Lake Tekapo Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Canterbury, New Zealand

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-06-01

Is Airbnb profitable in Lake Tekapo in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, New Zealand to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Lake Tekapo, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the market of 379 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Lake Tekapo, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$305
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Lake Tekapo.
Occupancy Rate(?)
61.0%
High demand. Good booking frequency.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$59,471
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Lake Tekapo. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
22.1%
Strong growth (22.1%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Lake Tekapo.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
June
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Lake Tekapo.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
379
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Lake Tekapo (2025)

Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo is typically January, while June often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Lake Tekapo across different performance tiers:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $9,221+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $7,159 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $5,094 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $3,319, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Lake Tekapo STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Decembersees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while May 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 Lake Tekapo:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 90%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 80% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
  • Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 66%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 46% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Lake Tekapo

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Lake Tekapo (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Lake Tekapo involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Lake Tekapo typically peaks in January and dips lowest during May. 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 $458+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $340 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $256 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $194 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Lake Tekapo

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Lake Tekapo (2025)

Peak Season (January, December, February)
  • Revenue averages $8,955 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 75.9%
  • Daily rates average $368
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $4,918 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 60.9%
  • Daily rates hold near $275
Low Season (May, June, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $3,294 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 47.0%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $253

Seasonality Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $9,975, occupancy reaching a high of 76.4%, and ADRs peaking at $417.
  • 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 $2,950, occupancy could drop to 42.2%, and ADRs may adjust down to $250.
  • 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 Lake Tekapo.

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 Lake Tekapo seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Lake Tekapo (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Lake Tekapo? 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
Lakefront
Stunning views of Lake Tekapo and the Southern Alps, making it a prime location for tourists seeking relaxation and natural beauty. Close to activities such as kayaking and hiking.
Lake Tekapo, Church of the Good Shepherd, Tekapo Springs, Mount John Observatory, Lake Tekapo Regional Park
Tekapo Village
The main settlement in Lake Tekapo offers a variety of amenities, restaurants, and shops. It’s a convenient starting point for tourists exploring the area’s attractions.
Tekapo Star Gazing Tours, Tekapo Hot Springs, The Alpine Spring Water Company, Local shops and cafes
Mount John
Popular for its scenic views and stargazing opportunities, Mount John is ideal for Airbnb hosting due to its outdoor activities and natural attractions.
Mount John Observatory, Scenic walking trails, Stargazing opportunities
Pukaki Lake Lookout
Offering breathtaking views of Lake Pukaki and Aoraki Mount Cook, this area is a favorite among photographers and nature lovers, ideal for attracting guests looking for picturesque landscapes.
Lake Pukaki, Aoraki Mount Cook views, Scenic drives
Twizel
Located a short drive from Lake Tekapo, Twizel offers affordable accommodations and is a gateway for visitors exploring the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Twizel Township, Hydro Canals, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Mackenzie Basin
Known for its unique landscape and outdoor activities, this area is popular for fishing, hiking, and exploring the stunning scenery of the South Island.
Mackenzie Country, Fishing and water sports, Scenic trails
Aoraki Mount Cook Village
Though a bit further from Lake Tekapo, it's a major tourist destination with access to New Zealand’s highest mountain, ideal for adventurous travelers.
Aoraki Mount Cook, Southern Alps National Park, Hiking trails
Kaki Point
A quieter location with access to beautiful beaches and walking tracks, appealing to those looking for a serene getaway near Lake Tekapo.
Kaki Point beaches, Scenic walking tracks, Nature walks

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Lake Tekapo (2025)

While Lake Tekapo, Canterbury, 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 Lake Tekapo to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 0% licensed listings)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Lake Tekapo (2025)

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

Isolation Bay

Isolation Bay

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$247,749
Revenue
54.6%
Occupancy
$1225.78
Daily Rate
Bunker House

Bunker House

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$194,236
Revenue
56.7%
Occupancy
$964.73
Daily Rate
Glenvue House

Glenvue House

Entire Place • 6 bedrooms

$186,352
Revenue
85.1%
Occupancy
$622.53
Daily Rate
Takapō Retreat | Lake Tekapo

Takapō Retreat | Lake Tekapo

Entire Place • 5 bedrooms

$178,614
Revenue
68.2%
Occupancy
$707.93
Daily Rate
New, family friendly warm  unit, mountain view

New, family friendly warm unit, mountain view

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$137,684
Revenue
86.0%
Occupancy
$424.92
Daily Rate
Mountain view/peaceful/warm/family friendly unitA

Mountain view/peaceful/warm/family friendly unitA

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$134,213
Revenue
80.1%
Occupancy
$1037.38
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 Lake Tekapo (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Lake Tekapo 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
Book Tekapo80$4,525,94438724.72/5.0
Discover Tekapo Accommodation57$4,361,60358384.84/5.0
Stay @ Tekapo34$2,603,31321744.68/5.0
Lake Tekapo Holiday Homes32$1,632,27922214.79/5.0
Lu15$1,377,3709054.91/5.0
Distance Co.21$1,183,8414044.72/5.0
Universal Hotel Management23$1,015,55710664.70/5.0
The Cairns Alpine Resort12$1,012,0828324.96/5.0
Reservations15$798,3566204.74/5.0
Lake Tekapo Cottages8$533,354694.54/5.0

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 Lake Tekapo.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Lake Tekapo STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

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

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • The Lake Tekapo Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 91.3% of the 379 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Lake Tekapo, House properties are the most common (61.2%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 61.2% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 5.3% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like unique stays (combined 0.3%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Lake Tekapo Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • The dominant room capacity in Lake Tekapo is 1 bedroom listings, making up 29% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 1 bedroom and 3 bedrooms properties represent 53.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Lake Tekapo, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 42.9% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Lake Tekapo.

Lake Tekapo Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Lake Tekapo vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (26.6%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 6 guests dominate the Lake Tekapo STR market, accounting for 47.7% of listings.
  • 42.5% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Lake Tekapo.
  • On average, properties in Lake Tekapo are equipped to host 4.5 guests.

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

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • The most common availability pattern in Lake Tekapo falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 41.7% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 37.7% 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 Lake Tekapo (42%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 64.4% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Lake Tekapo Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (46.7%)

1 Night

176 listings

46.7% of total

2 Nights (12.5%)

2 Nights

47 listings

12.5% of total

3 Nights (0.3%)

3 Nights

1 listings

0.3% of total

7-29 Nights (0.3%)

7-29 Nights

1 listings

0.3% of total

30+ Nights (40.3%)

30+ Nights

152 listings

40.3% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Lake Tekapo is 1 Night, adopted by 46.7% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (40.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Lake Tekapo, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 1 Night minimum stay, as 46.7% of Lake Tekapo hosts use this setting.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 40.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Lake Tekapo.

Lake Tekapo Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Super Strict 60 Days

5 listings

1.3% of total

Super Strict 30 Days

1 listings

0.3% of total

Flexible (5.1%)

Flexible

19 listings

5.1% of total

Moderate (31.5%)

Moderate

117 listings

31.5% of total

Firm (51.8%)

Firm

192 listings

51.8% of total

Strict (10%)

Strict

37 listings

10% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Lake Tekapo is Firm, used by 51.8% of listings.
  • A majority (61.8%) of hosts in Lake Tekapo utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Consider adopting a Firm policy to align with the 51.8% market standard in Lake Tekapo.
  • Using a Strict policy might deter some guests, as only 10% 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 Lake Tekapo.

Lake Tekapo STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Lake Tekapo is 68 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 97 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 52 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (88 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (59 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (68 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Lake Tekapo.
  • For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 97 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 88 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Lake Tekapo averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Lake Tekapo (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Lake Tekapo

  • Essential amenities in Lake Tekapo that guests expect include: Wifi, Hair dryer, Smoke alarm, Heating, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Free parking on premises, Kitchen, 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 Lake Tekapo: Wifi, Hair dryer, Smoke alarm, Heating, TV.
  • Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Hair dryer, Smoke alarm, Heating, TV.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Free parking on premises or Kitchen 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 Lake Tekapo to stay competitive.

Lake Tekapo 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 Lake Tekapo

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Lake Tekapo consists of predominantly international visitors (79%), with top international origins including New Zealand, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or Chinese.
  • Domestic travelers account for 21.2% of guests.
  • Key international markets include Australia (21.4%) and New Zealand (21.2%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (58.7%) followed by Chinese (17.5%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Focus marketing internationally, particularly towards travelers from New Zealand.
  • 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 Lake Tekapo 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
Ben Ohau11$4,739$212.3071%
Franz Josef Glacier24$3,756$193.1566%
Franz Josef35$3,002$244.1246%
Canterbury12$2,855$220.5743%
Wānaka1,042$2,751$292.7946%
Fox Glacier24$2,456$182.6354%
Twizel246$2,364$181.2950%
Castle Hill Village13$2,314$173.1449%
Burkes Pass18$2,143$160.2448%
Lake Hāwea104$2,010$205.7552%

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