Whangamata reigns as top Bookabach destination for fifth yea

Media Release
Under embargo until 15 January 2013

Whangamata reigns as top Bookabach destination for fifth year running

Whangamata has cemented its position as the top summer holiday hotspot for Kiwis, coming out as the most popular destination in New Zealand for the fifth year running, according to statistics unveiled today by holiday home booking website Bookabach.

Bookabach CEO Peter Miles says the fact that average rental prices for the top ten destinations has increased by 5% to $326 per night shows that bach owners are still getting a great return on investment from renting out their properties during the peak summer period.

Luxury getaways in Queenstown and Waiheke Island’s Onetangi and Oneroa areas remained high on the agenda for many Kiwis, and renters willing to pay an average nightly rental of $440 or above to secure a spot in these sought after locations.

“Holidaymakers, probably many of them Aucklanders, were happy to pay an average of $466 per night for a place at Oneroa to get away from the city during the Christmas and New Year break.”

“The fact that Queenstown and Onetangi were also the locations with the biggest boost in popularity compared to last year, despite the higher prices, shows that Kiwis are certainly not afraid to splurge a little when it comes to getting the perfect summer getaway.”

“Despite the increases, staying at a bach is still an economical option compared to an overseas holiday. Raglan is still great value at an average of $201 per night, and when the cost is split over multiple families or a group of friends, it usually works out much cheaper than comparable accommodation options,” says Miles.

Lake Wanaka retained its number two position on the top ten list, while Whitianga, Taupo Central, Raglan and Oneroa all slipped one spot compared to last year.

The rankings are based on the total number of nights booked via Bookabach.co.nz between 1 December 2012 and 11 January 2013.

Bookabach.co.nz’s top ten summer destinations:

1. Whangamata

2. Lake Wanaka

3. Mangawhai Heads

4. Whitianga

5. Mt Maunganui

6. Taupo Central

7. Raglan

8. Queenstown

9. Onetangi, Waiheke

10. Oneroa, Waiheke

About AA Bookabach
Launched in 2000, Bookabach offers Kiwis and visitors to New Zealand the opportunity to experience the quintessential bach holiday by putting them in touch with the owners and property managers of New Zealand’s finest beach houses, from simple one-room baches to luxury holiday homes. Bookabach is a subsidiary of the New Zealand Automobile Association.

ENDS

© Scoop Media