8 Jan 2016

Blenheim rains on Whakatane's parade

11:14 am on 8 January 2016

Blenheim has knocked Whakatane off its pedestal as the country's sunniest spot.

Blenheim's Seymour Square

Blenheim's Seymour Square on one of the town's typically sunny days. Photo: RNZ / Tracy Neal

After holding the title for four out of the past five years, the eastern Bay of Plenty town has slipped a notch.

Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman said Blenheim being crowned number one was sure to boost tourism in the area.

"People like to go where the sun is and if you've got a consistent record like Blenheim has over the years, it's certainly a good advertising tool," he said.

Whakatane mayor Tony Bonne said he believed his town had had a record-breaking number of visitors this summer.