Welcome to the Destination Kaikōura Data Dashboard, providing real-time data & analytics helping stakeholders & local businesses understand the trends and dynamics of tourism in our beautiful region.

 

 

 

 

February 2024 Insights:

• February 2024, marking the end of the peak season with its long summer days and the celebration of Waitangi Day on the 6th, Kaikoura witnessed a robust performance in the tourism sector with increases in visitor card spending, accommodation demand and employment.
• The region continues to experience significantly increased visitor activity reflected in the total visitor card spend (+28% vs. Feb ‘23) of $9.7m in February 2024, which was split evenly between domestic and international visitors. 
• International visitor card spend increased significantly (+44% vs. Feb ‘23), whereas domestic visitor card spend increased only moderately (+15% vs. Feb ‘23). This resulted in a positive impact in the employment sector with a moderate increase in filled jobs (+11% vs. Feb ‘23) and a significant increase in overall employment earnings (+25% vs. Feb ’23). 
• The largest contribution to visitor card spending in February 2024 came from the retail sector with a total of $4.2m. The spending was largely driven by domestic visitors who contributed $2.4m spend with $1.9m coming from international visitors.
• Kaikoura’s accommodation sector highlighted impressive occupancy rates with 81% (+2%pt. vs. Feb ‘23) in commercial accommodation and 78% (+9%pt. vs. Feb ‘23) in short-term rental accommodation signifying the region’s popularity during the month. The highest average occupancy rates were recorded for motels and apartments which had average occupancy rates above 90%.The highest occupancy rate in short-term rentals was recorded on February 17th at 93%. 
• Meanwhile in the employment sector, the Transport Services industry in Kaikoura experienced a +11% (vs. Feb ‘23) surge in jobs and a significant +140% jump in employment earnings in February 2024, great news for Kaikouras residents and economy. Accommodation and Food and Beverage Services covered the highest share, covering 70% of filled jobs and 60% of the employment earnings.