New Zealanders are being urged to do something different over this summer season, to help out local tourism operators.
Lake Te Anau in Fiordland. Photo: Unsplash / Kas J
Domestic tourism in January is forecast to outspend last year over the same period by nearly 20 percent.
But even that would still be well short of the overall spend when including the amount spent by international tourists.
While the places traditionally favoured by New Zealanders are still expected to do well over Christmas, such as Northland, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel, it's the other locations which rely on international visitors which might struggle, such as Te Anau and Milford Sound.
That is why Tourism New Zealand has been promoting domestic travel ever since the shutdown, to try and get locals to go visit such places.
This summer, it's no different, with the organisation calling on Kiwis to try something new.
Tourism NZ chief executive Stephen England-Hall said: "We recognise that over the Christmas period, in particular, and New Year's to a lesser extent, we have pretty habitual behaviour: we have the family gatherings and the traditional locations.
"I think it's important to recognise those entrenched behaviours are difficult things to shift.
"We're saying, why not add on something new, why not try something new. If you've always frequented Waiheke Island in summer, maybe you should go ziplining."
Waihi Beach. Photo: Unsplash / Douglas Bagg
But whether such exploration and daring is aligned with what New Zealanders actually want to do, is another matter.
A report by Tourism NZ found what holidaying New Zealanders wanted were opportunities to relax and refresh.
Other aspects they were looking for were spectacular natural landscapes and scenery, and a chance to go somewhere they had never been before.
While the domestic spend for January is looking positive, there are worries it could dwindle for the rest of summer as people return to work.
"We would anticipate that February and March will be very soft in the tourism sector," England-Hall said.
"Of course, traditionally, February and March are very popular months for international visitors.
"We would expect quite a few [tourism businesses] will find it very difficult to navigate that period of time."
It means operators are even more interested in the outcome of negotiations between Australia and New Zealand over the prospect of a trans-Tasman bubble, which could inject some much needed cash into the sector.
Special flight arranged from Wellington for wild foods festival
Air New Zealand is to operate a special flight between Wellington and Hokitika for the Wildfoods Festival in March.
The $300 return fare is designed to encourage North Islanders to take part in one of the West Coast's biggest events.
An airline spokesperson said events like the Wildfoods Festival give Kiwis a great reason to travel domestically and support the regions.
Westland Mayor Bruce Smith said it is great the national carrier is willing to supports festival with a special service and he looks forward to welcoming North Island guests.
