Bookabach's top summer spot is Hamilton, which beat Mount Maunganui (pictured) and Rotorua. Photo / File
Bookabach's top summer spot is Hamilton, which beat Mount Maunganui (pictured) and Rotorua. Photo / File
Hamilton has been named the most popular bach destination this summer, shocking neighbouring councils that offer some of the country's most sought-after beaches and prompting one to ask what it's got that they don't have.
Hamilton - for possibly the first time ever - has topped accommodation provider Bookabach's most booked summer spot in New Zealand.
However the city of the future was closely followed by Rotorua, coming in at fourth place, which Rotorua mayor Steve Chadwick said was not surprising.
"All of the wonderful things that attract people to our district keep evolving, ensuring Rotorua remains a favourite domestic and international destination."
She said it had certainly been a busy summer and there were still plenty of visitors around now.
"Visitors to Rotorua have always been spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation – we've always had a wide range of options including home stays, bed and breakfast, short-term rentals, motels, holiday parks and hotels.
"The Bookabach type of accommodation has become popular over the years with both Kiwis and overseas visitors, people like the personal touch and the personal space."
But Hamilton mayor Andrew King is under no illusion about the "understated, under-rated" city he represents, saying yesterday it's the major events such as Rugby 7s, cricket matches and Festival One that are pulling in the punters.
Taupō mayor David Trewavas said Taupō was heaving with visitors over summer and it was only slowing down now.
Taupō had been ranked the fifth most popular place to book a bach, down from second place last year.
But Trewavas said the placing drop could be the difference between the site looking at bookings for Taupō central this year compared with Lake Taupō last year, which would have covered all the surrounding area around the lake including Acacia Bay, where a lot of the baches were.
If people were looking for the largest freshwater mass in Australasia, peace and quiet along the lake and a hot soak in one of many hot pools then Taupō was the place to be, Trewavas said.
Tauranga mayor Greg Brownless was in shock when he saw iconic holiday spot Mount Maunganui was only seventh on the list and believes it could be an aberration.
"I imagine it is a sign that maybe not too many people use Bookabach in this area, I think people must use other things like Airbnb or motels.
"I'm pleased for Hamilton but when I used to live there as a kid we used every excuse to get out of there. Perhaps it's renting out there houses while they come out of the Mount."
Top 15 Most Popular NZ Destinations this Summer 1. Hamilton City 2. Wanaka 3. Queenstown 4. Rotorua Township 5. Taupo Central 6. Whitianga 7. Mt Maunganui 8. Ohakune 9. Brophys Beach 10. Oneroa 11. Waihi Beach 12. Raglan 13. Wellington CBD 14. Hahei 15. Whangamata
