Queenstown Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Otago, New Zealand
Is Airbnb profitable in Queenstown in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Queenstown, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 1,984 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Queenstown, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Queenstown 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 Queenstown Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Queenstown (2025)
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 March 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 $11,718+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $7,905 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $4,865 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $2,487, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Queenstown
Queenstown Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Queenstown STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Januarysees 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 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 62%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 35% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Queenstown
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Queenstown (2025)
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 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 $625+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $419 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $278 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $171 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Queenstown
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Queenstown (2025)
Peak Season (January, July, December)
- Revenue averages $7,536 per month
- Occupancy rates average 66.1%
- Daily rates average $369
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $5,785 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 57.0%
- Daily rates hold near $339
Low Season (March, May, October)
- Revenue drops to average $4,736 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 48.5%
- Daily rates adjust to average $322
Seasonality Insights for Queenstown
- The Airbnb seasonality in Queenstown shows moderate seasonality with distinct peak and low periods. 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 Queenstown's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $7,748, occupancy reaching a high of 69.5%, and ADRs peaking at $380.
- 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 $4,618, occupancy could drop to 41.7%, and ADRs may adjust down to $314.
- 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.
- 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 Queenstown seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Queenstown (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Queenstown? 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 / Area | Why Host Here? (Target Guests & Appeal) | Key Attractions & Landmarks |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown City Centre | The bustling heart of Queenstown, known for its vibrant atmosphere, restaurants, shops, and nightlife. It's a prime location for tourists seeking convenience and a lively environment. | Queenstown Gardens, Skyline Gondola, Shotover River, Lake Wakatipu, Fergburger, Kiwi Birdlife Park |
| Frankton | A rapidly developing area with easy access to the airport and major attractions. Ideal for families and travelers who want convenience and proximity to Queenstown without being in the thick of it. | Queenstown Airport, Columbo Road shops, Frankton Arm Walkway, Lake Hayes Estate, Local wineries |
| Fern Hill | A residential area with stunning views of Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. Popular with visitors looking for a tranquil retreat while still being close to Queenstown's attractions. | Fernhill Loop Track, Breathtaking views of the Remarkables, Proximity to downtown Queenstown |
| Arthurs Point | Known for its incredible natural scenery and outdoor adventures, Arthurs Point is a short drive from Queenstown, attracting thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike. | Shotover Jet, Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, Bungee Jumping, Nearby hiking trails |
| Glenorchy | Situated at the head of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy offers dramatic landscapes and is a gateway to outdoor adventures. It is a bit further from Queenstown but appeals to those focused on nature. | Glenorchy Wharf, Routeburn Track, Paradise, Lord of the Rings filming locations |
| Shotover Country | A developing area that offers a mix of rural and suburban living, appealing to those looking for affordable options just outside Queenstown. | Shotover River rafting, Local parks, Proximity to Queenstown |
| Arrowtown | A charming historic gold mining town located about 20 minutes from Queenstown. Its rich history and quaint streets attract visitors interested in culture and heritage. | Arrow River, Arrowtown's main street, Chinese Settlement, Lakes District Museum |
| Kelvin Heights | A residential area that boasts beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu and luxury homes, appealing to visitors looking for a quieter, upscale experience. | Golf course, Beach access, Walking trails, Scenic viewpoints |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Queenstown (2025)
While Queenstown, Otago, 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 Queenstown to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Queenstown (2025)
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.
Luxury Away - Twin Heights
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Tonic Lodge| Hot Tub, Free Parking, Fireplace, BBQ
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Highlands Lodge: Lake Views, BBQ & Free Parking
Entire Place • 5 bedrooms
Lakehouse 1, Free Parking, AC, Fire Place.
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Lakehouse 4, Free Parking, Fire Place, Lake Views
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Style & Tranquillity - Eight Bedrooms, Two Houses
Entire Place • 8 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Queenstown (2025)
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ray | 96 | $8,716,564 | 10755 | 4.78/5.0 |
| Bridget | 43 | $6,336,665 | 3770 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Relaxaway | 57 | $5,750,486 | 1117 | 4.50/5.0 |
| Goodstays | 46 | $4,419,011 | 1540 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Divine Property Management | 36 | $3,052,643 | 2021 | 4.85/5.0 |
| Jodie & Renee | 36 | $2,247,080 | 1200 | 4.58/5.0 |
| Relax It’s Done | 18 | $2,136,151 | 588 | 4.94/5.0 |
| Harcourts Holiday Homes | 31 | $2,058,983 | 1012 | 4.44/5.0 |
| Savannah | 18 | $2,038,399 | 3552 | 4.88/5.0 |
| Vicky | 36 | $2,001,875 | 3932 | 4.85/5.0 |
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.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Queenstown STR Market Data (2025)
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 Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
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 90.7% of the 1,984 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 (49.8%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 49.8% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- Smaller segments like others, outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 4.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Queenstown Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): 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 28% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for families or small groups.
- Together, 3 bedrooms and 2 bedrooms properties represent 53.1% of the active Airbnb listings in Queenstown, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 46.7% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Queenstown.
Queenstown Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
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 (23.9%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely larger groups.
- Properties designed for 6 guests and 4 guests dominate the Queenstown STR market, accounting for 45.0% of listings.
- 46.9% 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 4.8 guests.
Queenstown Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): 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 91-180 days range, representing 29.6% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 48.0% 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 Queenstown (29.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 53.0% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Queenstown Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
288 listings
15% of total
2 Nights
337 listings
17.6% of total
3 Nights
379 listings
19.8% of total
4-6 Nights
133 listings
6.9% of total
7-29 Nights
14 listings
0.7% of total
30+ Nights
764 listings
39.9% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Queenstown is 30+ Nights, adopted by 39.9% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for longer commitments.
- A significant segment (39.9%) 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 39.9% of Queenstown hosts use this setting.
- If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 15% currently do.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 39.9% 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 (2025)
Super Strict 30 Days
134 listings
7.1% of total
Super Strict 60 Days
32 listings
1.7% of total
Flexible
145 listings
7.7% of total
Moderate
424 listings
22.5% of total
Firm
564 listings
30% of total
Strict
582 listings
30.9% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Queenstown
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Queenstown is Strict, used by 30.9% of listings.
- A majority (60.9%) 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 30.9% market standard in Queenstown.
- With 30.9% 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.
Queenstown STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Queenstown
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Queenstown is 73 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during July (average 96 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in May (average 65 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Summer (83 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Spring (66 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (73 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Queenstown.
- For July stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 96 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Summer season well in advance (at least 83 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Queenstown averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Queenstown (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Queenstown
- Essential amenities in Queenstown that guests expect include: Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, TV. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Hair dryer, Hot water, Essentials are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Queenstown: Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, TV.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Heating, Smoke alarm, TV.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Hair dryer or Hot water 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 Queenstown to stay competitive.
Queenstown Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Queenstown
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Queenstown consists of predominantly international visitors (78%), 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 22.5% of guests.
- Key international markets include Australia (37%) and New Zealand (22.5%).
- Top languages spoken are English (62.5%) followed by Chinese (12.3%).
- 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 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.
| Market | Active Properties | Monthly Revenue | Daily Rate | Avg. Occupancy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speargrass Flat | 11 | $5,180 | $485.89 | 52% |
| Ben Ohau | 11 | $4,849 | $208.30 | 71% |
| Dalefield | 11 | $4,599 | $426.39 | 46% |
| Queenstown | 18 | $4,528 | $384.01 | 47% |
| Arrow Junction | 16 | $3,401 | $390.27 | 51% |
| Arrowtown | 172 | $3,013 | $289.27 | 47% |
| Kawarau Falls | 17 | $2,979 | $408.69 | 43% |
| Lake Hayes | 60 | $2,919 | $222.68 | 59% |
| Wānaka | 1,004 | $2,865 | $277.58 | 46% |
| Mount Creighton | 22 | $2,809 | $203.13 | 56% |