Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
Last updated: 2025-01-31
Looking to make more money with hosting or rental arbitraging Airbnbs, short-term rentals, vacation rentals in Dunedin? AirROI have just the data insights! Over the last twelve months from February 2024 to January 2025, we've uncovered key trends and opportunities that successful hosts are leveraging in Dunedin:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Dunedin?
The short-term rental market in Dunedin shows distinct revenue patterns across different property tiers. Our analysis reveals that successful properties combine strategic pricing with quality management to maximize earnings potential. Market data demonstrates clear revenue differentiation among properties:
- Typical properties (median) earn $1,637 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $2,674 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $3,941+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $846
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Dunedin
The market in Dunedin shows distinct occupancy patterns influenced by seasonal trends and local dynamics. Properties that maintain high guest satisfaction scores and implement strategic pricing consistently achieve stronger occupancy rates. Current market data shows:
- Typical properties (median) maintain 50% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 71% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 86%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 27%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Dunedin
Daily rates in Dunedin vary based on seasonality, property quality, and market dynamics. Properties that effectively balance competitive pricing with strong amenities typically command higher rates. Market analysis shows the following rate structure:
- Typical properties (median) generate $95 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $143 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $235+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $60
Daily Rate Variations by Month
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Seasonality patterns in Dunedin
Peak Season (February, March, November)
- Revenue peaks at $2484.21 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 65.82%
- Daily rates average $126.49
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $2008.32 per month
- Occupancy maintains 49.43%
- Daily rates hold at $120.73
Low Season (July, September, August)
- Revenue drops to $1335.42 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 37.94%
- Daily rates adjust to $115.91
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Dunedin in 2025?
Yes! Dunedin demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 49% and solid monthly revenue averaging $2008 and As a mature market with 583 active listings, there's strong demand despite the competition. There's also room for profit through rental arbitrage strategies, if you can identify competitively priced properties. To maximize your return on investment, consider employing the following strategies:
Peak Season Strategy
- Implement premium seasonal pricing strategies
- Set longer minimum stay requirements during high-demand periods
- Enforce stricter cancellation policies
Shoulder Season Strategy
- Maintain competitive market-based pricing
- Offer moderate-length stay incentives
- Target a mix of leisure and business travelers with flexible booking terms
- Focus on weekend getaway packages and mid-week business traveler promotions
Low Season Strategy
- Adjust pricing to remain competitive in the market
- Target different guest segments (families on vacation, festival goers, adventure tourists, international visitors)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Dunedin
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Dunedin City Centre | The bustling heart of Dunedin, known for its historic architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Ideal for tourists wanting to explore shops, cafes, and attractions all within walking distance. | Dunedin Railway Station, Otago Museum, Toitū Otago Settlers Museum, Dunedin Botanic Garden, First Church of Otago |
| St Kilda | A popular beachside suburb known for its sandy beaches and stunning coastal walks. Attracts both families and beach lovers, making it a great choice for Airbnb hosts. | St Kilda Beach, St Clair Beach, St Kilda Golf Club, Esplanade, St Kilda Salt Water Pool |
| Port Chalmers | A charming port town with a rich maritime history, offering stunning harbor views. A peaceful retreat away from the city bustle, appealing to those looking for tranquility. | Port Chalmers Wharf, Harbour Basin, Careys Bay, Cargill's Castle, Port Chalmers Maritime Museum |
| North Dunedin | Popular with students and university staff due to its proximity to the University of Otago. Excellent choice for short-term rentals aimed at students and academic visitors. | University of Otago, Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Otago Museum, Woodhaugh Gardens |
| Roslyn | A picturesque suburb with views over the city and close to local amenities. Attracts both families and professionals looking for a quiet neighborhood close to the city. | Roslyn Village, Dunedin Hill, Dunedin Ice Stadium, Roslyn Reservoir, Māori Hill |
| The Octagon | The cultural heart of Dunedin, famous for its vibrant nightlife, restaurants, and events. An ideal spot for tourists wanting to enjoy Dunedin's entertainment scene. | The Octagon, Dunedin Town Hall, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, The Regent Theatre, Local restaurants and bars |
| Careys Bay | A small and scenic coastal suburb that offers beautiful views and a sense of community. Perfect for those looking to escape the hustle of the city. | Careys Bay Marina, Careys Bay Hotel, Local walks, Coastal views, Nearby beaches |
| South Dunedin | A diverse neighborhood that offers a mix of residential and commercial spaces. Great for Airbnb hosts looking for affordable options and proximity to amenities. | South Dunedin shopping area, Ellis Park, St. Clair Estuary, Local parks, Community centers |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Dunedin?
We recommend checking directly with Dunedin's local government regarding short-term rental licensing requirements. Current market data shows limited licensing information (0% of listings), making it essential to verify current regulations before starting your Airbnb business.
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Dunedin
Stadium/Rugby in Dunedin (2nd room also listed)
Private Room • 3 bedrooms
Luxury Harbour view
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Luxury Villa with Sea Views
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Charming Roslyn Home
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
2 Bedroom 2 Bathroom Luxury Apartment CBD
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Relax at St Clair Beach Retreat Dunedin
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Dunedin
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh Short Stays | 21 | $635,105 | 699 | 4.60/5.0 |
| Road Less Travelled | 16 | $501,568 | 926 | 4.59/5.0 |
| Dunedin Short Stays | 10 | $312,646 | 544 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Antonia | 7 | $248,091 | 2089 | 4.95/5.0 |
| Suzanne | 9 | $238,524 | 177 | 2.70/5.0 |
| Fi | 2 | $214,373 | 344 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Andrew | 3 | $206,831 | 69 | 4.98/5.0 |
| Mel | 14 | $165,057 | 292 | 3.77/5.0 |
| Mike | 6 | $146,708 | 776 | 4.74/5.0 |
| Jason | 1 | $125,305 | 28 | 4.93/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Dunedin
AirROI also have other key metrics and comprehensive data for your vacation rental, real estate needs. Go explore the advanced metrics that can help you make informed decisions:
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Key Insights
- Market dominated by entire home listings (74.1%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 77.4% of inventory
- Untapped potential in outdoor & mobile, unique stays segments (2.6% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 583 properties in Dunedin shows that 1 bedroom properties are most prevalent, making up 33.4% of the market. The market tends to favor smaller properties, with 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms together representing 56.8% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 1 bedroom (33.4%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (2.1%)
- Market concentration: 56.8% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors smaller properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 583 properties in Dunedin reveals that 2 guests properties dominate the market, representing 29.2% of all listings. The average property accommodates 3.4 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 2 guests and 4 guests make up 48.0% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 2 guests (29.2% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.9% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 3.4 guests per property
- Market concentration: 48.0% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 583 properties in Dunedin, the most common availability pattern is 271-366 days (30% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (29.3% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 271-366 days (30%)
- Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (29.3%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 57.6%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 43.6%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
252 listings
48.6% of total
2 Nights
193 listings
37.3% of total
3 Nights
23 listings
4.4% of total
4-6 Nights
5 listings
1% of total
7-29 Nights
7 listings
1.4% of total
30+ Nights
38 listings
7.3% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 85.9%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 1% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (7.3%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 90.3% accepting 3 nights or less
Recommendations
- Set minimum stays between 2-3 nights to align with market standards
- Adjust minimum stays seasonally based on demand patterns
- Consider monthly stay discounts to capture the growing extended-stay market
- Implement different minimum stays for weekends vs. weekdays
Cancellation Policy Distribution
Flexible
148 listings
28.4% of total
Moderate
190 listings
36.4% of total
Firm
86 listings
16.5% of total
Strict
98 listings
18.8% of total
Key Insights
- Moderate is the preferred policy at 36.4% of listings
- Guest-friendly policies (Flexible & Moderate) dominate at 64.8% of the market
- Firm policies are least common at 16.5% of listings
Recommendations
- Consider starting with a Moderate policy to align with market preferences
- Strong market preference for Moderate policies suggests this should be your baseline
- Consider generous cancellation terms as a competitive advantage
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Mar, Dec, Jul, averaging 71 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Jun, Sep, Aug, averaging 41 days
- Winter shows the longest average booking window at 67 days, while Summer has the shortest at 50 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Winter bookings at least 67 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Summer to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Jun-Aug when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Dunedin
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Dunedin:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 52.9% of total guests, indicating a significant local market share.
- Primary international markets: Australia (15.6%) and United States (10.6%)
- English is the top language at 69.4%, followed by Chinese (13.3%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 7.1%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Auckland and Christchurch markets
- Develop localized content for Australia and United States
- Prioritize English and Chinese language support
- Tailor experiences for Pre-1950s (Silent Gen) while maintaining broad age appeal
- Implement seasonal promotions aligned with key market travel patterns
Nearby Markets
Explore short-term rental performance in markets surrounding Dunedin. These nearby markets offer diverse opportunities for property investors and hosts:
| Market | Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ben Ohau | 11 | $4,889 | $201.63 | 72% |
| Lake Tekapo | 359 | $4,553 | $254.33 | 61% |
| Lake Ōhau | 10 | $3,738 | $233.16 | 52% |
| Wānaka | 977 | $2,869 | $277.74 | 45% |
| Twizel | 240 | $2,311 | $167.05 | 50% |
| Burkes Pass | 18 | $2,261 | $145.99 | 53% |
| Albert Town | 98 | $1,996 | $171.57 | 47% |
| Lake Hāwea | 83 | $1,953 | $173.50 | 51% |
| Cardrona | 44 | $1,867 | $214.37 | 39% |
| Fairlie | 50 | $1,825 | $105.59 | 58% |
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