10 March 2006
Accommodation Survey: January 2006
Guest Nights Down in the North, Up in the South
Guest nights in short-term commercial accommodation were 2 percent lower in January 2006 than in January 2005,
Statistics New Zealand said today. North Island guest nights fell by 4 percent, while South Island guest nights rose by
2 percent.
The trend level in total guest nights has declined by 1 percent since April 2005, following a period of increases that
began in July 1998.
Seven of the 12 regions recorded fewer guest nights in January 2006 than in January 2005. The Bay of Plenty and
Auckland regions recorded the largest decreases, while Otago and Nelson/Marlborough/Tasman recorded the largest
increases. Guest nights spent by international visitors were 2 percent lower in January 2006 than in January 2005, while
domestic guest nights were also 2 percent lower.
In January 2006, international guest nights in the North Island were 5 percent lower than in January 2005, while
domestic guest nights were 4 percent lower. International guest nights in the South Island were 1 percent higher and
domestic guest nights were 3 percent higher. Caravan parks/camping grounds and hotels were the only two accommodation
types to show fewer guest nights in January 2006 than in January 2005.
Brian Pink
Government Statistician
ENDS