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Case Study
Case Study

New Zealand's Summer Hot Spots!

With international tourism still rebounding, domestic travellers played a crucial role in supporting New Zealand’s tourism economy this summer.

01 August 2025

☀️ New Zealand's Summer Hot Spots!☀️

Dot Loves Data reveals that Aucklanders, Wellingtonians, and Cantabrians were the biggest contributors to regional spending between 18 December and 14 January, based on ANZ consumer transactions.

🌊 Top holiday hotspots for Kiwis

🏝️ Thames-Coromandel – $13M

☀️ Far North – $11M

🏔️ Queenstown-Lakes – $9M

🚗 Where did Kiwis go?

1. Aucklanders spent $20M exploring regional NZ, with Thames-Coromandel, the Far North, and Queenstown being top picks.

2. Wellingtonians favored nearby destinations like Lower Hutt, Kāpiti Coast, and Porirua.

3. Cantabrians mostly stayed within the South Island, flocking to Queenstown and Tasman (Cantabs do in fact love Kaiteriteri!).

4. Dunedin holidaymakers directed 18% of their spending into Queenstown and Wānaka.

🔄 Inter-island travel trends

Wellingtonians ventured to the South Island, while Christchurch travellers mostly stayed within the Mainland.

While international tourism recovers, domestic travel spending continues to fuel local economies - a reminder of the importance of catering to Kiwi holidaymakers - and remember: "Don't leave town until you've seen the country."