This year's $3.8 million Winter Games was billed by promoters in April as the southern hemisphere's largest winter sports event, although it has still to attract a significant audience on the ski slopes.
The games' goals were to bring about 1000 athletes from around the world to Otago for 17 days of snow and ice sports, creating a $50 million economic benefit to the region.
Another target was to create an 800 million television audience (up from 765 million in 2009) and increase the length of stays (up 50% on 6.6 nights in 2009).
While detailed analysis of the games' economic impact, international coverage, media uptake and other aspects were still to be compiled during the next few months before being reported back to the Winter Games board in late November, early indications were the goals had largely been met, organiser Arthur Klap said yesterday.
"We're super-pleased with how the whole games have gone ... we've had fantastic feedback from the athletes and also the international officials," Mr Klap said.
"I expect that the figures in terms of the economic spend within the region will be similar to last time; maybe a little bit more, because I'm confident we've brought in more casual visitors to the region."
He reported "significant growth" in international media coverage.
The next Winter Games was just six months out from the 2013 Winter Olympics, which Mr Klap expected would generate more interest from the media in New Zealand.
"I'm confident that our expenditure is going to be on target, so from that perspective I'm really pleased," Mr Klap said.
"We really need to be running at a surplus of $400,000 to $500,000, and hopefully at the next games we'll start to move in that direction, to be able to keep the planning ongoing after the games."
Cardrona Alpine Resort sales and marketing manager Nadia Ellis said on Friday she had noticed more media representatives on the skifield during the games but no more spectators than usual.
"That is because there is so much going on and it's spread so thin and the media coverage has been so good that you can catch up with what's been happening on Sky Sport," she said.
Ms Ellis expected the 2013 Winter Games would step up a level because it is just before the 2014 Winter Olympics.
"That's when FIS points really count and it will be huge. That's when [snowboard star] Shaun White will be back and everyone will be vying for an Olympic spot," she said.
Lake Wanaka Tourism provided sponsorship support to the games and accepted it had a "slow-burning fuse" and would be in for the long haul, general manager James Helmore said on Friday.
Mr Helmore said the games organisers had worked hard to improve connections between the venues and communities this year.
Mr Helmore said it was not yet clear whether the games had added value to the accommodation sector this year.
Moteliers Association of New Zealand Wanaka branch chairwoman Bridgit Parker agreed, when contacted on Friday, the accommodation benefits were not yet clear.
Wanaka Community Board chairman Lyal Cocks said on Friday the games showcased the region's sports assets and he was looking forward to feedback about any gaps in the infrastructure.
