Tauranga Airport is preparing to welcome an influx of holidaymakers over the next few weeks, with a freshly installed digital kiosk ready to guide and inspire their leisure options.

Up to 2000 passengers will arrive and depart on the airport’s busiest days, with most catching an Air New Zealand flight to or from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch.

Other connections include Whangārei, Great Barrier Island, Whitianga, Gisborne and Napier for passengers using Sunair or Barrier Air services.

Alex Stone used the digital kiosk to search for key information when he arrived from Perth to spend Christmas and New Year with his extended family. Photo / Supplied

Tauranga Airport manager Ray Dumble said he was expecting a similar number of passengers to pass through the key city gateway as last summer.

“The digital kiosk that has just been installed by Tourism Bay of Plenty is going to be a great convenience for inbound non-resident travellers who might be unaware of how much great stuff is on offer in the Bay.

“It has been strategically placed at the baggage claim area where there is often some dwelling time for arriving passengers.”

The new digital kiosk at the airport is strategically placed near the baggage claim area. Photo / Supplied

The digital kiosk is one of four installed at key spots around Tauranga during the past year.

Others can be found outside the Mount Hot Pools, in the city centre’s Red Square and at nearby Masonic Park on The Strand.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan said the 24-hours-a-day touchscreen kiosks were an essential part of the city’s new wayfinding and storytelling infrastructure.

“We’re creating a visually attractive, interactive set of digital tools to help visitors and locals discover, navigate and learn about everything the city has to offer.

“This includes its history, events, attractions, activities, accommodation, special deals, hospitality options, transport and weather information.

“This type of digital integration for contemporary wayfinding is an emerging trend in cities all over the world, so it’s been very exciting introducing these kiosks to Tauranga and seeing people using them.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan says the digital kiosks are an essential part of Tauranga’s new wayfinding and storytelling infrastructure. Photo / Supplied

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment data shows the key activities New Zealanders most look forward to when they’re visiting the Coastal Bay of Plenty.

The Domestic Growth Insight Tool shows short natural wilderness walks, swimming at the beach, soaking in a thermal hot pool, visiting a theme or leisure park, shopping at a market and eating at local restaurants are the top summer holiday preferences.

“We’re looking forward to our peak visitor season. Our region has so many options, whether visitors want the vibe and events at the most popular spots or the tranquillity and relaxation of being a bit more off the grid,” said Nathan.

“It’s usually only a short drive and sometimes just a walk between these very different experiences.

“We’re proud of this beautiful place we call home and it’s a privilege to share it with visitors who want to enjoy memorable moments with their whānau and friends.”