South Island Leads Guest Nights Increase
Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation for the South Island were 9 percent higher in November 2004 than in
November 2003, according to Statistics New Zealand. Guest nights in the North Island were 3 percent higher for the same
period. The trend in South Island guest nights has been increasing since August 1997 and the trend in North Island guest
nights has been increasing since September 1998.
Eleven of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in November 2004 than in November 2003. Canterbury recorded the
largest absolute increase in guest nights, comparing the two November months. Auckland was the only region to record
fewer guest nights for the same period.
Total guest nights were 2.7 million in November 2004, a 5 percent increase compared with November 2003. The trend in
total guest nights has been increasing since June 1998.
All five accommodation types recorded increases in guest nights in November 2004, compared with the previous November,
with caravan parks/camping grounds recording the largest absolute increase.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician