Wellington Airbnb Market Analysis 2025: Short Term Rental Data & Vacation Rental Statistics in Wellington, New Zealand
Is Airbnb profitable in Wellington in 2025? Explore comprehensive Airbnb analytics for Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand to uncover income potential. This 2025 STR market report for Wellington, based on AirROI data from June 2024 to May 2025, reveals key trends in the bustling market of 1,152 active listings.
Whether you're considering an Airbnb investment in Wellington, optimizing your existing vacation rental, or exploring rental arbitrage opportunities, understanding the Wellington 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 Wellington Airbnb Performance Metrics Overview
Monthly Airbnb Revenue Variations & Income Potential in Wellington (2025)
Understanding the monthly revenue variations for Airbnb listings in Wellington 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 Wellington is typically January, while June often presents the lowest earnings, highlighting opportunities for strategic pricing adjustments during shoulder and low seasons. Explore the typical Airbnb income in Wellington across different performance tiers:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve $3,821+ monthly, often utilizing dynamic pricing and superior guest experiences.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) earn $2,505 or more, indicating effective management and desirable locations/amenities.
- Typical properties (Median) generate around $1,421 per month, representing the average market performance.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) see earnings around $677, often with potential for optimization.
Average Monthly Airbnb Earnings Trend in Wellington
Wellington Airbnb Occupancy Rate Trends (2025)
Maximize your bookings by understanding the Wellington 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 Wellington:
- Best-in-class properties (Top 10%) achieve 86%+ occupancy, indicating high desirability and potentially optimized availability.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) maintain 71% or higher occupancy, suggesting good market fit and guest satisfaction.
- Typical properties (Median) have an occupancy rate around 49%.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) average 25% occupancy, potentially facing higher vacancy.
Average Monthly Occupancy Rate Trend in Wellington
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Airbnb Trends in Wellington (2025)
Effective short term rental pricing strategy in Wellington involves understanding monthly ADR fluctuations. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) for Airbnb in Wellington typically peaks in January and dips lowest during August. 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 $236+ per night, often due to premium features or locations.
- Strong performing properties (Top 25%) achieve nightly rates of $159 or more.
- Typical properties (Median) charge around $96 per night.
- Entry-level properties (Bottom 25%) earn around $58 per night.
Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trend by Month in Wellington
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Airbnb Seasonality Analysis & Trends in Wellington (2025)
Peak Season (January, February, March)
- Revenue averages $2,235 per month
- Occupancy rates average 56.5%
- Daily rates average $133
Shoulder Season
- Revenue averages $1,797 per month
- Occupancy maintains around 48.2%
- Daily rates hold near $121
Low Season (May, June, September)
- Revenue drops to average $1,469 per month
- Occupancy decreases to average 40.6%
- Daily rates adjust to average $122
Seasonality Insights for Wellington
- The Airbnb seasonality in Wellington 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 Wellington's highest earning potential, with monthly revenues capable of climbing to $2,297, occupancy reaching a high of 60.5%, and ADRs peaking at $135.
- 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 $1,399, occupancy could drop to 39.2%, and ADRs may adjust down to $117.
- 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 Wellington.
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 Wellington seasonality benchmarks and adjust your pricing and availability strategy accordingly.
Best Areas for Airbnb Investment in Wellington (2025)
Exploring the top neighborhoods for short-term rentals in Wellington? 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Te Aro | Vibrant neighborhood in the heart of Wellington, filled with cafes, restaurants, and the famous Cuba Street. Ideal for tourists who want to experience the city's culture and nightlife. | Cuba Street, Wellington Waterfront, Te Papa Museum, Wellington Cable Car, Victoria University of Wellington |
| Mount Victoria | Picturesque suburb known for its stunning views of the city and harbor. A popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a quieter experience close to the city center. | Mount Victoria Lookout, Hiking trails, Wellington Botanic Garden, Oriental Bay, Te Aro Park |
| Kelburn | Home to the iconic Wellington Cable Car and beautiful gardens, Kelburn is a peaceful residential area that appeals to families and visitors seeking greenery and proximity to the city. | Wellington Cable Car, Kelburn Village, Carter Observatory, Botanic Garden, Victoria University |
| Oriental Bay | Famous for its beach and scenic waterfront, Oriental Bay attracts both locals and tourists looking for a relaxing coastal experience. | Oriental Bay Beach, Wellington Waterfront, Amora Hotel, Fragrant Garden, Scenic Ocean Views |
| Hataitai | Charming suburb close to the city center, known for its community feel and proximity to parks and trails, making it a favorable location for families and young professionals. | Hataitai Beach, Hataitai Village, Nearby Parks, Mount Victoria Walkway, Local Cafes |
| Island Bay | A picturesque seaside suburb with a friendly community and beautiful beaches, perfect for those looking for a laid-back lifestyle away from the hustle of the CBD. | Island Bay Beach, Southern Coast Walkway, Cleveland Park, Scenic Views, Local Restaurants |
| Thorndon | Historic neighborhood known for its heritage buildings and close proximity to the Parliament and Botanical Gardens, making it attractive to both tourists and professionals. | Old St Paul's, Wellington Botanical Garden, Parliament Buildings, Thorndon Quay, Local Cafes |
| Miramar | Home to the film industry and stunning coastlines, Miramar attracts film enthusiasts and those looking for a vibrant community atmosphere. | Weta Workshop, Miramar Beach, Scenic Walks, Local Cinemas, Marine Reserve |
Understanding Airbnb License Requirements & STR Laws in Wellington (2025)
While Wellington, Wellington, 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 Wellington to ensure full compliance before hosting.
(Source: AirROI data, 2025, based on 2% licensed listings)
Top Performing Airbnb Properties in Wellington (2025)
Benchmark your potential! Explore examples of top-performing Airbnb properties in Wellingtonbased on Trailing Twelve Month (TTM) revenue. Analyze their characteristics, revenue, occupancy rate, and ADR to understand what drives success in this market.
CBD Penthouse, carpark & views!
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Prime property, Prime location
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Lambton Quay Loft - Sleeps 11
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Exquisite central city luxury 3 bedroom villa
Entire Place • 3 bedrooms
Stunning inner-city property
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Mt Victoria/Basin Reserve Villa
Entire Place • 4 bedrooms
Note: Performance varies based on location, size, amenities, seasonality, and management quality. Data reflects the past 12 months.
Top Performing Airbnb Hosts in Wellington (2025)
Learn from the best! This table showcases top-performing Airbnb hosts in Wellington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jared | 54 | $1,287,207 | 4646 | 4.76/5.0 |
| Sally | 22 | $795,628 | 2406 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Richard | 17 | $770,034 | 403 | 4.93/5.0 |
| Jenna | 23 | $514,233 | 1096 | 4.91/5.0 |
| Suresh | 17 | $481,747 | 443 | 4.43/5.0 |
| Ohana | 5 | $277,576 | 667 | 4.69/5.0 |
| John | 7 | $236,489 | 599 | 4.75/5.0 |
| Giles | 6 | $226,437 | 411 | 4.84/5.0 |
| Steve Zee | 9 | $211,370 | 91 | 4.59/5.0 |
| Tia | 9 | $184,838 | 236 | 4.37/5.0 |
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 Wellington.
Dive Deeper: Advanced Wellington STR Market Data (2025)
Ready to unlock more insights? AirROI provides access to advanced metrics and comprehensive Airbnb data for Wellington. Explore detailed analytics beyond this report to refine your investment strategy, optimize pricing, and maximize your vacation rental profits.
Explore Advanced MetricsWellington Short-Term Rental Market Composition (2025): Property & Room Types
Room Type Distribution
Property Type Distribution
Market Composition Insights for Wellington
- The Wellington Airbnb market composition is heavily skewed towards Entire Home/Apt listings, which make up 70.3% of the 1,152 active rentals. This indicates strong guest preference for privacy and space.
- Looking at the property type distribution in Wellington, House properties are the most common (47.4%), reflecting the local real estate landscape.
- Houses represent a significant 47.4% portion, catering likely to families or larger groups.
- The presence of 10.3% Hotel/Boutique listings indicates integration with traditional hospitality.
- Smaller segments like outdoor/unique, unique stays (combined 0.9%) offer potential for unique stay experiences.
Wellington Airbnb Room Capacity Analysis (2025): Bedroom Distribution
Distribution of Listings by Number of Bedrooms
Room Capacity Insights for Wellington
- The dominant room capacity in Wellington is 1 bedroom listings, making up 33.6% of the market. This suggests a strong demand for properties suitable for couples or solo travelers.
- Together, 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms properties represent 55.6% of the active Airbnb listings in Wellington, indicating a high concentration in these sizes.
- A significant 21.0% of listings offer 3+ bedrooms, catering to larger groups and families seeking more space in Wellington.
Wellington Vacation Rental Guest Capacity Trends (2025)
Distribution of Listings by Guest Capacity
Guest Capacity Insights for Wellington
- The most common guest capacity trend in Wellington vacation rentals is listings accommodating 2 guests (28%). This suggests the primary traveler segment is likely couples or solo travelers.
- Properties designed for 2 guests and 4 guests dominate the Wellington STR market, accounting for 44.6% of listings.
- 18.7% of properties accommodate 6+ guests, serving the market segment for larger families or group travel in Wellington.
- On average, properties in Wellington are equipped to host 3.0 guests.
Wellington Airbnb Booking Patterns (2025): Available vs. Booked Days
Available Days Distribution
Booked Days Distribution
Booking Pattern Insights for Wellington
- The most common availability pattern in Wellington falls within the 271-366 days range, representing 39% of listings. This suggests many properties have significant open periods on their calendars.
- Approximately 70.2% 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 Wellington (31.1%), reflecting common guest stay durations or potential owner blocking patterns.
- A notable 31.3% of properties secure long booking periods (181+ days booked per year), highlighting successful long-term rental strategies or significant owner usage.
Wellington Airbnb Minimum Stay Requirements Analysis
Distribution of Listings by Minimum Night Requirement
1 Night
375 listings
33.7% of total
2 Nights
423 listings
38% of total
3 Nights
45 listings
4% of total
4-6 Nights
48 listings
4.3% of total
7-29 Nights
29 listings
2.6% of total
30+ Nights
193 listings
17.3% of total
Key Insights
- The most prevalent minimum stay requirement in Wellington is 2 Nights, adopted by 38% of listings. This highlights the market's preference for shorter, flexible bookings.
- A strong majority (71.7%) of the Wellington Airbnb data shows acceptance of very short stays (1-2 nights), indicating a dynamic, high-turnover market.
- A significant segment (17.3%) caters to monthly stays (30+ nights) in Wellington, pointing to opportunities in the extended-stay market.
Recommendations
- Align with the market by considering a 2 Nights minimum stay, as 38% of Wellington hosts use this setting.
- Explore offering discounts for stays of 30+ nights to attract the 17.3% of the market seeking extended stays.
- Adjust minimum nights based on seasonality – potentially shorter during low season and longer during peak demand periods in Wellington.
Wellington Airbnb Cancellation Policy Trends Analysis (2025)
Super Strict 60 Days
2 listings
0.2% of total
Flexible
361 listings
33.4% of total
Moderate
384 listings
35.5% of total
Firm
155 listings
14.3% of total
Strict
179 listings
16.6% of total
Cancellation Policy Insights for Wellington
- The prevailing Airbnb cancellation policy trend in Wellington is Moderate, used by 35.5% of listings.
- There's a relatively balanced mix between guest-friendly (68.9%) and stricter (30.9%) policies, offering choices for different guest needs.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Consider adopting a Moderate policy to align with the 35.5% market standard in Wellington.
- Regularly review your cancellation policy against competitors and market demand shifts in Wellington.
Wellington STR Booking Lead Time Analysis (2025)
Average Booking Lead Time by Month
Booking Lead Time Insights for Wellington
- The overall average booking lead time for vacation rentals in Wellington is 46 days.
- Guests book furthest in advance for stays during December (average 65 days), likely coinciding with peak travel demand or local events.
- The shortest booking windows occur for stays in July (average 27 days), indicating more last-minute travel plans during this time.
- Seasonally, Winter (61 days avg.) sees the longest lead times, while Summer (35 days avg.) has the shortest, reflecting typical travel planning cycles.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Use the overall average lead time (46 days) as a baseline for your pricing and availability strategy in Wellington.
- For December stays, consider implementing length-of-stay discounts or slightly higher rates for bookings made less than 65 days out to capitalize on advance planning.
- Target marketing efforts for the Winter season well in advance (at least 61 days) to capture early planners.
- Monitor your own booking lead times against these Wellington averages to identify opportunities for dynamic pricing adjustments.
Popular & Essential Airbnb Amenities in Wellington (2025)
Amenity Prevalence
Amenity Insights for Wellington
- Essential amenities in Wellington that guests expect include: Wifi, Smoke alarm. Lacking these (any) could significantly impact bookings.
- Popular amenities like Heating, Hot water, TV are common but not universal. Offering these can provide a competitive edge.
Recommendations for Hosts
- Ensure your listing includes all essential amenities for Wellington: Wifi, Smoke alarm.
- Prioritize adding missing essentials: Wifi, Smoke alarm.
- Consider adding popular differentiators like Heating 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 Wellington to stay competitive.
Wellington Airbnb Guest Demographics & Profile Analysis (2025)
Guest Profile Summary for Wellington
- The typical guest profile for Airbnb in Wellington consists of a mix of domestic (53%) 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 53.1% of guests.
- Key international markets include New Zealand (53.1%) and United States (12.7%).
- Top languages spoken are English (62.8%) followed by French (6.5%).
- 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 Wellington 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kaikōura | 269 | $1,939 | $191.25 | 42% |
| Martinborough Community | 228 | $1,874 | $197.78 | 38% |
| Mārahau | 44 | $1,828 | $191.78 | 43% |
| Picton | 105 | $1,814 | $171.14 | 46% |
| Renwick | 25 | $1,788 | $204.89 | 43% |
| Kaiteriteri | 91 | $1,759 | $285.70 | 36% |
| Lyford | 10 | $1,682 | $167.38 | 35% |
| Māpua | 62 | $1,545 | $183.72 | 43% |
| Nelson | 508 | $1,486 | $164.98 | 45% |
| Tasman | 36 | $1,484 | $280.42 | 36% |