Lake Wanaka sees significant growth in visitor numbers

December 2011 visitor number figures released by Statistics New Zealand have shown a significant growth in the Lake Wanaka region with an increase of 20,000 guest nights over December 2010. This growth was topped only by Auckland which received 63,000 more guest nights, Queenstown rounded out the top three with 16,000 extra nights.

A large proportion of the 20,000 extra visitors were made up by domestic tourists who were up 53%, reflecting a big increase in New Zealand visitors staying in commercial accommodation rather than in holiday homes or with friends and family.

Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager, James Helmore, said the figures reflected the ongoing trend of more Kiwis holidaying at home.

“New Zealanders are rediscovering the classic Kiwi holiday experience here in Lake Wanaka. The spectacular, unspoiled scenery, relaxed way of life and passion the town’s tourism operators have for the region make it the perfect place to escape in the sun,” he said. “ We were also fortunate that the Central Otago climate gave us long hot sunny days while the rest of the country was under rain clouds. With Mt Aspiring National Park on our doorstep, hundreds of kilometres of mountain biking and walking trails plus of course the lakes and rivers, New Zealanders are realising Lake Wanaka is ideal for a family holiday, a romantic getaway or action-packed adventure.”

There was growth across the board of Lake Wanaka’s accommodation sector with all businesses, from luxury apartments to campgrounds enjoying the extra business.

Blair Austin of Lakeside Apartments also attributed the growth in domestic tourism to the weather. “We had a marked increase in domestic tourism, partly due to the situations in Christchurch and Nelson, but also the brilliant weather,” he said.

Glenn Tattersall of the Lake Outlet Holiday Park said, “December was exceptional for lots of reasons including the weather, Nelson and Christchurch people wanting a break and I think the word is getting out about Lake Wanaka.”

For further information on Lake Wanaka, visit www.lakewanaka.co.nz