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 2025 Insights:

Record commercial occupancy, driven by longer stays and jobs.

February '25 was a record-setting month for commercial occupancy in Kaikoura, driven by longer stays, strong international demand in campgrounds, and notable employment gains across accommodation and tour services.

 

Record occupancy driven by longer stays, fewer arrivals.

Occupancy rates rose in both commercial and short-term rental accommodation in February '25, each increasing by +4%pt YoY to reach 85% in commercial accommodation—the highest recorded occupancy rate—and 81% in short-term rentals. This record high for commercial accommodation was supported by a +2% YoY increase in guest nights and a -3% YoY reduction in available stay units. The growth in guest nights stemmed primarily from a +5% YoY increase in average stay length, despite a -3% YoY decline in guest arrivals.

 

Holiday parks and campgrounds gain occupancy while boutique lodgings decline

The rise in commercial occupancy was particularly driven by holiday parks and campgrounds, which saw a +9%pt increase in occupancy, reflecting both a +5% YoY growth in guest nights and a -6% YoY decline in available stay units. Guest night growth occurred across both domestic and international markets, with international guest nights rising +9% YoY. While holiday parks grew in popularity across visitor segments, lodges and boutique accommodations experienced a decline in guest nights from both markets, particularly domestic guest nights (-22% YoY).

 

Tourism employment holds steady, driven by strong travel services

Regional tourism-related employment remained stable over Feb ‘24, in line with national growth. The strongest performing sector was travel and tour services (+13% YoY). Additionally, accommodation-related employment increased by +8% YoY, in line with the overall rise in guest night volumes and occupancy levels.