Accommodation Survey: December 2005
10 February 2006
Annual Guest Nights Increase
Total guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation for the 2005 calendar year were 2 percent higher than the
previous year, Statistics New Zealand said today. The major event that affected guest nights during 2005 was the British
and Irish Lions rugby tour during June and July.
In 2005, guest nights in both the North and South Islands were also up 2 percent.
Ten of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in 2005 than in the previous year, with the Otago and Wellington
regions showing the largest increases. All five accommodation types recorded more guest nights, with backpackers/hostels
showing the largest increase.
In the December 2005 month, guest nights were 3 percent lower than in December 2004. North Island guest nights fell by 4
percent and South Island guest nights fell by 3 percent.
Nine of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights in December 2005 than in December 2004.
The Canterbury, Northland and Auckland regions showed the largest decreases. The only regions to show more guest nights
were Otago, Taranaki/Manawatu-Wanganui and Wellington.
Backpackers/hostels was the only accommodation type to record more guest nights in December 2005 than in December 2004.
Caravan parks/camping grounds and motels recorded the largest decreases.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
ENDS