South Taranaki on the Rise​

South Taranaki is the second most hospitable district in New Zealand, according to Airbnb.

The online accommodation marketplace recently released a list of the towns, cities and areas of regional New Zealand based on the highest density of five-star reviews.

Carterton in the Wairarapa claimed top spot with South Taranaki second. The Waikato was well represented, with Waipa, South Waikato and Matamata-Piako rounding out the top five.

South Taranaki Mayor Phil Nixon said the placing came as no surprise.

"Our unique landscape with the mountain, ocean and mix of town and rural character means we really get the best of both worlds" says Nixon.

"Accommodation providers of South Taranaki know what this District has to offer and take great pride in maintaining and offering their properties as a friendly home away from home for workers and travellers, from near and afar".

But it's not only AirBnB that's putting the district on the map. Latest tourism stats released by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) showed that South Taranaki saw a massive 328.9% increase in international visitor overnight stays in September 2023, compared to the same period in 2022. This was the largest increase across the region.

South Taranaki District Council economic development manager Scott Wilson says Taranaki is being increasingly seen as a destination of choice for international travellers looking for 'unique, off the-the-beaten-path' destinations.

“South Taranaki is on an upward trajectory. These stats show the promising potential the district has, to further develop as a destination with plenty to offer domestic and international visitors,” he says.