Queenstown

Hospitality, accommodation and tourism operators say while the district has never been a magnet for North Islanders over the summer holidays, the Omicron variant of Covid-19 and fears of a snap lockdown appear to have discouraged many from travelling far from home.

Around the Basin general manager Steve Norton said trading at his bike-hire and tour business was down on 12 months ago, when visitors felt more confident about the future.

Even those who had come were wary about booking activities in advance, Norton said.

"We've been surprised by how slow it's been."

The movie star was snapped earlier yesterday when the helicopter he was travelling in landed at the airport to refuel, said the photographer, who didn't want to be named.

"He's been in a helicopter since 9 o'clock this morning (Monday), just flying around the whole of the Wakatipu. He's back out there now," he said.

While the chopper was refuelling, Cruise could be seen inspecting the aircraft.

It's understood the American popstar was still in Queenstown this morning and left on a private jet about 8.30am.

She has now landed in pouring rain in Australia. The plane taxied inside a hangar so she didn't get wet.

The 25-year-old landed in New Zealand on Monday, skipping the American Music Awards and sparking a furore among fans eager to catch a glimpse of her.

But there weren't many to be had, with only a grainy photo of her on Bethells Beach taken. At times she was rumoured to be in East Tamaki, Henderson and at Lorde's parents' bach south of Auckland.