Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Southland, New Zealand

Source: AirROI
Last updated: 2025-03-31

Is Airbnb profitable in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, Southland, New Zealand to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, based on AirROI data from April 2024 to March 2025, reveals key trends in the niche market of 35 active listings.

Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Stewart Island / Rakiura Community 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview

Avg. Daily Rate (ADR)(?)
$205
The average rental revenue earned for an occupied room per day in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.
Occupancy Rate(?)
50.3%
High demand. Good booking frequency.
Median Annual Revenue(?)
$30,607
Typical annual income for an Airbnb listing in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community. Factors like property type, size, and location influence actual earnings.
Revenue Growth YoY(?)
-1.3%
Slight decrease (-1.3%) vs. last year.
Peak Revenue Month(?)
January
The month with the highest average earnings, indicating peak season in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.
Lowest Revenue Month(?)
August
The month with the lowest average earnings, indicating the low season in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.
STR Regulation Level(?)
Low
Fewer regulations, offering more operational flexibility.
Active Airbnb Listings(?)
35
Total number of active short-term rentals listed.

Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

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

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $5,571+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $3,904 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
  • Typical properties (Median) generate around $2,580 per month, representing the average market performance.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $1,660, often with potential for optimization.

Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)

Maximize your bookings by understanding the Stewart Island / Rakiura Community STR occupancy trends. Seasonal demand shifts significantly influence how often properties are booked. Typically, Februarysees the highest demand (peak season occupancy), while August 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community:

  • Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 77%+ 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 51%.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 34% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.

Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community typically peaks in November 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 $359+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
  • Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $213 or more.
  • Typical properties (Median) charge around $174 per night.
  • Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $129 per night.

Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

Peak Season (January, February, March)
  • Revenue averages $4,171 per month
  • Occupancy rates average 71.5%
  • Daily rates average $207
Shoulder Season
  • Revenue averages $3,110 per month
  • Occupancy maintains around 50.7%
  • Daily rates hold near $197
Low Season (July, August, September)
  • Revenue drops to average $1,596 per month
  • Occupancy decreases to average 24.9%
  • Daily rates adjust to average $189

Seasonality Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The Airbnb seasonality in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $4,383, occupancy reaching a high of 77.7%, and ADRs peaking at $211.
  • 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 $1,373, occupancy could drop to 22.9%, and ADRs may adjust down to $188.
  • 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.

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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.

Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community? 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
Oban
The main settlement on Stewart Island, Oban offers easy access to stunning landscapes, local culture, and amenities. Visitors often seek accommodations to explore the nearby Rakiura National Park and its pristine nature.
Rakiura National Park, Ulva Island, Stewart Island Museum, Observation Rock, Golden Bay
Rakiura National Park
A top spot for nature lovers, this national park is famous for its unique wildlife and unspoiled beauty. It's popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience the great outdoors.
Rakiura Track, Paddy's Path, Canoeing on Paterson Inlet, Wildlife viewing, Scenic viewpoints
Halfmoon Bay
A picturesque bay dotted with beautiful beaches and walking paths. This area is ideal for tourists looking to relax and enjoy water activities, including fishing and kayaking.
Halfmoon Bay, Beaches, Fishing trips, Kayaking, Walking trails
Bend of the River
A serene and tranquil area perfect for those wanting a quiet getaway. Close to nature and offers stunning scenic views and solitude.
Scenic walks, Birdwatching, Photography, Local flora and fauna, Fishing spots
Port William
A remote and beautiful area for visitors who enjoy solitude and untouched nature. Popular with those seeking deeper exploration and a disconnect from city life.
Port William Track, Fishing, Scenic views, Camping spots, Ideal for nature lovers
Paterson Inlet
Known for its stunning landscapes and wildlife, this inlet attracts eco-tourists and is a gateway for many water-based activities. Ideal for nature exploration.
Eco-Tours, Kayaking, Scenic boat trips, Wildlife tours, Fishing
Ackers Point
Offers amazing coastal views and is a great spot for walkways and scenic photography. Popular with those seeking picturesque locations.
Coastal views, Walkways, Picnic areas, Photography spots, Fishing
Leask Bay
A small bay that is more secluded, perfect for travelers looking for peace and quiet. Known for its beautiful scenery and local fishing spots.
Leask Bay Beach, Fishing, Swimming, Relaxing spots, Nature exploration

Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

While Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, Southland, 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community to ensure full compliance before hosting.

(Source: AirROI data, 2025, finding no licensed listings among those analyzed)

Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

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

Bellbird Retreat Stewart Island

Bellbird Retreat Stewart Island

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$70,161
Revenue
46.4%
Occupancy
$416.80
Daily Rate
Lonnekers Beach Accommodation

Lonnekers Beach Accommodation

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$69,891
Revenue
38.4%
Occupancy
$504.31
Daily Rate
Tokoeka PurePod - Glass EcoCabin

Tokoeka PurePod - Glass EcoCabin

Entire Place • 1 bedroom

$67,335
Revenue
37.8%
Occupancy
$482.32
Daily Rate
Sea View Retreat, & Car Available

Sea View Retreat, & Car Available

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$53,181
Revenue
62.6%
Occupancy
$233.86
Daily Rate
Kererū House - Rakiura/Stewart Island

Kererū House - Rakiura/Stewart Island

Entire Place • 4 bedrooms

$50,853
Revenue
49.0%
Occupancy
$284.79
Daily Rate
Five Ferns Rakiura

Five Ferns Rakiura

Entire Place • 3 bedrooms

$48,886
Revenue
60.4%
Occupancy
$328.89
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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community 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
Sandra4$121,2004974.92/5.0
Holly2$79,428194.82/5.0
Sol1$70,161434.91/5.0
Debbie1$69,891614.92/5.0
Nicola2$56,7162364.79/5.0
Andrew1$50,8531074.84/5.0
Simon1$48,88655.00/5.0
Warren2$48,7045394.84/5.0
Amanda1$42,284434.93/5.0
Chris1$41,809595.00/5.0

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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.

Dive Deeper: Advanced Stewart Island / Rakiura Community STR Market Data (2025)

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

Explore Advanced Metrics

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types

Room Type Distribution

Property Type Distribution

Market Composition Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 91.4% of the 35 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
  • Looking at the property type distribution in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, House properties are the most common (74.3%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
  • Houses represent a significant 74.3% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
  • The presence of 11.4% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
  • Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, others (combined 5.8%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution

Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms

Room Capacity Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The dominant room capacity in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community is 2 bedrooms listings, making up 28.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
  • Together, 2 bedrooms and 1 bedroom properties represent 54.3% of the active Airbnb listings in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
  • A significant 40.1% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)

Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity

Guest Capacity Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The most common guest capacity trend in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (25.7%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
  • Properties designed for 2 guests and 6 guests dominate the Stewart Island / Rakiura Community STR market, accounting for 48.6% of listings.
  • 42.9% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.
  • On average, properties in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community are equipped to host 4.6 guests.

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days

Available Days Distribution

Booked Days Distribution

Booking Pattern Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The most common availability pattern in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community falls within the 91-180 days range, representing 42.9% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
  • Approximately 57.1% 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (42.9%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
  • A notable 42.9% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis

Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement

1 Night (8.8%)

1 Night

3 listings

8.8% of total

2 Nights (38.2%)

2 Nights

13 listings

38.2% of total

3 Nights (17.6%)

3 Nights

6 listings

17.6% of total

30+ Nights (35.3%)

30+ Nights

12 listings

35.3% of total

Key Insights

  • The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community is 2 Nights, adopted by 38.2% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
  • A significant segment (35.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.

Recommendations

  • Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 38.2% of Stewart Island / Rakiura Community hosts use this setting.
  • If feasible, allowing 1-night stays, especially midweek or during low season, could capture last-minute bookings, as only 8.8% currently do.
  • A 2-night minimum appears standard (38.2%). Consider this for weekends or peak periods.
  • Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 35.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
  • Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)

Flexible (14.7%)

Flexible

5 listings

14.7% of total

Moderate (26.5%)

Moderate

9 listings

26.5% of total

Firm (20.6%)

Firm

7 listings

20.6% of total

Strict (38.2%)

Strict

13 listings

38.2% of total

Cancellation Policy Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community is Strict, used by 38.2% of listings.
  • A majority (58.8%) of hosts in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community 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 38.2% market standard in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.
  • With 38.2% using Strict terms, this is a viable option in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community, particularly for high-value properties or during peak demand periods.
  • Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)

Average Booking Lead Time by Month

Booking Lead Time Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community is 97 days.
  • Guests book furthest in advance for stays during January (average 148 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
  • The shortest booking windows occur for stays in June (average 64 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
  • Seasonally, Winter (134 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (76 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Use the overall average lead time (97 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community.
  • For January stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 148 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
  • Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 134 days) to capture early planners.
  • Monitor your own booking lead times against these Stewart Island / Rakiura Community averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.

Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community (2025)

Amenity Prevalence

Amenity Insights for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • Essential amenities in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community that guests expect include: Smoke alarm. Lacking these (this) could significantly impact bookings.
  • Popular amenities like Heating, Essentials, Hot water are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Stewart Island / Rakiura Community: Smoke alarm.
  • Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating or Essentials 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community to stay competitive.

Stewart Island / Rakiura Community 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community

  • The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Stewart Island / Rakiura Community consists of a mix of domestic (51%) and international guests, often arriving from nearby Auckland, typically belonging to the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group (50%), primarily speaking English or French.
  • Domestic travelers account for 51.4% of guests.
  • Key international markets include New Zealand (51.4%) and United States (19.5%).
  • Top languages spoken are English (68.9%) followed by French (9.4%).
  • A significant demographic segment is the Post-2000s (Gen Z/Alpha) group, representing 50% of guests.

Recommendations for Hosts

  • Balance marketing efforts between domestic and international channels based on the guest mix.
  • 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 Stewart Island / Rakiura Community 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
Queenstown1,984$4,980$348.7056%
Queenstown18$4,528$384.0147%
Kawarau Falls17$2,979$408.6943%
Mount Creighton22$2,809$203.1356%
Closeburn10$2,584$209.9745%
Jacks Point157$2,461$277.6351%
Fiordland Community336$2,435$163.2656%
Gibbston23$1,914$298.1639%
Kingston16$1,891$164.0451%
Cromwell Community183$1,669$187.2442%

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