Visitor Numbers Surge Despite Unpredictable Snowfall in New Zealand

Visitor numbers to New Zealand’s ski resorts are on the rise, even as snowfall remains inconsistent this winter. After a slow start to the season, resorts like the Cardrona Alpine Resort are experiencing a boost in guests compared to last year. According to Matt Woods, chief executive of Destination Queenstown and Lake Wānaka Tourism, commercial bed nights increased by 5% in July, reflecting a growing interest from international travelers.

The recent uptick in visitors is partly attributed to the opening of the new Soho Basin. Woods noted that despite the disappointing snowfall, the allure of new terrain has drawn skiers from across the globe. “People are coming down to check out some of that new terrain,” Woods said. Despite the lean start, he expressed optimism, stating, “It’s too early to say if it’s a lean snow season, it’s been a lean start, but we’re seeing those storms starting to roll in now.”

While international visitors are flocking to the slopes, some local businesses have noticed a shift in their customer base. Caroline Holland, owner of Criffel Peak View accommodation, reported a decline in family bookings during the winter season. “We don’t have the families coming that we used to have. We used to be super busy with families in July school holidays,” she explained. The rising costs of ski trips, which can amount to nearly $10,000 for families, have made it difficult for many domestic visitors to justify the expense.

Holland has seen an increase in enthusiastic skiers from countries such as Taiwan, Korea, and China, alongside a noticeable influx of visitors from across Australia. However, the number of domestic skiers has dropped significantly. She attributed this decline to the combination of high skiing costs and the unpredictability of snowfall. “The trouble is that when they come, and it’s a bit of an average ski season like this year, it puts them off,” Holland remarked.

Despite the fluctuations in visitor demographics, Holland noted that her accommodation has seen strong bookings for August, suggesting that the season may still recover. The ongoing investments in ski infrastructure, particularly by RealNZ, are expected to enhance the experience for visitors and potentially draw more guests in the coming weeks.

With the winter season continuing, resorts remain hopeful that the anticipated snowstorms will improve conditions and attract even more skiers to the slopes. As the situation develops, the focus will be on how these changes affect the overall tourism landscape in New Zealand’s alpine regions.