A busy Easter is expected for the Upper Clutha, especially with the arrival of tens of thousands of visitors for the final Wheels at Wānaka show.

Wānaka Business Chamber general manager Glenn Peat said he expects Wānaka to be “very busy” over Easter.

“It’s traditionally a strong period for local businesses, particularly in retail, hospitality, and tourism,” Glenn said.

“With school holidays overlapping plus ANZAC Day and events bringing visitors to the region, there’s optimism among the business community for solid trading across the Easter period and beyond.”

Wheels at Wānaka will take place from Friday to Sunday (April 18-20) at Three Parks. 

More than 40,000 visitors attended the Wheels at Wānaka event during Easter 2023, surpassing the 24,000 that attended in 2021.

“Ticket sales have been phenomenal - we're really happy with the numbers thus far,” Wheels at Wānaka promotions & media manager Annabel Roy told the Wānaka App.

“The weather will dictate final gate numbers, [it’s] too soon to call just yet.”

She said traffic management for the event “is all in hand, with thanks to Fulton Hogan”.

“Foot traffic will be high and [the] visitor spend steady”, says Wānaka’s Business Chamber. PHOTO: Wānaka App

Glenn said the “general expectation” for Easter is that “foot traffic will be high and visitor spend steady”, adding “there is still some caution due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures impacting consumer behaviour”.

“Businesses are well prepared, and many are staffing up and extending hours where possible.”

The recent Official Cash Rate reduction may also have an impact on spending, he said, although it may take time to flow through to visitor spending.

“Overall, there’s a positive mood heading into the next few weeks – Wānaka continues to be a sought-after destination, and local operators are ready to make the most of it.”