Tourist beds in demand despite winter

Guest nights spent in the North Island increased 13 per cent to 1.4m in June, while in the South Island they rose 9.5 per cent to 767,000.

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

National guest nights jumped 12 per cent to 2.16 million in June from the same month a year earlier, the highest ever recorded for the month, Statistics New Zealand said.

The 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," said Statistics NZ business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly. "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 per cent to 1.4m in June, while in the South Island they rose 9.5 per cent to 767,000.

Domestic guest nights were up 11 per cent, while international guest nights jumped 14 per cent, the data 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 per cent. Guest nights at hotels and motels both increased 11 per cent, while nights at backpackers rose 5.3 per cent.

Booking in

• National guest nights jumped 12 per cent to 2.16m
• North Island increased 13 per cent to 1.4m
• South Island guest nights advanced 9.5 per cent to 767,000
• Domestic guest nights rose 11 per cent
• International guest nights jumped 14 per cent.