Lake Wanaka records New Zealand's highest visitor number increase

Once again, Lake Wanaka has seen significant increase in its monthly visitor numbers with the South Island resort town recording the highest increase in visitor number in January out of any destination in New Zealand.

Lake Wanaka recorded an extra 23,000 guests nights, an increase of 23% against a national trend of a 4% decrease.

Lake Wanaka Tourism general manager, James Helmore attributed the increase to a number of factors, including stunning weather, increased marketing activity and events.

“The Lake Wanaka region has certainly enjoyed the best summer weather in the country which has resulted in a marked increase in domestic visitors enjoying the traditional Kiwi holiday in the unspoiled and relaxed surroundings of Lake Wanaka,” he said. “Lake Wanaka Tourism was also part of the South Island Road Trips campaign in conjunction with Tourism New Zealand, Destination Queenstown, Tourism Dunedin and Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism. This targeted the Australian market and if you look at our web site stats as an indicator, interest from the Australian and New Zealand markets, and indeed all of the top 10 countries all show a marked increase over the last four months. Events also have a positive impact on our visitor numbers. The Challenge Wanaka Triathlon Festival took place in January delivering over 20,000 bed nights to the accommodation sector.

Leigh Stock, general manager of Edgewater, said, “A combination of great weather, Challenge Wanaka and a visiting Super 15 team assisted us to achieve a January occupancy level not seen since 2007, which in a year of difficult trading conditions is extremely pleasing.”

Lake Wanaka i-SITE has also reported more Wanaka activities being booked compared to the same time last year.

For further information, visit www.lakewanaka.com.