Airbnb Market Analytics, Statistics and Data in Queenstown, 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 Queenstown? 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 Queenstown:
How much do Airbnb hosts make on average per month in Queenstown?
The short-term rental market in Queenstown 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 $4,958 per month
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) make $8,129 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) achieve $12,146+ monthly
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) typically earn around $2,505
Revenue Variations by Month
Occupancy Rates Throughout the Year in Queenstown
The market in Queenstown 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 63% occupancy rates
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) achieve 81% or higher
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) reach 91%+occupancy
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) average around 35%
Occupancy Variations by Month
Average Daily Rates Seasonal Trends in Queenstown
Daily rates in Queenstown 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 $275 per night
- Strong performing properties (top 25%) secure $415 or more
- Best-in-class properties (top 10%) pull in $617+ per night
- Entry-level properties (bottom 25%) earn around $169
Daily Rate Variations by Month
Get Live Queenstown Market Intelligence 👇
Explore Real-time Analytics
Seasonality patterns in Queenstown
Peak Season (July, August, February)
- Revenue peaks at $7366.09 per month
- Occupancy rates reach 69.15%
- Daily rates average $381.84
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $6118.25 per month
- Occupancy maintains 57.48%
- Daily rates hold at $339.73
Low Season (June, October, May)
- Revenue drops to $4489.60 per month
- Occupancy decreases to 41.72%
- Daily rates adjust to $307.64
Is it still profitable to do Airbnb in Queenstown in 2025?
Yes! Queenstown demonstrates moderate seasonality with good off-peak opportunities, featuring a healthy occupancy rate of 57% and strong monthly revenue averaging $6118 and As a mature market with 1994 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 (spring breakers, nature enthusiasts, conference attendees, couples)
- Create targeted promotional campaigns to drive occupancy
Top Places to Start Airbnb in Queenstown
| Area | Why Choose This Area | Key Attractions |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown CBD | The heart of Queenstown, known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, and restaurants. This area is teeming with tourists and is conveniently located near major attractions and the beautiful lake. | Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Queenstown, Queenstown Gardens, Gondola Ride, Shotover Jet |
| Frankton | A growing suburb close to the airport and the Queenstown town center. This location offers great access to amenities, making it ideal for both short and long-term stays. | Queenstown Airport, Frankton Marina, Remarkables Park Town Centre |
| Fernhill | Nestled above Queenstown, Fernhill offers stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It attracts visitors looking for a quieter spot while still being a short drive from the town. | Queenstown Hill, Bobs Peak, Vista Point |
| Arthur's Point | A charming riverside village just minutes from Queenstown, known for its adventurous activities like bungee jumping and white-water rafting. It caters to thrill-seekers and nature lovers. | AJ Hackett Bungy, Shotover River, Onsen Hot Pools |
| Glenorchy | A scenic drive from Queenstown, Glenorchy serves as a gateway to stunning natural landscapes including Fiordland National Park. Ideal for Airbnb hosts catering to outdoor enthusiasts. | Routeburn Track, Glenorchy Wharf, Lake Sylvan |
| Lake Hayes | A picturesque location known for its beautiful lake and walking trails. Perfect for guests wanting a tranquil retreat while still being close to Queenstown. | Lake Hayes Circuit, Amisfield Winery, Lake Hayes Pavilion |
| Cromwell | Located a bit further away, Cromwell is known for wine, fruit, and history. It's gaining popularity as a less crowded alternative for guests wanting to explore Central Otago. | Cromwell Heritage Precinct, Lake Dunstan, Central Otago Wine Region |
| Arrowtown | A historic gold mining town that is charming and picturesque. It's gaining traction among visitors looking to escape the busyness of Queenstown while still enjoying nearby attractions. | Arrow River, Arrowtown Historic Village, Sawpit Gully |
Do you need a license for Airbnb in Queenstown?
We recommend checking directly with Queenstown'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 Queenstown
Tonic Lodge| Hot Tub, Free Parking, Fireplace, BBQ
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Highlands Lodge: Lake Views, BBQ & Free Parking
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Luxury Away - Twin Heights
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Style & Tranquillity - Eight Bedrooms, Two Houses
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
The Cove Penthouse, Free Parking, Fire Place, AC
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
7Manata 22Guests 10Bdrm8Bathrm 3x4WD's Golf & Ski
Entire Place • 10 bedrooms
Top Performing Professional Hosts in Queenstown
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ray | 94 | $8,975,980 | 10741 | 4.83/5.0 |
| Bridget | 43 | $6,561,469 | 3770 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Relaxaway | 61 | $5,985,156 | 1131 | 4.28/5.0 |
| Goodstays | 48 | $4,627,208 | 1597 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Divine Property Management | 34 | $2,964,377 | 1954 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Jodie & Renee | 40 | $2,490,560 | 1348 | 4.47/5.0 |
| Vicky | 39 | $2,442,645 | 4086 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Harcourts Holiday Homes | 32 | $2,441,076 | 1071 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Relax It’s Done | 19 | $2,233,790 | 640 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Savannah | 19 | $2,020,039 | 3563 | 4.88/5.0 |
Additional analytics on vacation rental, real estate, short term rental data in Queenstown
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 (90.9%), with house and apartment & condo properties comprising 90.4% of inventory
- Untapped potential in boutique & hotels, others, outdoor & mobile, unique stays segments (9.7% combined)
Room Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 1,994 properties in Queenstown shows that 3 bedrooms properties are most prevalent, making up 28.2% of the market. The market tends to favor larger properties, with 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms together representing 53.2% of all listings.
Key Insights
- Most common: 3 bedrooms (28.2%)
- Least common: 5+ bedrooms (5.9%)
- Market concentration: 53.2% in top 2 sizes
- Market skew: Favors larger properties
Guest Capacity Distribution
Analysis of 1,994 properties in Queenstown reveals that 6 guests properties dominate the market, representing 24% of all listings. The average property accommodates 4.8 guests, with a clear trend towards larger guest capacities. Properties accommodating 6 guests and 4 guests make up 45.3% of the market.
Key Insights
- Most common capacity: 6 guests (24% of market)
- Least common capacity: 1 guest (0.2% of market)
- Average guest capacity: 4.8 guests per property
- Market concentration: 45.3% in top 2 capacity sizes
- Market segmentation: Predominantly larger guest capacities
Booking and Availability Patterns
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Among 1,994 properties in Queenstown, the most common availability pattern is 91-180 days (29.5% of properties). For actual bookings, properties most frequently secure bookings for 181-270 days (29.3% of properties).
Key Insights
- Most common availability window: 91-180 days (29.5%)
- Most common booking duration: 181-270 days (29.3%)
- Properties with high availability (180+ days): 47.1%
- Properties with long-term bookings (180+ days): 54.5%
Minimum Stay Distributions
1 Night
339 listings
18.1% of total
2 Nights
399 listings
21.3% of total
3 Nights
477 listings
25.4% of total
4-6 Nights
332 listings
17.7% of total
7-29 Nights
13 listings
0.7% of total
30+ Nights
316 listings
16.8% of total
Key Insights
- Short stays (1-2 nights) dominate the market at 39.4%
- Mid-length stays (4-6 nights) represent 17.7% of listings
- Monthly+ stays (16.8%) suggest a stable extended-stay market
- High market flexibility with 64.8% 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
Super Strict 60 Days
30 listings
1.6% of total
Super Strict 30 Days
141 listings
7.5% of total
Flexible
138 listings
7.3% of total
Moderate
426 listings
22.6% of total
Firm
549 listings
29.1% of total
Strict
600 listings
31.8% of total
Key Insights
- Strict is the preferred policy at 31.8% of listings
- Stricter policies (Firm & Strict) dominate at 60.9% of the market
- Strong market consensus around Strict policies
- Super Strict 60 Days policies are least common at 1.6% of listings
Recommendations
- The market supports stricter policies, with 60.9% using Firm or Strict terms
- Strong market preference for Strict policies suggests this should be your baseline
Booking Lead Time Trends
Key Insights
- Peak booking lead times occur in Jul, Dec, Jan, averaging 92 days
- Shortest booking windows are in Apr, Oct, May, averaging 66 days
- Winter shows the longest average booking window at 84 days, while Spring has the shortest at 70 days
Recommendations
- Implement dynamic pricing strategies for Winter bookings at least 84 days in advance
- Consider early bird discounts during Spring to encourage longer lead times
- Focus on last-minute booking promotions during Apr-May when lead times are shortest
Popular Airbnb Amenities in Queenstown
Below is the distribution of amenities across listings in Queenstown:
Traveler Demographics
Key Insights
- Domestic travelers make up 23% of total guests, indicating a moderate local market presence.
- Primary international markets: New Zealand (27.9%) and United States (17.9%)
- English is the top language at 72.7%, followed by Chinese (15.1%)
- Notable demographic segment in <=1950s (Pre-1950s (Silent Gen)) at 5.4%
Recommendations
- Target marketing campaigns for Auckland and Sydney markets
- Develop localized content for New Zealand 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 Queenstown. 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% |
| Speargrass Flat | 10 | $4,727 | $517.34 | 52% |
| Dalefield | 11 | $4,377 | $416.74 | 47% |
| Queenstown | 17 | $4,198 | $395.37 | 46% |
| Lake Ōhau | 10 | $3,738 | $233.16 | 52% |
| Arrow Junction | 17 | $3,299 | $389.14 | 52% |
| Kawarau Falls | 20 | $3,135 | $403.68 | 45% |
| Arrowtown | 167 | $3,088 | $285.44 | 47% |
| Lake Hayes | 60 | $2,996 | $255.20 | 58% |
| Lower Shotover | 39 | $2,875 | $266.63 | 48% |
How is your STR performing?
Your vacation rental may be amazing, but is it better than your competition? Enjoy the best-in-class AI-powered analytics for free!
Discover Insights