If you've ever wondered whether you live in one of Aotearoa's sexiest cities, well, that makes one of us. I don't associate New Zealand with being an inherently sexy place - the land of sheep, hobbits, stubbies and jandals doesn't really scream 'SEXUAL', in my humble opinion.
However, the folk at Lovehoney, a manufacturer and distributor of adult products, have been busy conducting important research to reveal which locations are the kinkiest in Kiwiland. Using search and sales data from across the nation, Lovehoney has now launched an interactive Sex Map of New Zealand, which unveils each postcode's steamiest secrets - from frisky fantasies to their most popular toys.
So how does your postcode compare?
Queenstown is now not only the Adventure Capital of the World, but also the Most Adventurous in the Bedroom - of New Zealand. The resort town takes the cake as the kinkiest place in Aotearoa, recording the highest number of sex toy sales in the past year.
Not only this, Queenstown also took out the top spot for bondage, butt plugs and strap-ons - proving once and for all that the good people of QT like to air on the side of adventure.
And it appears that birds of a feather truly do flock together, with Wānaka sliding in second place. Just an hour drive from Queenstown, the people of Wānaka are like-minded in their love of exciting exploits. The township recorded the second-highest sales of lingerie across the country, a fraction behind Queenstown.
And the weather isn't the only thing getting wild in Windy Wellington, which is ranked as New Zealand's third lustiest location. Wellingtonians are among New Zealand's top spenders when it comes to both bondage gear and vibrators, the research found.
Rounding out the top five were Kerikeri, the largest town in Northland, and Motueka, the second largest town in Tasman District, in fourth and fifth place respectively. Blenheim came in sixth, Whakatāne in seventh, Gore in eighth, Dunedin in ninth and Palmerston North in 10th.
New Zealand's top 10 sexiest locations
- Queenstown
- Wanaka
- Wellington
- Kerikeri
- Motueka
- Blenheim
- Whakatane
- Gore
- Dunedin
- Palmerston North.
Does size matter?
The township may be quaint, but its average dildo is anything but. Data obtained from Lovehoney indicates that the people of Gore in the Southland region are enjoying the biggest dildos nationwide, with an average length of 5.8 inches.
On the contrary, Queenstown is showing that bigger doesn't always equal better. Despite being crowned as New Zealand's sexiest destination, the average dildo in QT comes in at 4.7 inches - just over an inch shorter than the national winner.
But while the research found that New Zealand's sexual wellness has generally improved throughout the pandemic, this isn't evident everywhere. Unfortunately, what goes up must come down - and some towns are flopping. Dismally.
Mosgiel, an urban satellite of Dunedin, has unfortunately been branded as New Zealand's least sexiest location. Despite being one of Aotearoa's wettest destinations, things are looking a little dry in other areas, according to Lovehoney's data. Not only are the people of Mosgiel the least interested in bondage, coming in last place, but they're also bringing up the rear for role play and overall sales.
Among the other least sexiest destinations in New Zealand are Porirua, Lower Hutt, Tauranga and the nation's most populated city, Auckland - indicating that the North could learn a thing or two from the South when it comes to getting sexy.
Despite its hustle and bustle, Auckland is one of the least sexiest places across the country, ranking 40 out of 42 postcodes. Not only are Aucklanders uninterested in BDSM, the City of Sails isn't making many sales - at least in the sex toy market. Nationwide, it ranked last for vibrator purchases.
New Zealand's 10 least sexiest locations
- Mosgiel
- Porirua
- Auckland
- Lower Hutt
- Havelock North
- Rotorua
- Hastings
- Hamilton
- Christchurch
- Richmond.
"To create the sex map we executed an analysis on the 42 largest towns and cities in New Zealand to discover the juiciest findings informed by purchases, searches and more," Australiasian Lovehoney Director, Rob Godwin, said on Wednesday.
"It's been fantastic to see more Kiwis taking charge of their sexual wellness throughout the pandemic. We found that 60 percent of Kiwi's agree that using a sex toy enhances their self-pleasure experience and over 90 percent agree that using a sex toy enhances the experience with a partner."
