Taupo's holiday homes popular

Taupo has conducted its first survey of holiday homes in the district and has discovered that bach users contribute over $25 million a year to the local economy.

The survey found there were almost 5000 holiday homes in the area and one-third of owners rented out their property when they were not using it.

Figures also showed that people visiting Taupo's baches stayed almost a week on average - nearly four times as long as the average stay at local hotels, motels and camping grounds.