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It can often be overlooked in favor of the larger and more well-known attractions of the Bay of Islands, but the small town of Ōpua has just been named New Zealand’s most hospitable destination.
Often the first port of call for yachts arriving in New Zealand from the other side of the Pacific, Ōpua topped Airbnb’s latest local hospitality index for receiving the highest percentage of five-star guest reviews in the country in the year to June 2020. Only destinations with 400 o More reviews were taken into account on the accommodation website.
Ōpua was one of three Northland cities to make the list, with Dargaville and Haruru ranking eighth and tenth respectively.
The Bay of Plenty city of Katikati ranked second, while Canterbury also had three cities on the list: Rolleston, Darfield and Ashburton, in third, fourth, and sixth respectively.
Chris McLennan
Ōpua hosts a major sailing regatta in January, but is otherwise fairly quiet.
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No city is on the list and the only other regions listed were Waikato and Southland.
Julie Gilkison, a resident of Ōpua, who rents a townhouse on Airbnb with her husband Don, said she thought the locals were good at serving visitors as many had moved there from elsewhere and appreciated the difference they made. could make a warm welcome.
Northland Inc
Ōpua had the highest percentage of five-star reviews on Airbnb in the year to June 2020.
“The residents of Ōpua are also very used to people coming to visit. Every year we receive an influx of cruise ships, so it is normal for us to have people from outside, “said Gilkison.
He described the city as “a lovely base” to explore the Bay of Islands and a quieter alternative to Paihia and Russell, unless you visit during Bay of Islands Sailing Week in January, the largest regatta in this guy in New Zealand. when the city usually receives hundreds of guests.
Highlights for visitors, Gilkison said, included boating activities, the Poi Herenga Tai / Twin Coast to Kawakawa cycle route, walking trails and “beautiful beaches.”
Far North Mayor John Carter said he hoped the Airbnb community’s “vote of confidence” would help Ōpua and other communities in the region that rely on tourism to recover from the two New Zealand lockdowns and the loss of international tourists.
Kath Bayliss / Stuff
Gore, named New Zealand’s seventh most hospitable destination, was the only Southland destination on the list.
“Our business community has come together to support each other and I think it has worked incredibly well. Many businesses in the Bay of Islands and elsewhere say they have had a busy winter with domestic tourists heading north. “
One of the main advantages of staying in Ōpua, Carter said, was that it was close to almost all the key Bay of Islands attractions.
“Wherever you stay in Ōpua, you will be surrounded by bush covered hills full of native birds, including kiwi. You will almost certainly also have a panoramic view of the harbor. Depending on where you are, you will see Okiato, Waikare Inlet, Russell or Paihia across the water. “
Tania Burt, general manager of destinations for economic development agency Northland Inc, recommended to visitors who did not own a yacht but were interested in getting in on the action on the water to rent one from the local Great Escape business or take one. of their learnings. -Sailing courses.
On land, he recommended tackling one of the many walks in the area, including an easy coastal route to Paihia with sandy beaches and a favorite local seafood gathering spot from which dolphin sightings are not rare.
“If visitors are feeling more energetic, they can hike back and forth from Paihia to Ōpua, take the ferry to Okiato and walk to Russell before taking the ferry back to Paihia,” he said.
She suggested “a food and wine stop” at the Omata Estate, a boutique vineyard at the base of the Kororāreka / Russell peninsula, along the way and reward yourself with a drink, dinner or both at the “infamous” Duke of Marlborough in Russell in the end.
The Ōpua Kauri Walk to a lookout point in a century-old kauri-covered valley was a hidden gem, he said. She recommended exploring the forest with Stella Kake-Schmid from Papatuanuku Earth Mother Tours, who would tell her about local conservation efforts and how Maori traditionally used plants to heal and nurture their families, while walking.
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Cambridge was one of two Waikato cities on the list, the other being Matamata.
“If conservation piques your interest and you want to give back to forest restoration a little, ask how you can support Bay Bush Action by buying some of their delicious kānuka honey from a local shop just down the road.”
Susan Wheeldon, Airbnb’s Country Manager for New Zealand, said she wasn’t surprised that regional cities dominated the hospitality index.
“From Cape Reinga to Bluff, every corner of Aotearoa has so much to offer, but when it comes to providing a truly memorable and authentic guest experience, it is the hospitality of our Kiwi hosts that is truly world class,” he said.
“Airbnb hosts are the best ambassadors for their cities, as they are often local experts. So whether it’s suggesting the best restaurants and cafes or highlighting the most scenic trails and parks, our hosts are passionate about not only ensuring their guests have a wonderful stay, but also supporting local businesses in their communities. ”
New Zealand’s Most Hospitable Destinations According to Airbnb’s 2020 Hospitality Index
1. Ōpua, Bay of Islands
2. In the middle, Bay of Plenty
3. Rolleston, Canterbury
4. Darfield, Canterbury
5. Matamata, Waikato
6. Ashburton, Canterbury
7. Gore, Southland
8. Dargaville, Northland
9. Cambridge, Waikato
10. Haruru, Northland
