarded with what is surely the best cafe view in the world.
The eatery overlooks Lake Tekapo, the Alps, and expansive plains of the Mackenzie Basin. I was so transfixed with the glacial blues of the lake I forgot to eat.
If you’re in the region, don’t miss the stargazing at Tekapo Springs. At an ungodly hour, you’ll be shuttled to the hot pools where you can lie on an underwater hammock. From there, expert staff will point out the constellations while you soak in sensory bliss.
Auckland: up 13.6 per cent
One of the biggest surprises in the data was the consistent growth of Kiwis visiting Auckland. I expect that will only continue, especially as people begin to explore more of the city’s greatest treasure: the Hauraki Gulf.
There are more than 50 islands in the gulf, offering a kaleidoscope of hidden beaches, wildlife sanctuaries, and even hidden hot springs.
Aside from Waiheke, Great Barrier, Little Barrier and Rangitoto – I think most of us would struggle to name many more you can visit. For example, Rotoroa Island is just an hour ferry from the CBD – and is a predator-free sanctuary run by a trust.
The island offers nature walks, empty beaches, stunning views and even accommodation that starts from just $40 a night.
Whanganui: up 9.3 per cent
Whanganui is home to the longest navigable river in the country, which features some fascinating offthe-radar walks.
One of the more popular is the Bridge to Nowhere. It was constructed in the 1930s to provide access to the Mangapurua Valley Soldiers Settlement but was rarely used. Today, it’s protected by the Historic Places Trust and can be walked in 11⁄2 hours.
Marlborough: up 8.9 per cent
Most Kiwis become acquainted with the Marlborough Sounds when cruising on a ferry from Wellington.
But what you see is not even scratching the surface. Consider this: the forming of the magnificent landscape dates back to the last Ice Age. After the great melt, the region’s deep valleys were drowned, leaving a network of waterways so extensive it makes up around 20 per cent of New Zealand’s coast.
Scattered among this are secluded lodges, exceptional wildlife and stunning walks.
One of the best ways to experience it is the Queen Charlotte Track. Thankfully this multi-day walk doesn’t yet attract the crowds Abel Tasman does but still offers sweeping vistas with the added bonus of luxury accommodation dotted along the track.
Hawke’s Bay: up 8.9 per cent
Napier is a city etched in our country’s history. It is the scene of New Zealand’s deadliest disaster, and through the ashes of the 1931 earthquake rose – not only a celebration of art deco – but enduring symbols of incredible strength and resilience.
The region is far more than a funky city; its vineyards blanket the land in every direction – and amid these fertile rolling valleys are dozens of cellar doors offering wine tastings, and even accommodation set among the vines.
A local secret is Shine Falls, the 56-metre waterfall which lies north of the city and is reached along an hour-long bushwalk up an enchanted valley.