Queenstown

As of May 2026, Queenstown, Wanaka, Arrowtown have 3,878 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 0% increase from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Queenstown generates NZ$105K per year. High-performing properties earn NZ$208K/year, while low-performing properties earn NZ$47K/year. This wide earnings variance highlights a significant disparity in asset utilization, suggesting that top-tier properties effectively capture premium demand while laggards struggle to maintain relevance in a stable supply environment.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Queenstown. Average annual revenue is NZ$105K with 52% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to NZ$208K/year. The delta between average and high performance indicates that market saturation does not impact all assets equally, as yield is heavily concentrated among listings that likely optimize for current traveler preferences.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Queenstown is 52%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of NZ$566, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of NZ$204 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Queenstown, with annual revenue of NZ$155K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Queenstown market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Queenstown area. Queenstown: Moderate. Resource consent required for STRs in residential zones, 28-day minimum stays in some areas. Enforcement increasing with complaints-based system. Wanaka: Moderate. Similar rules to Queenstown under QLDC jurisdiction, resource consent needed, 28-day minimums in residential zones. Growing enforcement focus. Arrowtown: Moderate. QLDC rules apply, resource consent required, character zone restrictions. Enforcement via complaints, some non-compliant operators exist. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Queenstown Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has grown 0% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 4%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. Stagnant supply coupled with shrinking revenue suggests that existing inventory is facing downward pressure on earnings despite the lack of new market entrants.

Launch around November, 2-3 months before peak winter season (February peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 25% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (October-May) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Queenstown listings include: Kitchen (96%), Tv (89%), Washing Machine (89%), Heating (78%), Air Conditioning (76%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Hot Tub, Washing Machine, Bbq, with Hot Tub properties earning approximately 58% more (NZ$173K/year vs NZ$109K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Queenstown over the last 12 months: May: NZ$3K, June: NZ$3K, July: NZ$6K, August: NZ$6K, September: NZ$5K, October: NZ$4K, November: NZ$6K, December: NZ$9K, January: NZ$8K, February: NZ$9K, March: NZ$7K, April: NZ$7K. 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 Queenstown is NZ$566, up 6% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average NZ$275/night, 2-bedroom properties average NZ$431/night, 3-bedroom properties average NZ$663/night, 4+ bedroom properties average NZ$1K/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Queenstown book an average of 53 days in advance, down 7% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 45 days, 2-bedroom: 53 days, 3-bedroom: 55 days, 4+ bedroom: 64 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Queenstown Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply grew 0%, revenue per listing decreased 4%, occupancy fell 3%, average nightly rates increased 6%, and lead time decreased 7%. These trends point to a market where higher pricing is failing to offset weaker occupancy, reflecting a tightening consumer environment.

In Queenstown, Friday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Tuesday. Weekends show 7% higher occupancy than weekdays.