Kiwis may be leaving in droves across the Tasman but more and more Aussies are singing the praises of the Catlins during holidays there, one tourist operator claims.
Paul Bridson, who owns and operates the Whistling Frog Cafe at McLean Falls, said many of his Australian guests could not understand why so many New Zealanders were packing their bags to go to Australia.
Although the summer visitor season is just starting, Mr Bridson said he had already noticed an increase in visitor numbers, especially from Australia.
Australian "Grey Power" guests who stayed this week were so excited about the variety of landscape, they said they could not wait to return to explore the South Island next year.
"They mentioned the South Island is an unspoilt gem, and felt that we should be concentrating more advertising dollars in Australia and showing some of the fantastic scenery of the Catlins and Otago area in particular," Mr Bridson said.
