how much of a problem is chinese new year
 

Hi we are going to be in both the north and south islands this Feb. We really wanted to be spontaneous and book as we go. I am starting to be worried that this will be a problem. What is your advice?

I would make some bookings now especially for the first 2 weeks if you are going to be in the popular areas. It may be too late already in places like Queenstown. We have 2 long weekends in February and most people like to get away somewhere. Chinese New Year is Feb 8 and this is also Waitangi weekend for all of NZ with Waitangi Day on Feb 6. If you can post some idea of your itinerary we can advise where it might be really busy.

Chinese New Year is not a holiday down under but lots of places have celebrations. Not sure why you think it would affect your hols!

We were in NZ last year for Chinese New Year - NEVER AGAIN.

I absolutely would not book as you go. February is high season anyway, but combined with CNY, you could be in a bit of strife if you don't book, particularly in popular areas. We encountered No Vacancy signs everywhere.

It may not be a holiday Down Under, but it was sure busy in NZ last year - we were mystified as to whether it was due to marketing or the fact that it was The Year of the Sheep, but NZ was inundated with Chinese visitors, many of whom wreaked havoc on the roads. Many businesses were flying Chinese New Year adverts and colors as well.

My trip report might give you some insight (or not):

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...ew-zealand.cfm

Northie, there's been a big marketing campaign in the past couple of years in China by the New Zealand tourism board. Increased service from China on jumbo jets:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/n...ectid=11404051
http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/news/7...ckland-airport

Last year, many were caught off-guard because so many no-vacancy signs were out during February. It will be worse this year and years to come.

The number of Chinese tourists up by almost 40%, if I'm reading this chart correctly:

http://www.tourismnewzealand.com/mar...markets/china/

Yowza!!

Thanks for clearing that up!!

We live in Auckland and have long given up on going to the Lantern Festival celebration as part of CNY as the crush of bodies is worse than the most crowded New York subway at rush hour. Years ago it was a lovely experience but now it's just too busy.