However the new figures from the largest holiday home management firm, Bachcare, show the impact of the lockdowns has been a boost for some destinations such as Hanmer Springs which is almost at full capacity. Other areas to benefit include Rotorua, Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay.

Bookings from Wellington and Christchurch residents are up as much as 12% on the previous year.

Matthew Clews, spokesperson for Bachcare, says Aucklanders are reluctant to make plans for Term 3 school holiday travel and have instead focused on securing properties for the Christmas break.

‘This data is showing us that Aucklanders are uncertain they will have a family break during these school holidays and have instead put their resources into booking accommodation for January.

‘We have already had an increase of 29% in bookings for January and 21% for December with Aucklanders still favouring properties which are within driving distance,’ he says.

Clews says the most popular destination for Aucklanders this New Year period seems to be Coromandel with bookings up 29% per property, this is followed by Northland and Lake Taupo up 12% and Matakana 9%,” he says.