KEY POINTS:
Auckland retained its spot as the top destination for online accommodation bookers last year while Christchurch came in second knocking Wellington down to third place, figures from accommodation website wotif.com show.
Wotif.com New Zealand manager Tania Witheford said it was no surprise to see Auckland, as the largest accommodation provider, remain on top spot but increased airline services to Christchurch and a strong ski season had boosted business in the South Island city.
"While the top 20 destinations for 2007 were similar to 2006, the order shuffled slightly with Christchurch moving up to second place, confirming its growing popularity as a key arrival point into New Zealand, particularly over the winter months."
Witheford said the strong ski season had also boosted Queenstown above Rotorua last year although she predicted that Rotorua could regain its place through plans for an airport extension.
South Island destinations Te Anau and Franz Josef also made it on to the list for the first time, knocking off popular beach destinations Mt Maunganui and the Bay of Islands.
Wanaka also moved up three places. Witheford said this reflected the growing number of tourists coming to the Queenstown area and seeking alternative places to stay.
Witheford predicted Blenheim, Hanmer Springs, Rotorua and Taupo would be popular destinations for 2008.
Statistics New Zealand figures show guest nights were up 2 per cent in November last year compared with November 2006 with a total of 2.8 million nights.
TOP NEW ZEALAND DESTINATIONS
2007
1. Auckland
2. Christchurch
3. Wellington
4. Queenstown
5. Rotorua
6. Taupo
7. Dunedin
8. Hamilton
9. Napier
10. Nelson
2006
1. Auckland
2. Wellington
3. Christchurch
4. Rotorua
5. Queenstown
6. Taupo
7. Hamilton
8. Dunedin
9. Palmerston North
10. Napier
