Tourist Towns Busy, Despite The Weather

Friday, 10 January 2025, 10:05 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Holiday makers have continued to flock to Kaikōura and Hanmer Springs despite the cold and wet weather.

Water-based activities took a hit, but visitors have still enjoyed a break away in the popular tourist towns.

Destination Kaikōura chairperson Lynette Buurman said Kaikōura has been busy, but the weather has had an impact.

‘‘It is a little challenging for the sea-based operators and for the campers.’’

Mrs Buurman is business manager at Encounter Kaikōura and said she has never seen so many cancellations for the dolphin tours.

‘‘It is disappointing for the people who have been looking forward to it.’’

But accommodation bookings are strong, cafes have been busy and people have been out walking, looking at the shops and doing the land-based activities, she said.

The return of cruise ships has also created a buzz around town and while one was cancelled over New Year, more visits are planned over the next two months.

Destination Kaikōura is a partnership between the Kaikōura District Council and tourism operators.

Hurunui Mayor Marie Black said the district’s roads have been busy with holiday makers, while camping grounds have been well supported.

As Christmas approached, the Hurunui district was in the midst of water restrictions.

Then, persistent rain over the Christmas period led to issues with the Hanmer Springs water supply, as the pumps became clogged and the system was unable to clear the water quickly enough.

Mrs Black said council staff worked around the clock to resolve it and minimise the impacts on residents and visitors.

Hurunui Tourism product development manager Graeme Abbot said patronage was down three percent at Hanmer Springs Hot Pools & Spa over the Christmas period.

‘‘Given the weather we’ve had, I’m delighted with that number.

‘‘The town has been busy, but I can’t help thinking what it would have been like if the weather was fine.’’

Mr Abbot said one of the rare fine days led to ‘‘one of our busiest days ever’’ at the pools.

He is looking forward to ‘‘a more traditional North Canterbury summer’’, as the school holidays continue over the next few weeks.

‘‘We are happy the farmers have got the rain, but now we need some sun.’’

International visitors have been returning in good numbers, after the Covid-19 years, Mr Abbot said.

‘‘Pre-Covid we had more than 100,000 internationals and we didn’t expect it to be back until Christmas 2025.’’

Domestic visitor numbers continue to be strong, with Hanmer Springs well supported by Christchurch and North Canterbury families.

But habits have changed, with many booking their holidays at the last minute, having shorter stays and travelling around more, Mr Abbot said.

Hurunui Tourism is a partnership between the Hurunui District Council and local tourism operators.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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