Dunedin

As of May 2026, Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka have 614 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 8% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Dunedin generates NZ$34K per year. High-performing properties earn NZ$65K/year, while low-performing properties earn NZ$16K/year. The wide performance gap suggests that revenue is heavily concentrated in a top tier, potentially driven by listing specific appeal in a market where total supply is contracting.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Dunedin. Average annual revenue is NZ$34K with 41% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to NZ$65K/year. With supply decreasing annually, the significant revenue ceiling indicates that remaining operators may benefit from reduced competition despite broader downward trends in total market earnings.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Dunedin is 41%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of NZ$241, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of NZ$63 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Dunedin, with annual revenue of NZ$58K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Dunedin market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Dunedin area. Dunedin: Moderate. Resource consent required for non-hosted STRs, zoning restrictions apply. Enforcement occurs but not aggressive, some operate without consent. Queenstown: Strict. Resource consent mandatory, 28-day minimum stays in some zones, density caps in residential areas. Active enforcement with compliance monitoring and penalties. Wanaka: Strict. Resource consent required, 90-day cap for non-hosted rentals, owner-occupancy rules. Active enforcement, council investigates complaints and issues notices. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Dunedin Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 8% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 7%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. This simultaneous drop in both supply and revenue suggests that the market is struggling to maintain historical yield levels despite the reduced inventory.

Launch around November, 2-3 months before peak winter season (February peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 2% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (July-June) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Dunedin listings include: Kitchen (98%), Tv (90%), Heating (86%), Washing Machine (81%), Air Conditioning (78%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 40% more (NZ$68K/year vs NZ$48K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Dunedin over the last 12 months: May: NZ$2K, June: NZ$1K, July: NZ$1K, August: NZ$1K, September: NZ$1K, October: NZ$2K, November: NZ$2K, December: NZ$2K, January: NZ$2K, February: NZ$3K, March: NZ$3K, April: NZ$2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Dunedin is NZ$241, up 16% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average NZ$163/night, 2-bedroom properties average NZ$251/night, 3-bedroom properties average NZ$300/night, 4+ bedroom properties average NZ$402/night. Rates peak in February and are lowest in June.

Guests in Dunedin book an average of 35 days in advance, down 21% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 32 days, 2-bedroom: 35 days, 3-bedroom: 36 days, 4+ bedroom: 42 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Dunedin Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 8%, revenue per listing decreased 7%, occupancy fell 16%, average nightly rates increased 16%, and lead time decreased 21%. Rising nightly rates paired with declining occupancy and lead times signal a shift toward more reactive, short-notice booking patterns in a tighter market.

In Dunedin, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Monday. Weekends show 23% higher occupancy than weekdays.