West Coast shines with bumper summer season

National consumer spending dipped by 0.7% in December 2024, according to new data from Worldline, the West Coast defied the trend with a 4.2% increase—the highest growth rate in the country.

The surge in spending reflects the region's ongoing appeal as a holiday destination. Development West Coast’s Destination and Tourism Manager, Andrew Aitken, attributes the strong performance to the region's unique blend of attractions and natural beauty.

“The strong economic performance of the West Coast over the holiday season highlights the ongoing desirability of this region. Visitors, along with their holiday spending, have provided a much-needed boost for the local economy—some businesses have enjoyed revenue increases of up to 25% over the last year,” Aitken said.

Exceptional weather conditions have only enhanced the region's allure. While much of New Zealand has endured unsettled weather, the West Coast has basked in sunshine, with temperatures reaching as high as 25°C.

“It’s been a bumper summer season for the whole Coast,” said Aiden Schurr from Underworld Adventures. “Yes, the weather’s been amazing, but we’re finding that more and more domestic and international visitors are saying that the West Coast was on their ‘must-see’ list from the very start. They arrived expecting an authentic and untouched New Zealand experience, and our fantastic weather has just been the icing on the cake for their holiday.”

Andrea Forrest from Shantytown Heritage Park also reported an uptick in domestic visitation.

“Shantytown Heritage Park similarly enjoyed increased visitation for December 2024 when compared to December 2023. It’s pleasing to see New Zealanders enjoying the West Coast, our natural environment, and our range of visitor attractions.”