Bad Weather Won't Put off Kiwis' Easter Road Trip

If the patchy summer is anything to go by, weather is not likely to hamper travel plans this Easter, according to a recent survey commissioned by AA Tourism.



An analysis in the 2011/2012 summer travel trends revealed most New Zealanders refused to let weather deter their plans with seven out of 10 holidays going ahead as planned.



This gives hope that the quintessential Easter road trip will still take place, even if the variable and unpredictable conditions continue.



Rebecca Cherry, GM Marketing for AA Tourism, says the number of Kiwis proceeding with scheduled plans despite changeable weather could be a result of people trying to make the most of their limited trips away.



"Only a third of New Zealanders take more than two trips longer than a weekend each year. Given that an extended break is a luxury to so many, it's clear why there is a hesitance to cancel plans.



"Almost six in ten people cite relaxation as the top thing to do while on holiday so just getting away from the daily grind, no matter what the weather, is the main attraction for many," she says.



The same survey showed that half of Kiwis would like to travel within New Zealand this year.



"The extra two days off over the Easter break is the perfect time to book an exciting trip with family or friends. It's only too easy to take exploring our own country for granted but it can be a cost-effective way to get away and make the most of the long weekend.



"With rain currently forecast for much of the country at the beginning of the holiday period, it's important that drivers take care on the road and drive to the conditions," says Rebecca.



Easter holiday makers can save on fuel by taking advantage of the latest AA Smartfuel offer. If you book your accommodation with one of 300 select properties nationwide, you will earn $0.20 cents per litre.



For more information about the Smartfuel programme, New Zealand travel tips and ideas and to book accommodation visit www.aatravel.co.nz



New Zealand Travel Trends



* Half of holiday makers stayed with friends and family over summer (51.2%)

* One in five Kiwis stayed in paid private commercial accommodation e.g. hotel, motel (20.9%)

* Almost one in five holiday makers stayed in a camping ground/holiday park (18.9%)

* Nine out of ten Kiwis chose reading as their favourite wet weather activity (80.9%) followed by board games (31.6%) and playing cards (28.1%)

* Four of the five top holiday destinations over Christmas/New Year were situated in the North Island

o Northland (15.7%)

o Canterbury (14.4%)

o Auckland (13%)

o Coromandel (10.3%)

o Waikato (8.9%)