For immediate release

31 January 2013

Nation’s position on moving summer holidays revealed

Almost a quarter of New Zealand adults want to move the traditional summer holiday period to February, according to new data* from Tourism Bay of Plenty.

Twenty-four per cent of respondents say they would prefer to move the traditional New Zealand summer break, including the school holidays, to February when the weather is generally better. However a larger group of 38% are against the proposition, with an equal number undecided.

Settled weather unsurprisingly plays a big part in holiday enjoyment with 40% of Kiwis saying that wet weather is their ultimate peeve while on summer holiday. Twenty percent felt traffic was the most irritating.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Rhys Arrowsmith says talk of moving the summer holiday period surfaces every year and the research demonstrated New Zealanders’ mixed feelings on the issue.

“Although the weather in February is generally excellent, this year we’ve been lucky with periods of settled and sunny weather in many parts of the country over the Christmas and New Year period as well,” he says.

“In the coastal Bay of Plenty we have the most sunshine hours in the North Island, and we see many tourists coming to the area for a better chance of sunshine than they’d get elsewhere.

“Whether you’re on a beach holiday, camping in national parks or on a road trip, no one likes being outside in the rain,” he says. “But there are plenty of indoor activities in most regions to keep both the adults and the kids entertained.”

Other findings in Tourism Bay of Plenty’s research include:

Favourite activity on summer holiday
• The beach (including swimming and sunbathing) – 34%
• Enjoying food and wine – 21%
• Reading – 12%
• Doing nothing – 12%
• Water sports (including waterskiing, windsurfing, yachting, fishing, boating) – 9%
• Traditional sports (including golf, cricket, hockey, walking, hiking) – 5%
• Electronic entertainment (e.g. TV, movies, computer, smartphone, tablet) – 4%
• Cultural activities (including art galleries, theatre) – 3%

Favourite smell of Kiwi summer
• The beach / sea air – 32%
• A barbecue – 30%
• Freshly cut grass – 17%
• Summer flowers – 11%
• Christmas tree – 7%
• Sun tan lotion – 3%

Favourite sound of Kiwi summer
• Waves on the beach – 42%
• Dawn chorus (birds) – 19%
• Running stream / river – 16%
• Cicadas – 15%
• The slap of water against a boat – 8%


ENDS

*Survey conducted by Research Now, 11 – 17 December 2012.

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