Longest stays for camping

Travellers staying at holiday parks pump more than $623 million a year into the New Zealand economy, and they are staying longer in Queenstown, Wanaka and Alexandra areas, new research reveals.

The Ministry of Tourism's Commercial Accommodation Monitor reported that guests in caravan parks and camping grounds had the longest average stay of visitors to the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago area in January this year with 3.5 nights, followed by guests in hotels with 2.3 nights.

The duration was more than the national average of 2.9 nights, for the same month.

In January last year, guests in caravan parks and camping grounds also had the longest average stay in the Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago area, but with 2.6 nights, followed by guests in hotels for the same number of nights at 2.3.

International and domestic visitors staying at Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago sites bolstered local economies by about $61 million in the year ending December 2008, the Holiday Accommodation Parks Association of New Zealand reported.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council owns and operates Queenstown Lake View Holiday Park and Arrowtown Born of Gold Holiday Park.

Council holiday parks manager Greg Hartshorne said the length of stay depended on the park's appeal and its market.

"January did turn out to be busy, with a late rush. Campervan and camp site demand was up compared to last year, but accommodation demand was down."

Mr Hartshorne said he thought the increase in visitors using campervans was a reflection of more campervan companies on the market, and the aggressive marketing and offers they made.

About $340 million, or 55%, of the national expenditure by holiday park visitors was contributed by domestic travellers, with $283 million, or 45%, by international travellers, according to research commissioned by the association.

Association chief executive Fergus Brown said this meant the export earnings of holiday parks were worth more than exports by New Zealand's mussel industry, the book publishing industry or the fresh vegetable sector.

The research also highlighted that holiday park visitors spend about 18% of their daily expenditure on accommodation costs.

The bulk of their spending was spent outside holiday parks in areas such as cafes, restaurants, bars, activities and attractions, shopping and entertainment.

International visitors had a much shorter average length of stay at a holiday park and tended to spend more on activities and attractions and transport.

Domestic visitors tended to "stay put", and spend more on goods such as groceries and fuel.

Holiday parks employ more than 2000 people around the country, as well as supporting many local businesses through purchase of supplies, maintenance, and payments for marketing and professional fees.

Mr Brown said the holiday park sector had enjoyed a relatively good summer season.

"People are still travelling but they are often choosing cheaper accommodation. This research shows that holiday parks will continue to be a valuable part of the economy."