Rotorua Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Rotorua in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Rotorua, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 645 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Rotorua, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Rotorua Airbnb data is crucial. Leveraging the low regulation environment is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Let's dive into the specifics.

Key Rotorua Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$157
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Rotorua.
Occupancy Rate(?)
49.7%
Moderate demand with booking opportunities.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$25,566
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Rotorua. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-8.1%
Slight decrease (-8.1%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
December
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Rotorua.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
August
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Rotorua.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
645
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Rotorua (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Rotorua is key to maximizing your short term rental income potential. Seasonality significantly impacts earnings. Our analysis, based on data from the past 12 months, shows that the peak revenue month for STRs in Rotorua is typically December, while August often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Rotorua across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $4,926+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,421 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,099 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,110, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Rotorua

Rotorua Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Rotorua STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while June experiences the lowest (low season). Effective strategies, like adjusting minimum stays or offering promotions, can boost occupancy during slower periods. Here's how different property tiers perform in Rotorua:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 84%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 71% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 52%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 29% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Rotorua

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Rotorua (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Rotorua involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Rotorua typically peaks in January and dips lowest during August. Leveraging Airbnb dynamic pricing tools or strategies based on this seasonality can significantly boost revenue. Here's a look at the typical nightly rates achieved:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) command rates of $272+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $190 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $132 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $83 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Rotorua

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Rotorua (2025)

Peak Season (December, January, April)
  • Revenue averages $3,437 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 61.5%
  • Daily rates average $175
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $2,422 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 49.5%
  • Daily rates hold near $157
Low Season (July, August, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,740 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 40.6%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $154

Seasonality Insights for Rotorua

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Rotorua shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy. While the sections above show seasonal averages, it's also insightful to look at the extremes:
  • During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Rotorua's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $3,680, occupancy reaching a high of 65.9%, and ADRs peaking at $187.
  • Conversely, the slowest single month of the year, typically falling within the low season, marks the market's lowest point. In this month, revenue might dip to $1,563, occupancy could drop to 37.2%, and ADRs may adjust down to $151.
  • Understanding both the seasonal averages and these monthly peaks and troughs in revenue, occupancy, and ADR is crucial for maximizing your Airbnb profit potential in Rotorua.

Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit

  • Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability.
  • Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, special promotions (e.g., extended stay discounts), and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers or budget-conscious guests.
  • Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that balances peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers or specific events. Offer slightly more flexible terms than peak season.
  • Regularly analyze your own performance against these Rotorua seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Rotorua (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Rotorua? This section highlights key areas, outlining why they are attractive for hosts and guests, along with notable local attractions. Consider these locations based on your target guest profile and investment strategy.

Neighborhood / AreaWhy Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal)Key Attractions & Landmarks
Lake Rotorua
A beautiful lake setting with stunning geothermal activity, attracting visitors seeking outdoor adventures and relaxation. Ideal for locals and tourists looking for lakeside accommodations and water activities.
Rotorua Lakefront, Hot Springs, Luge Rotorua, Skyline Rotorua, Rotorua Museum
Te Puia
Home to the renowned Te Puia cultural center, this area offers visitors an authentic Maori experience. It's a significant attraction for those interested in New Zealand's indigenous culture and geothermal wonders.
Te Puia, Pohutu Geyser, Whakarewarewa Village, New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute
Redwoods Forest
Famous for its towering redwood trees, this area offers hiking and biking trails, making it popular among nature lovers and thrill-seekers looking for adventure in the great outdoors.
Redwoods Treewalk, Mountain Biking Trails, Redwood Forest Walking Tracks, Zorbing
Ohinemutu
A historic village with a blend of Maori culture and thermal activity, offering unique cultural experiences and lake views, which appeals to those seeking authenticity and scenic beauty.
St. Faith's Maori Church, Ohinemutu Village, Geothermal Springs
Fenton Street
Known for its proximity to many popular attractions and abundant accommodation options, this area acts as a hub for tourists seeking convenience and access to experiences around Rotorua.
Rotorua's central shopping district, Government Gardens, Te Rotorua Nakamaha, Entertainment venues
Sulphur Point
An area famous for its geothermal features and beautiful views of Lake Rotorua, suitable for those looking for a natural experience with unique landscapes.
Lake Rotorua, Sulphur Bay, Geothermal Parks
Ngongotaha
A charming village located near the lake, providing a peaceful retreat for visitors while still being close to Rotorua's attractions, ideal for those seeking tranquility and nature.
Ngongotaha Stream, Skyline Rotorua, Fishing and boating activities
Kuirau Park
A public park with geothermal activity, offering hot pools and picnic areas, making it a favorite spot for families and a unique attraction for tourists to explore local natural wonders.
Kuirau Park Hot Pools, Whakarewarewa, Botanic Gardens

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Rotorua (2025)

While Rotorua, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand currently shows low STR regulations, specific Airbnb license requirements might still exist or change. Always verify the latest short term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Rotorua to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Rotorua (2025)

Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Rotoruabased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.

Bird House - 6 bedroom, 9 beds  SPA POOL & views!

Bird House - 6 bedroom, 9 beds SPA POOL & views!

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$133,293
Revenue
66.7%
Occupancy
$543.00
Daily Rate
Lakeside Haven

Lakeside Haven

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$109,271
Revenue
80.7%
Occupancy
$350.13
Daily Rate
Pukeko Landing

Pukeko Landing

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$106,983
Revenue
75.5%
Occupancy
$357.56
Daily Rate
The Hiltons

The Hiltons

Entire Place • 11 bedrooms

$98,478
Revenue
46.1%
Occupancy
$693.91
Daily Rate
Lakeside Landing

Lakeside Landing

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$91,763
Revenue
67.2%
Occupancy
$364.86
Daily Rate
AristaAir- 'Poppies Luxury Villa'

AristaAir- 'Poppies Luxury Villa'

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$89,464
Revenue
45.7%
Occupancy
$541.57
Daily Rate

Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.

Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Rotorua (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Rotorua based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.

Host NamePropertiesGrossing RevenueStay ReviewsAvg Rating
InnList75$3,105,57562294.53/5.0
Kristin11$616,0459204.81/5.0
Jessie15$524,73417144.69/5.0
Grant10$272,2902743.37/5.0
Wonderland17$256,57113024.54/5.0
Keira6$254,3251074.92/5.0
Joe And Cynthia3$206,5214604.95/5.0
Iris Wonderland6$199,58111874.74/5.0
Matt4$155,2833554.45/5.0
Bachcare9$144,734562.63/5.0

Analyzing the strategies of top hosts, such as their property selection, pricing, and guest communication, can offer valuable lessons for optimizing your own Airbnb operations in Rotorua.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Rotorua STR Market Data (2025)

Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Rotorua. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.

Explore Advanced Metrics

Rotorua Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Rotorua

  • The Rotorua Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 81.4% of the 645 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Rotorua, House properties are the most common (66.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 66.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 10.7% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 3.6%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Rotorua Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Rotorua

  • The dominant room capacity in Rotorua is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 22.2% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
  • Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 44.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Rotorua, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 44.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Rotorua.

Rotorua Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Rotorua

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Rotorua vacation rentals is listings accommodating 8+ guests (26.4%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
  • Properties designed for 8+ guests and 2 guests dominate the Rotorua STR market, accounting for 41.6% of listings.
  • 46.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Rotorua.
  • On average, properties in Rotorua are equipped to host 4.7 guests.

Rotorua Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Rotorua

  • The most common availability pattern in Rotorua falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 33% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 51.0% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
  • For booked days, the 181-270 days range is most frequent in Rotorua (32.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 49.6% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Rotorua Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (41%)

1 Night

251 listings

41% of total

2 Nights (37.1%)

2 Nights

227 listings

37.1% of total

3 Nights (1.6%)

3 Nights

10 listings

1.6% of total

4-6 Nights (1.1%)

4-6 Nights

7 listings

1.1% of total

30+ Nights (19.1%)

30+ Nights

117 listings

19.1% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Rotorua is 1 Night, adopted by 41% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A strong majority (78.1%) of the Rotorua Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
  • A significant segment (19.1%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Rotorua, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 41% of Rotorua hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 19.1% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Rotorua.

Rotorua Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 60 Days

2 listings

0.3% of total

Flexible (24.7%)

Flexible

147 listings

24.7% of total

Moderate (37.8%)

Moderate

225 listings

37.8% of total

Firm (26.2%)

Firm

156 listings

26.2% of total

Strict (11.1%)

Strict

66 listings

11.1% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Rotorua

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Rotorua is Moderate, used by 37.8% of listings.
  • There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (62.5%) and stricter (37.3%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 37.8% market standard in Rotorua.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 11.1% of listings use it. Evaluate if potential revenue protection outweighs possible lower booking rates.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Rotorua.

Rotorua STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Rotorua

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Rotorua is 52 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 77 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in August (average 34 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (71 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (41 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (52 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Rotorua.
  • For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 77 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 71 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Rotorua averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Rotorua (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Rotorua

  • Essential amenities in Rotorua that guests expect include: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Hot water. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Heating, TV, Dishes and silverware are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Rotorua: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Hot water.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Smoke alarm, Free parking on premises, Hot water.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or TV to increase appeal.
  • Highlight unique or less common amenities you offer (e.g., hot tub, dedicated workspace, EV charger) in your listing description and photos.
  • Regularly check competitor amenities in Rotorua to stay competitive.

Rotorua Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)

Guest Origin: Domestic vs. International
Top 5 Cities of Origin
Top 5 Countries of Origin
Top 5 Languages Spoken
Guest Age Distribution (Birth Decade)

Guest Profile Summary for Rotorua

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Rotorua consists of a mix of domestic (46%) and international guests, with top international origins including United States, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
  • Domestic travelers account for 45.8% of guests.
  • Key international markets include New Zealand (45.8%) and United States (15.2%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (62.4%) followed by Chinese (7.4%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
  • Tailor amenities and listing descriptions to appeal to the dominant Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) demographic (e.g., highlight fast WiFi, smart home features, local guides).
  • Highlight unique local experiences or amenities relevant to the primary guest profile.
  • Consider seasonal promotions aligned with peak travel times for key origin markets.

Nearby Short-Term Rental Market Comparison

How does the Rotorua Airbnb market stack up against its neighbors? Compare key performance metrics like average monthly revenue, ADR, and occupancy rates in surrounding areas to understand the broader regional STR landscape.

MarketActive PropertiesMonthly RevenueDaily RateAvg. Occupancy
Te Kūiti10$3,112$134.1462%
Tikitere15$2,995$246.1048%
Lake Tarawera41$2,911$329.0840%
Hamurana27$2,536$166.4645%
Ngongotahā80$2,450$189.5649%
Okere Falls28$2,401$230.0143%
Taupō906$2,338$202.5545%
Island View29$2,247$201.7041%
Karapiro38$2,157$194.6040%
Mourea12$2,135$187.9244%

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