'Frantic' Queens Birthday Weekend, say Bay of Plenty retailers

Papamoa Plaza manager David Hill said the busy weekend was boosting confidence for all retailers in the mall. Photo / George Novak

The long weekend has been described as "frantic" as retailers across the Bay of Plenty were rushed off their feet.

Pāpāmoa Plaza centre manager David Hill said it had been "crazy busy, but in a good way" and was boosting confidence for all retailers in the mall.

Hill said sales were up 20 to 25 per cent compared with data from the same time in 2019.

"There is an enormous sense of relief that it has all come back, but it has come back greater.

"It's quite gratifying that we have support from the local community, we love being here."

A plaza promotion to win a $10 voucher after every $100 spent was going "nuts" and Hill said that he had had to reprint more vouchers numerous times.

"It has gone crazy beyond our wildest dreams ... frantic is the word."

Bayfair manager Steve Ellingford. Photo / NZME

Further down the road, Bayfair Shopping Centre saw queues stretching down the road just to score a car park.

Centre manager Steve Ellingford confirmed it was a very busy weekend inside the mall as well.

"Weather will have assisted, in saying that, what we have been seeing with recent visitation numbers is that we are back to pre-Covid-19 visitation numbers coupled with an increased average spend."

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Matt Cowley. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Matt Cowley said Queen's Birthday Weekend always provided a nice boost of spending for retailers alongside the eateries and accommodation providers.

"The holiday marks the start of the winter season and Kiwis are looking to spend locally as they are unable to go on their mid-year holiday to warmer climates.

"Many shops have been busy across the city despite the weather. The break has provided a good opportunity for domestic visitors, as visiting friends and relatives is the region's main domestic tourism market."

850 Cameron Rd Motel owner and operator Tony Bullot. Photo / George Novak

Hospitality New Zealand accommodation sector Bay of Plenty chairman and 850 Cameron Motel owner Tony Bullot said the town was "pretty much" full on Sunday night.

"It was the holiday weekend so there was a fair bit on, but it was good to see.

"It's the same as everything post-Covid is that it's not necessarily less busy but it's just a later pick up."

International visitors often booked well in advance and domestic tourists were still hesitant to make plans too far out, Bullot believed.

Although the rain may continue over the winter months and the allure of lying on the beach is over, Bullot said it didn't stop people from venturing to the Bay.

"On the corporate side of things, Tauranga is looking fine still, there is plenty of business coming in."

Bay of Plenty roading police manager Inspector Brent Crowe. Photo / NZME

Bay of Plenty road policing manager Brent Crowe said that as of Monday night, there had been no serious injury or fatal crashes in the Bay of Plenty District during the long weekend.

However, the official road toll period did not end until 6am today.

Crowe reiterated the message spread by police in wanting everyone to get home safely after the long weekend.

"I understand traffic was already building up in some areas so we would also encourage people to take their time, be patient and keep safe following distances."