Visitors often find the country exceptionally welcoming, with its friendly locals, stunning landscapes, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Havelock North has emerged as New Zealand’s ‘most welcoming’ town for 2024. The list was compiled by Booking.com. The latest rankings were based on reviews from verified customers, with high-scoring hospitality providers earning a coveted Traveller Review Award from the renowned travel platform.
Notably, Hawke’s Bay, home to Havelock North, clinched the highest number of awards for hospitality providers in New Zealand. Todd Lacey, Booking.com Regional Manager for Oceania, emphasised the significance of acknowledging the exceptional services offered by travel providers. He stated that Booking.com believes in unveiling and celebrating the best traveler experiences, shedding light on Kiwi partners who consistently deliver outstanding experiences according to customer reviews.
The rankings, derived from over 300 million verified reviews on the accommodation platform, underscore the real-life experiences and testimonials that set these destinations apart.
It didn’t end there for these little Kiwi towns. Otago secured a spot in the top 10 rankings for the most welcoming regions globally, with Perthshire in Scotland taking the lead.
The global friendliness chart was led by Arraial d’Ajuda in Brazil, with Ermoupoli in Greece and Portugal’s Viana do Castelo following suit.
Booking.com Most Welcoming Towns in New Zealand for 2024
- Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
- Whitianga, Coromandel
- Lake Tekapo, Canterbury
- Kaikōura, Canterbury
- Kerikeri, Northland
- Cambridge, Waikato
- Cromwell, Otago
- Wānaka, Otago
- Raglan, Waikato
- New Plymouth, Taranaki
