Wanaka businesses are feeling cautiously optimistic after a strong few weeks of trading during school holidays.

Kai Whakapai owner Roger North told the Wanaka App “the buzz is back”, after the cafe and bar’s business during the past two weeks was similar to the same period in 2019.

Business was more affected by changes in the weather than the number of people, he said.

“We’ve gone back to completely normal now. We didn’t predict it would be this good.”

“Even if we’re a little bit down on previous years from now on, we’re still hoping it won’t be as severe as it looked a few months ago.”

Roger said Kai’s customers were mostly Kiwis or people “staying out the COVID storm”.

Paper Plus Wanaka manager Chris Lumsden

“Kiwi tourists are being great. We’re really enjoying the whole buzz of the thing,” he said.

Wanaka Paper Plus manager Chris Lumsden said that aside from the first week in July when the absence of Australians on their school holidays was noticeable, business “went like a normal school holidays”.

“And we weren’t expecting it so we were very happy. It was most surprising and most welcome,” he said.

Chris said there has also been a noticeable surge in shopping by locals. “The locals have been fantastic.”

As for the next few months, Chris said he feels nervous - but he’s planning for the worst and hoping for the best. He pointed out the store has survived recessions, floods, and other challenges. “It’s been an interesting 20 years,” he said.

Businesses are planning for the worst and hoping for the best.

Ignite Wanaka executive officer Naomi Lindsay said while it’s too early for clear figures, anecdotally the chamber of commerce is hearing that Wanaka tourism and related businesses were “pumping” over the two weeks during school holidays. 

“While it was evident the Australian visitors were missing, town was still busy and some sectors have had on par or bigger revenue weeks compared to 2019. 

“However, some sectors, such as retail, are missing those international tourists who are on holiday in a different country and plan to splash out. Kiwis travel in a very different way and tend to stay with friends, family, in self contained accommodation and dine out occasionally.”

Naomi said the next few months will be interesting as the initial rush of Kiwis travelling dials down, the wage subsidy expires, and businesses readjust to a few months without international tourists.

“Obviously a slowing in the tourism market also impacts our entire economy as businesses in the tourism industry pull back on spending in other areas, such as dining out themselves, professional services, upgrading of tech and other equipment, fashion, interiors, health and wellbeing and so on. So the onflow to other industries is also being felt," she said.

PHOTOS: Wanaka App