Newshub-Reid Research Poll: Majority of Kiwis back trans-Tasman bubble

As we prepare for the next travel bubble opening with the Cook Islands, Newshub can reveal the trans-Tasman bubble has been a major success with voters.

In our latest Newshub-Reid Research Poll, we asked: Do you support the travel bubble with Australia?

A total of 64.9 percent said yes they back the bubble, but more than a quarter - 28.1 percent - said they don't. The rest - 7 percent - weren't sure.

The bubble was hailed as a great saviour for our tourist hotspots, but Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult says it hasn't brought a flood of Australians over yet - though bookings were picking up for ski season

"Getting a few people through, few Aussie accents around. Not marvellous yet but we're waiting for ski season," he said. 

Despite the slow start, the mood is much better - Queenstown feels hopeful. 

"It's certainly making the town a happier place and me a happier person," Boult said. 

Newshub-Reid Research Poll: Majority of Kiwis back trans-Tasman bubble

The businesses are looking forward to snow too. Quintessentially Queenstown burger bar Fergburger is hoping for lots of hungry Aussie tourist tummies. 

"It's been more of a friends, family and business bubble, but what that has done for the community is it's given confidence for the winter," Fergburger general manager Steve Bradley says. "We're seeing lots of forward accommodation bookings, which is positive."

Quarantine-free travel with the Cook Islands begins this week, which may hurt New Zealand tourist towns as Kiwis might choose the islands over our own beautiful backyard. 

But Bradley is happy to share the love. 

"There's somewhere warm to go, but it's so important to the Cook Island community. We know what it's like, we're dependent on tourism, so we wish them the best," he said. 

"While the Kiwis have been fantastic and they've come to see Queenstown, it's their time to go elsewhere, but there's a hell of a lot of Aussies ready to come and see us."

Queenstown is hoping New Zealanders will still want to experience the magic of the place more than once. 

"To those thinking about the Cooks - go enjoy it and we'll just see you after that," Bradley adds.

"Thank you for coming to visit us, please come again," Boult says.

The poll was conducted between May 7-13 with a margin of error of 3.1 percent.