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Papamoa Beach boosts Bay of Plenty’s appeal in TripAdvisor Awards

Thursday, February 23: Papamoa joins Ohope and Mount Maunganui as one of the country’s top 10 beaches, according to the TripAdvisor 2017 Travellers’ Choice Awards Best Beaches in New Zealand.

This is the first time three Bay of Plenty beaches have been listed in the awards, with Mount Maunganui claiming pole position for the fourth year in a row, Ohope Beach climbing one place to sixth and new addition Papamoa Beach rounding out the list in 10th place.

Mount Maunganui was also named as one of the Top 5 beaches in the South Pacific.

Piha Beach, Auckland, and Oriental Bay, Wellington, took second and third respectively ahead of Ninety Mile Beach, Whangamata, Kaiteriteri, and Auckland beaches Takapuna and St Heliers.

Now in its fifth year, the Travellers’ Choice Awards Best Beaches are determined by the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered during a 12-month period.

While Mount Maunganui was praised for its picturesque beauty, TripAdvisor users hailed Papamoa Beach as “one of the best beaches in the world”, adding that it was less crowded and a great place to relax.

Tourism Bay of Plenty CEO Kristin Dunne says claiming three spots in this year’s list is a fantastic achievement and is thrilled to see Papamoa Beach recognised in the Top 10.

“Ohope and Mount Maunganui have always been two of our flagship beaches, but we’re very happy to see Papamoa join them on the list this year. As a growing area, with more opportunities and events than ever before, we hope to see it become a permanent fixture in the Top 10.

“TripAdvisor is one of the key ways international and domestic visitors learn about our region, and to have these top spots along our coastline recognised as must-see attractions is something to be celebrated.

“We pride ourselves on the quality of our beaches, as well as the activities that our coast enables, and look forward to preserving the coast for many more years to come.”

The good news comes hot on the heels of the launch of Tourism Bay of Plenty’s No Place Like Home campaign, a community initiative focussed on equipping residents with a comprehensive knowledge of what is available in their own backyard.

The campaign launched at the end of January with a community survey, which asked residents what they love about where they live and what attractions they spend time at.

Will Mount Maunganui claim the title of number-one attraction in the region as voted by residents? The results will reveal all on Monday, February 27.

Kristin says the survey will not only inform residents of what there is to see and do, but also celebrate these attractions and activities.

“We look forward to educating and inspiring our residents with the survey results, as well as taking the next step in the campaign and helping grow the region further. It’s truly by locals for locals, and we are excited to have you join us on this journey.”

To keep updated with the No Place Like Home campaign, visit www.noplacelikehome.nz

TripAdvisor’s 2017 Travellers’ Choice Awards Top 10 New Zealand Beaches:

1. Mount Maunganui Beach – Mount Maunganui

2. Piha Beach – Piha

3. Oriental Bay - Wellington

4. Ninety Mile Beach – Kaitaia

5. Whangamata Beach - Whangamata

6. Ohope Beach – Whakatane

7. Takapuna Beach – Auckland

8. Kaiteriteri Beach – Kaiteriteri

9. St Heliers Beach – Auckland

10. Papamoa Beach - Papamoa

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