Queenstown, OTA Airbnb Market Data 2025: STR Report & Statistics
How much can you earn on Airbnb in Queenstown, OTA? Based on AirROI's 2025 dataset (May 2024 – April 2025), the short answer is $50,470 per year — at a $383 nightly rate, 46.6% occupancy, and a N/A RevPAR.
With just 18 active listings, Queenstown is a micro-market where moderate demand with room for well-positioned listings to outperform. Active supply contracted 28.0% year over year, yet revenue and nightly rates both rose — fewer listings are capturing more of the market. Remaining and incoming hosts benefit from reduced competition and stronger pricing.
Regulation is low with minimal registration requirements, pointing to an operator-friendly environment. In a market this size, differentiated listings with strong reviews can capture outsized returns relative to the competition.
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What Are the Key Airbnb Metrics in Queenstown?
In Queenstown, the headline Airbnb metrics are $50,470 in average annual revenue,46.6% occupancy, $383 ADR, and $0 in RevPAR, and guests book about 52 days in advance.
How Much Do Airbnb Hosts Earn Monthly in Queenstown?
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Queenstown 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 Queenstown is typically January, while May often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Queenstown across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $11,043+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $7,144 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $4,348 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,674, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Queenstown
What Is the Monthly Airbnb Occupancy Rate in Queenstown?
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Queenstown STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees 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 Queenstown:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 76%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 65% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 46%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 26% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Queenstown
What Is the Average Airbnb Nightly Rate in Queenstown?
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Queenstown involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Queenstown typically peaks in December and dips lowest during October. 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 $675+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $433 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $248 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $115 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Queenstown
What Is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Queenstown?
RevPAR in Queenstown is currently N/A. Because RevPAR combines nightly rates with realized occupancy, it is one of the cleanest ways to compare how efficiently listings turn demand into revenue across the market.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see N/A RevPAR.
- Typical properties (Median) generate N/A RevPAR.
- Strong performers (Top 25%) earn N/A RevPAR.
- Best-in-class (Top 10%) achieve N/A RevPAR.
Average Monthly RevPAR Trend in Queenstown
RevPAR Insights for Queenstown
- RevPAR peaks in Jan and bottoms out in Jan, mirroring the broader seasonal demand pattern and suggesting opportunities for dynamic pricing.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Track your own RevPAR monthly against these Queenstown benchmarks. If your RevPAR falls below the median of N/A, examine whether low occupancy or low ADR is the primary drag.
- Use RevPAR rather than revenue alone when comparing properties of different sizes — it normalizes for available nights and gives a more accurate picture of performance.
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When Is the Peak Season for Airbnb in Queenstown?
Queenstown's peak Airbnb season falls in January, December, February, while the softest stretch is April, May, June. Overall, the market shows highly seasonal trends requiring careful strategy, which should guide pricing, minimum stays, and cash-flow planning.
Peak Season (January, December, February)
- Revenue averages $7,454 per month
- Occupancy rates average 61.4%
- Daily rates average $397
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $5,331 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 46.0%
- Daily rates hold near $285
Low Season (April, May, June)
- Revenue drops to average $3,224 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 36.2%
- Daily rates adjust to average $292
Seasonality Insights for Queenstown
- Airbnb seasonality in Queenstown is pronounced. Revenue swings sharply between peak and low months, which means pricing strategy, minimum-stay settings, and cash reserves all need to account for extended slower periods.
- During the high season, the absolute peak month showcases Queenstown's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues climbing to $8,597, occupancy reaching 66.3%, and ADRs peaking at $408.
- Conversely, the slowest single month marks the market's lowest point — revenue may dip to $2,857, occupancy could drop to 29.4%, and ADRs may adjust to $262.
- 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 Queenstown.
Seasonal Strategies for Maximizing Profit
- Peak Season: Maximize revenue through premium pricing and potentially longer minimum stays. Ensure high availability and consider tightening cancellation policies to reduce last-minute gaps.
- Low Season: Offer competitive pricing, extended-stay discounts, and flexible cancellation policies. Target off-season travelers like remote workers, budget-conscious guests, and travelers with flexible schedules.
- Shoulder Seasons: Implement dynamic pricing that bridges peak and low rates. Target weekend travelers, local events, and business visitors. Slightly more flexible terms than peak season can help maintain occupancy without deep discounting.
- In a highly seasonal market like Queenstown, building a cash reserve during the top months is essential for covering fixed costs during the slow period. Automated pricing tools can help capture demand shifts in real time.
Do You Need a License for Airbnb in Queenstown?
Low regulation and minimal registration activity in Queenstown, OTA, New Zealand point to an operator-friendly environment. That said, even low-regulation markets may have tax collection requirements, safety standards, or HOA rules that affect short-term rental operations. Always verify the latest short-term rental regulations and Airbnb license requirements directly with local government authorities for Queenstown to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2026, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Airbnb in Queenstown?
With a compact short-term rental market, Queenstown gives early-mover hosts an advantage in the right neighborhoods. The areas listed below are where guest demand and local attractions converge — a useful lens for investors evaluating whether to enter this market and where to position their listing.
| Neighborhood / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown Central | The heart of Queenstown, known for its stunning lake views and adventure tourism. A hub for visitors looking to enjoy dining, shopping, and adventure sports. | Lake Wakatipu, Skyline Gondola, Queenstown Gardens, Shotover River, Skydiving, Bungee Jumping |
| Fernhill | A tranquil area with beautiful views of the lake and mountains, ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat yet still close to the action of Queenstown. | Fernhill Loop Track, Views of Remarkables, Local cafes, Close to hiking trails |
| Frankton | The gateway to Queenstown Airport and offers a range of amenities. Attractive for travelers seeking convenience and access to the surrounding areas. | Queenstown Airport, Lake Hayes, Frankton Marina, Local shops and restaurants |
| Arrowtown | A charming historic gold mining town just a short drive from Queenstown, appealing to those interested in heritage and beautiful landscapes. | Arrow River, Historic streetscapes, Arrowtown Village, Goldfields Mining Centre |
| Glenorchy | Known for its dramatic landscapes and as a base for various outdoor adventures. Attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers. | Mount Aspiring National Park, Glenorchy Wharf, Routeburn Track, Scenic drives |
| Shotover Country | A growing suburb offering modern housing and close proximity to Queenstown while being set in nature, popular with families and long-term visitors. | Shotover River, Local parks, Close to skiing areas |
| Queenstown Hill | A residential area with stunning views over Queenstown, especially popular with those who enjoy hiking and outdoor activities. | Queenstown Hill Walking Track, Local wildlife, Panoramic views of Wakatipu |
| Lake Hayes Estate | A family-friendly community located near Lake Hayes, offering great outdoor activities and a quiet environment away from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown. | Lake Hayes, Walking and biking tracks, Local community facilities |
With 8 distinct neighborhoods showing meaningful short-term rental activity, Queenstown offers diversification within a single market. Investors can tailor their strategy — from high-turnover tourist zones to quieter residential areas that attract longer stays and remote workers.
What Types of Properties Are on Airbnb in Queenstown?
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Queenstown
- The Queenstown Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 88.9% of the 18 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Queenstown, House properties are the most common (66.7%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 66.7% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
Queenstown Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2026): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Queenstown
- The dominant room capacity in Queenstown is 3 bedrooms listings, making up 33.3% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 55.5% of the active Airbnb listings in Queenstown, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 61.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Queenstown.
Queenstown Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2026)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Queenstown
- The most common guest capacity trend in Queenstown vacation rentals is listings accommodating 6 guests (27.8%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 8+ guests dominate the Queenstown STR market, accounting for 55.6% of listings.
- 61.2% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Queenstown.
- On average, properties in Queenstown are equipped to host 5.4 guests.
What Amenities Do Airbnb Guests Expect in Queenstown?
Amenity Prevalence
No amenities with partial availability (less than 100%) were found to display in the chart. All essential amenities might be present in all listings. Check insights below.
Amenity Insights for Queenstown
- Essential amenities in Queenstown that guests expect include: Heating, Smoke alarm, Essentials, Hair dryer, Hot water, Microwave, Wifi, Dishes and silverware, TV, Refrigerator. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Queenstown: Heating, Smoke alarm, Essentials, Hair dryer, Hot water, Microwave, Wifi, Dishes and silverware, TV, Refrigerator.
- 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 Queenstown to stay competitive.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Queenstown STR Market Data (2026)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Queenstown. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsQueenstown Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2026)
Guest Profile Summary for Queenstown
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Queenstown consists of predominantly international visitors (76%), 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 24.3% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (28.7%) and New Zealand (24.3%).
- Top languages spoken are English (64.9%) followed by Chinese (10.4%).
- 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.
Queenstown Airbnb Booking Patterns (2026): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Queenstown
- The most common availability pattern in Queenstown falls within the 181-270 days range, representing 44.4% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 72.2% of listings show high availability (181+ days open annually), indicating potential for increased bookings or specific owner usage patterns.
- For booked days, the 91-180 days range is most frequent in Queenstown (38.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 33.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
How Far in Advance Do Guests Book Airbnb in Queenstown?
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Queenstown
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Queenstown is 52 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during August (average 77 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in October (average 30 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (66 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Fall (42 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 Queenstown.
- For August 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 Summer season well in advance (at least 66 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Queenstown averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Queenstown Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
2 Nights
4 listings
23.5% of total
3 Nights
3 listings
17.6% of total
4-6 Nights
3 listings
17.6% of total
30+ Nights
7 listings
41.2% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Queenstown is 30+ Nights, adopted by 41.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (41.2%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Queenstown, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 30+ Nights minimum stay, as 41.2% of Queenstown hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 41.2% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Queenstown.
Queenstown Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2026)
Super Strict 30 Days
3 listings
18.8% of total
Moderate
2 listings
12.5% of total
Firm
4 listings
25% of total
Strict
7 listings
43.8% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Queenstown
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Queenstown is Strict, used by 43.8% of listings.
- A majority (68.8%) of hosts in Queenstown utilize Firm or Strict policies, indicating a market where hosts prioritize booking security.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Strict policy to align with the 43.8% market standard in Queenstown.
- With 43.8% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Queenstown, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Queenstown.
What Do the Top Airbnb Listings in Queenstown Look Like?
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Queenstownbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
Oraka Lodge | views, outdoor fire and spa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Postcard perfect views - Stewart Lodge Luxury Spa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Large 4Bed Home.Every Room Has Spectacular Views
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Snowy 3 Bedroom Unit
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Snowy 2 Bedroom Unit
Entire Place • 2 bedrooms
Huge Living Space- Amazing Views-1 Bed Apartment!
Entire Place • 1 bedroom
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Who Are the Top Airbnb Hosts in Queenstown?
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Queenstown based on the number of properties managed and estimated total revenue over the past year. Analyze their scale and performance metrics.
| Host Name | Properties | Grossing Revenue | Stay Reviews | Avg Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goodstays | 4 | $246,057 | 84 | 4.45/5.0 |
| Andy | 3 | $209,167 | 32 | 3.32/5.0 |
| Teresa | 3 | $176,097 | 531 | 4.87/5.0 |
| Deborah | 1 | $146,560 | 28 | 5.00/5.0 |
| Emma | 1 | $60,233 | 66 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Barb | 1 | $26,112 | 44 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Kal | 1 | $15,433 | 49 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Nelson | 1 | $14,282 | 51 | 4.29/5.0 |
| Gareth | 1 | $7,781 | 93 | 4.92/5.0 |
| Bachcare | 1 | $5,095 | 6 | 4.67/5.0 |
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 Queenstown.
How Does Queenstown's Airbnb Market Compare to Nearby Cities?
How does the Queenstown 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.
Compared with Ben Ohau, Queenstown has 23 percentage points lower occupancy and about $174 higher ADR. That helps frame whether this market is winning more on demand, pricing, or both.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speargrass Flat | 11 | $5,401 | $488.24 | 52% |
| Queenstown | 1,965 | $4,763 | $348.98 | 56% |
| Ben Ohau | 11 | $4,636 | $209.26 | 70% |
| Dalefield | 11 | $4,594 | $424.69 | 47% |
| Arrow Junction | 15 | $3,686 | $350.89 | 53% |
| Arrowtown | 172 | $2,800 | $296.17 | 46% |
| Lower Shotover | 37 | $2,718 | $269.97 | 47% |
| Wānaka | 996 | $2,661 | $276.62 | 46% |
| Arthurs Point | 48 | $2,601 | $246.30 | 48% |
| Glenorchy | 36 | $2,466 | $189.89 | 55% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Airbnb in Queenstown
These quick answers summarize the most common investor and operator questions using AirROI's latest market data for Queenstown.
How much do Airbnb hosts make in Queenstown?
Queenstown hosts earn about $50,470 per year on average, with an average nightly rate of $383 and RevPAR of N/A. Those figures describe the typical revenue environment for active listings in Queenstown, OTA, not the ceiling for the best operators. Source: AirROI 2025 data, Queenstown market, May 2024 to April 2025.
What is the average Airbnb occupancy rate in Queenstown?
The average Airbnb occupancy rate in Queenstown is 46.6%. January is the strongest month and May is the softest, so hosts should expect demand to move meaningfully throughout the year rather than stay flat.
What is the average Airbnb daily rate in Queenstown?
Listings in Queenstown average $383 per night. The broader pricing spread also matters: lower-performing listings cluster closer to the lower quartiles, while premium homes can price materially above the city average when demand spikes or listing quality stands out.
How many Airbnb listings are active in Queenstown?
Queenstown currently has about 18 active Airbnb listings in AirROI's market dataset. That supply count helps explain how competitive the market is, how much depth there is for benchmarking, and whether the market behaves like a niche destination or a scaled urban market.
How strict are short-term rental regulations in Queenstown?
AirROI currently classifies the short-term rental regulation level in Queenstown as Low. The dataset also shows about 0.0% of listings with registration evidence. That is a market signal, not legal advice, so hosts should still confirm current licensing and compliance rules locally before listing.
What is the RevPAR for Airbnb in Queenstown?
RevPAR in Queenstown is about N/A. That metric combines pricing and occupancy into one efficiency number, so it is often a better quick benchmark than ADR alone when investors want to compare how well listings convert nightly rates into realized revenue.
Is Airbnb profitable in Queenstown?
At 46.6% occupancy, Queenstown can be profitable — but margins depend heavily on operating costs, property acquisition price, and how well hosts optimize pricing across seasons. Average annual revenue is $50,470, but individual returns depend on property type, location within the city, and the host's operating efficiency.
How far in advance do guests book Airbnb in Queenstown?
The average booking lead time in Queenstown is about 52 days — a longer planning horizon typical of destination or vacation markets where travelers book well in advance. Hosts who understand their market's booking cadence can adjust minimum stays and pricing windows accordingly.
What are the best neighborhoods for Airbnb in Queenstown?
Based on AirROI's analysis, some of the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Queenstown include Queenstown Central, Fernhill, Frankton. Each area attracts different guest profiles — from business travelers to leisure visitors — so the best location depends on the property type and target audience a host is aiming for. See the full neighborhood breakdown above.
What type of property performs best on Airbnb in Queenstown?
entire_home listings make up 88.9% of the active supply in Queenstown. The most common configuration does not always mean the most profitable — operators who identify underserved property types or bedroom counts can sometimes outperform the market average by filling a gap in local supply.
How does Queenstown compare to nearby Airbnb markets?
Among neighboring markets, Speargrass Flat posts $64,811 in average annual revenue with 52.1% occupancy, compared to Queenstown's $50,470 and 46.6%. Comparing nearby markets helps investors understand whether a destination's performance reflects local demand or broader regional trends.
When is the peak season for Airbnb in Queenstown?
January is the highest-revenue month in Queenstown, while May is the softest. The revenue spread between them indicates a highly seasonal market — revenue in the peak month is more than double the low month, so cash-flow planning and pricing automation are critical.
About AirROI Market Data
AirROI tracks over 20 million properties across 190+ countries and maintains 15+ years of historical performance data, making it one of the deepest Airbnb and STR intelligence platforms available. The analytics pipeline aggregates listing-level data monthly — revenue, occupancy, nightly rates, RevPAR, guest demographics, booking patterns, and competitive supply — so investors and operators can benchmark any market against its own history and against neighboring destinations.
Real estate investors, property managers, financial institutions, hedge funds, tourism boards, hospitality consultants, tech platforms, and academic researchers rely on AirROI data to underwrite acquisitions, optimize pricing, model macro trends, and conduct peer-reviewed research. Data is available through in-depth market reports like this one and the Airbnb API with 22 endpoints and an Airbnb MCP Server for AI agents.
AirROI proprietary analytics as of 2025-04-30. Metrics reflect trailing twelve-month aggregates from active listings. Revenue figures are market averages, not projections. Neighborhood descriptions are AI-generated and reviewed for accuracy. For full methodology, see the data methodology page.