Visitor numbers to Stewart Island showed an increase from the previous year for the months of June and JulyDespite closed international borders, Stewart Island visitor numbers have received a boost. Councillor Bruce Ford​ estimated the increase of visitors in June and July was between 1600 and 1700. Stewart Island Flights changed its schedule, which made it possible to reach the island in 3 ½ hours from Auckland, he said. However, with more alert level changes, the direct flights from Auckland were no longer coming in and visitor numbers would have to rebuilt again as levels changed, he said. Despite a strong June and July, April to May - during lockdown - showed a large decrease of visitors, 9053, equating to $45,265 loss from the International Visitor Levy Fund.

Source: Stuff August 27, 2020 02:37 UTC