New Zealand guest nights jump to a record in June amid tourism boom

Domestic guest nights rose 11 percent, while international guest nights jumped 14 percent, the statistics agency said. Photo / Tourism Holdings

New Zealand accommodation providers had their biggest-ever influx for a June month this year, with local and international visitors on the move in what is typically the off-season.

National guest nights jumped 12 percent to 2,163 in June from the same month a year earlier, and the highest ever recorded for the month, Statistics New Zealand said.

The country's accommodation sector is in a sweet spot as record tourism pushes up demand, with research pointing to the need for increased hotel development over the next decade to avoid a looming shortfall of beds. The latest data shows record guest nights in June across both main islands, domestic and international guest nights, and all four accommodation types spanning hotels, motels, backpackers and holiday parks.

"Domestic and international guest nights in both main islands reached record levels for a June month," Statistics NZ business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly said. "Although June is in the off-season for most accommodation providers, guest nights this June are the highest recorded for any June month."

Guest nights spent in the North Island increased 13 percent to 1,396 in June, while South Island guest nights advanced 9.5 percent to 767.

Domestic guest nights rose 11 percent, while international guest nights jumped 14 percent, the statistics agency said. All 12 regional areas experienced a lift in guest nights.

Warmer weather in June boosted demand for holiday park accommodation, where guests nights rose 26 percent. Guest nights at hotels and motels both increased 11 percent, while nights at backpackers rose 5.3 percent.