New data shows New Zealanders are loving holidaying at home thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, with almost half saying their recent domestic travel "exceeded expectations".
Tourism Industry Aotearoa's (TIA) latest survey found that in the second half of 2020, half of New Zealanders who travelled domestically for a holiday enjoyed their time off.
Of those, 63 percent rated their trip as a nine or 10 out of 10 - up from 58 percent the previous year.
TIA chief executive Chris Roberts says it's great news for the industry.
"New Zealanders are heeding the call to get out and enjoy their own backyard. Not only are they helping to support thousands of jobs and businesses around the country, they are discovering why we have long been one of the world's most desirable destinations."
More New Zealanders visited Queenstown, Bay of Plenty and Central Otago compared to the same period in 2019, although a smaller proportion visited Northland and Wellington.
Those who travelled to Canterbury, the Coromandel or Northland showed the highest levels of satisfaction with their trip, while older travellers and those on longer trips tended to be the most satisfied.
"With so much to see and do in every region, it's not surprising that those who have more time to explore are the most satisfied with their experiences," said Roberts.
