It is well known that tourism keeps Ōpōtiki tills ringing, with figures putting the gross annual spend from tourists in the district at $65.1 million.  

Many residents may not realise how much of this money comes from just down the road in Whakatāne, Tauranga, Rotorua and Taupō.  

Infometrics, the New Zealand-based independent economic consultancy and forecasting business, says that from the gross annual tourist spend in Ōpōtiki, $58.8 million (90.3 percent) comes from domestic, with only $6.4 million (9.8 percent) from international visitors.  

More specifically, as the Ōpōtiki isite points out, the largest region of origin for domestic tourists is the Bay of Plenty.

According to Infometrics, this group spent more than $18 million in the district in the year to March.  

“So, that’s more than a quarter of the entire tourism spend for the year comes from our neighbours around the Bay,” an isite spokesperson said.

“I think it reflects well on our district that people from Tauranga and Rotorua choose to relax and unwind just a couple of hours from their bigger cities.  

“People coming through the isite often mention how nice it is to take a genuine coastal and outdoor holiday without the hassle of having to go too far. The fishing, cycling and beaches are almost always mentioned.”  

Ōpōtiki Mayor David Moore said it was good to acknowledge how well supported the town was by tourists from across the Bay.

“Interestingly our locals tend to keep holidays local as well, heading down the Coast to enjoy activities on the moana or time with whanau.”

Mr Moore said it was great to see so many creative events and activities laid on for visitors, as these added to the buzz and helped to create tourist revenue.

“I’d like to mention some cost-effective friendly activities and events run by the isite team and other organisations including the Maraenui Fishing Comp and BOP Ōpōtiki Rodeo that prove very popular.

“The Half-a-Beast-at-Least Holiday Stableford is a great event if you’ve had a bit too much fishing.”