If there's a buzz about extra visitors in the region during the Rugby World Cup then few accommodation providers are feeling it.
Of all the hotels, motels, backpackers and campgrounds rung by the Chronicle yesterday, only one had reasonable numbers of rugby-related guests.
That was Anndion Lodge, where assistant manager Rick Hodge said about half the guests booked in from September 9 to October 23 were definitely in New Zealand for the rugby. "Some are in for two to three nights, and some are in for seven nights between the New Plymouth and Wellington games."
Most were from countries overseas, including France and Algeria.
Martie van Schalwyk, owner of the Whanganui River Top 10 Holiday Park, expected to have extra campervan guests this spring, just as she did during the British Lions' 2005 tour. But she said they did not normally book in advance.
She did have quite a big Argentinian group coming, and some guests from South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Backpackers did not usually book in advance either but Tamara Backpackers' Lodge owner Rory Smith said there was certainly a buzz about the next six weeks.
It could have been better, though. "We probably should have been a bit stronger in the marketing early on, targeting people travelling between New Plymouth and Palmerston North."
Kingsgate Hotel was now closed to everyone except the US Eagles rugby team and its personnel. But receptionist Jemma Huijs said that after the team left on Friday it would be business as usual.
"We've got a couple of little tours coming through but nothing outstanding. We are pretty busy most of the time anyway."
The Powderhorn Chateau in Ohakune and the Cooks Gardens Motor Lodge, 151 On London, Aotea Motor Lodge and Rutland Arms Inn in Wanganui said the next weeks had no more bookings than usual.