Visitor numbers to the Hauraki and the Coromandel Peninsula fell 25 per cent in January, according to data from Destination Hauraki Coromandel.
The average number of visitors to the region each day was 26,751, compared to an average of 35,731 in January 2022.
Spending was also down 30 per cent in January 2022, compared to a 24 per cent increase across the country as a whole.
Destination Hauraki Coromandel said it anticipates further poor results when February data is released.
“Our hearts go out to the other regions who have suffered, we are all desperate for visitors to return,” said Destination Hauraki Coromandel’s marketing manager Megan Nunn.
Aaron McFarlane of Anglers Lodge and Shelly Beach TOP 10, has remained pragmatic and optimistic.
“We are eagerly awaiting the return of our much-loved guests, as many had to cancel their original Coromandel holidays. Access was a key issue, so we appreciate all the hard work the roading crews and locals have done to reconnect all our special little settlements back up,” said Aaron.
“After two years of Covid, we were ready for our best summer yet, but January saw the loss of bookings due to the storms and February we have seen more cancellations than bookings. So we have a big gaping hole to make up. The sun’s shining, we have plenty to see and do, and we are ready for your return!”
With the whole of State Highway 25 reopened, a campaign has begun to get visitors travelling the “Coromandel Loop’ – taking the coastal route around the region, adding a little more time and new experiences.
“Our message is that travel is about the journey, not just the final destination” says Megan. “We aim to showcase the diverse range of places to stop off and enjoy along the way, and some new experiences, especially for those who have been coming to the Coromandel for years.”
