Beach tops poll of Kiwi’s summer favourites
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The survey, which measured 1033 New Zealand respondents, found that Kiwis throughout the country unanimously rated aspects of the beach as their favourite activity, smell and sound of summer.
The beach, including swimming and sunbathing, was rated the top activity while on summer holiday, with 34% of respondents. Women led this sentiment, with 38% stating this was their favourite compared to 29% of men.
Enjoying food and wine also rated highly at 21%; while reading and 'doing nothing' tied for third with 12% respectively.
Predictably men were more interested in water sports (14%) than women (5%), while women were more interested in reading (16%) than men (8%).
Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Rhys Arrowsmith says that he isn't surprised by the findings. "Of course we love the beach – New Zealand has a proud beach holiday culture and most Kiwis still value that.
"In the coastal Bay of Plenty we see thousands of holiday-makers coming to the region to experience an authentic Kiwi summer at our beaches. Plus, we have the most sunshine hours in the North Island so they're more likely to get great weather here than anywhere else."
When asked about their favourite smell of Kiwi summer, 32% responded that they preferred the beach / sea air. This was followed closely by the smell of a barbecue (30%); with freshly cut grass third (10%). Women favoured the smell of flowers over men, with 14% citing this as their favourite smell compared to only 7% of men.
Kiwis also named the beach as their favourite sound of summer – 42% said waves on the beach was their preferred option. Trailing behind at 19% was the sound of the birds' dawn chorus; with a running river or stream third on 16%.
Favourite activity on summer holiday
• The beach (including swimming and sunbathing) – 34%
• Enjoying food and wine – 21%
• Reading – 12%
• Doing nothing – 12%
• Water sports (including waterskiing, windsurfing, yachting, fishing, boating) – 9%
• Traditional sports (including golf, cricket, hockey, walking, hiking) – 5%
• Electronic entertainment (e.g. TV, movies, computer, smartphone, tablet) – 4%
• Cultural activities (including art galleries, theatre) – 3%
Favourite smell of Kiwi summer
• The beach / sea air – 32%
• A barbecue – 30%
• Freshly cut grass – 17%
• Summer flowers – 11%
• Christmas tree – 7%
• Sun tan lotion – 3%
Favourite sound of Kiwi summer
• Waves on the beach – 42%
• Dawn chorus (birds) – 19%
• Running stream / river – 16%
• Cicadas – 15%
• The slap of water against a boat – 8%
