As the Bay works its way through January, accommodation providers are reporting an ‘absolutely brilliant' summer season.

Despite a downturn in the economy and reports of doom and gloom, visitors have continued to book up holiday space with camp sites, B&B's and holiday resorts.
While official visitor numbers for the Bay will not be confirmed until February, this year's summer season appears positive.
Waihi Beach Top 10 Holiday Park owner Ian Smith says occupancy during December was up, with 100 per cent expected for January.
'It's absolutely brilliant,” says Ian.
'I think holiday parks will do very well in the next couple of years. People are not going overseas - but people still have to take holidays.”
Ian says while accommodation is booked up, with just a few gaps available, he admits the Waihi Beach beach and café scene appears ‘pretty quiet'.
'The people are here but they're not spending.”
More families have holidayed this year, with New Year's Eve being one of the quietest Ian has experienced in 13 years at Waihi Beach.
Papamoa Beach Top 10 Holiday Resort manager Lorraine Trivett says demand for accommodation has equalled last year, with full bookings through until February.
'It's packed – it's a shame because we try not to turn anyone away when they're travelling. There are a lot of people travelling in campervans,” says Lorraine.
'We have not dropped off. I do think people are getting more back to camping grounds though. Kids and families are having a ball.
'It's looking good, we are happy.”
Mount Maunganui's Beachside Bed & Breakfast is booked out for January, with limited space available during February.
'It's very good,” says owner Jim Robertson.
'There are quite a lot of people this year that it's their first time at a B&B.”
Jim says October, November and December have been very busy, with no noticeable drop in visitor numbers.
There were 45,000 visitors to the Western Bay of Plenty in December 2007.


By Vanessa Neems