Dunedin has been named the best tourist destination in the Asia-Pacific for a peaceful getaway, despite struggling to reach double-digit temperatures at this time of year.
Luggage storage network Bounce.com has analysed a raft of factors — population density, noise and light pollution, cleanliness, green spaces and park quality, spa and wellness facilities, and rental property reviews — in cities across the region, and found Dunedin city is number one, with a score of 6.60 out of 10.
Close behind for peace and tranquillity were Pokhara, Nepal (6.55); Koh Samui, Thailand (6.5); Siem Reap, Cambodia (6.3); and Singapore and Wellington tied for 5th-equal on 6.26 out of 10.
Also in the top 10 were Dubai, United Arab Emirates (6.11); Perth and Brisbane (6.01); and Melbourne (5.77).
A Bounce.com spokeswoman said Dunedin took the top spot because its scores for noise and light pollution, and green spaces and parks quality were the best on the list, with 19.64 and 87.50, respectively.
"The high quality of rental properties and their low population density also significantly contributed to Dunedin’s first-place ranking.
"Dunedin’s combination of urban charm and natural beauty exuberates relaxation, with St Clair Beach one of many examples of golden sand and white-tipped waves.
"There aren’t many cities in the world where you can relax on beaches, explore iconic architecture, and meet penguins all in one day.
"Blue Penguins Pukekura is one Dunedin’s best options if you want to see some penguins."
Otago Peninsula Trust eco-tourism manager Hoani Langsbury said it was fantastic recognition.
"I'm not surprised by this, because when I've compared our data from people who have visited the city and the peninsula, against Queenstown and other inbound locations, we've actually performed a lot better than some of those other places.
"So it's nice to be finally recognised.
"And I'd like to think that us being the wildlife capital of New Zealand, and the Wild Dunedin Festival that we've run for 10 years, has something to do with that recognition."
Enterprise Dunedin finance and operations manager Suzanne Jenkins said the recognition added "another string to the city’s bow".
"We couldn’t be happier.
"The city takes pride in maintaining a clean environment, providing high-quality green spaces and parks, and our investment in new LED lighting.
"These initiatives not only enhance the quality of life for residents, but also make Dunedin an attractive destination for visitors."
The Bounce.com spokeswoman said wellness tourism had boomed over the past decade and more than 800million international and domestic trips were estimated to have occurred in 2022.
"By 2027, this figure is expected to double, with a projected 1.6billion wellness tourism trips expected to take place."
She said a relaxing getaway — or "calm-cation" — meant different things to different people.
"These stress-relieving trips aim to improve a person’s mental and physical health, whether that’s relaxing on the beach with a book or hiking a challenging trail for a breathtaking view.
"Whatever way you choose to relax, a clean, laid-back city can dramatically improve your wellness calm-cation."
