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New analysis of more than 125 million accommodation reservations from SiteMinder, a leading hotel distribution and revenue platform, reveals that New Zealand travellers are increasingly prioritising direct bookings to secure the best deals and access personalised offers.
This growing desire for bespoke hotel experiences, which can often only be accessed by booking directly through hotel websites, reflects a broader trend of travellers demanding more value and tailored services from their accommodation providers.
The report highlights a significant shift in New Zealand’s travel behaviour, with domestic hotel guests steadily declining since 2021. Domestic bookings have dropped from contributing 93 per cent of the total in 2021 to just 60 per cent in 2024, reflecting a growing preference among Kiwis for international destinations.
In contrast, foreign hotel guests have seen a remarkable surge, rising from just 7 per cent in 2021 to 40 per cent in 2024. This sharp increase underscores the return of New Zealand’s appeal as an international destination.
In addition, New Zealand boasts one of the lowest cancellation rates globally at 17.9 per cent, alongside Australia (17.1 per cent), Germany (17.8 per cent), Philippines (16.2 per cent), Malaysia (12.5 per cent), and Indonesia (12.0 per cent), with cancellations running almost 2 per cent below the global average. This indicates a high level of commitment and confidence among New Zealand travellers.
Additional key findings include:
Shorter stays dominate
Shorter stays significantly dominated New Zealand’s hotel landscape in 2024, with nearly 9-in-10 (86 per cent) hotel bookings being for just one night. This preference likely stems from New Zealand’s unique geography, which is compact yet diverse, making it ideal for travellers who wish to explore multiple destinations within a single trip.
For domestic travellers, this geographical convenience allows them to pack in several cities and regions in a limited timeframe, with many opting to take quick getaways to experience a range of landscapes, activities and cultures. The growing trend of shorter stays reflects a desire to maximise travel experiences and make the most of New Zealand’s diverse offerings, whether it’s a weekend adventure or a week-long road trip across the islands.
Cheapest days to book
For those seeking the best rates, Sunday and Monday are the cheapest days to book, with Friday being the most expensive by approximately $20. This trend is consistent across 85 per cent of countries globally, with Sunday bookings becoming the preferred option for securing the best deals.
Longer booking windows
Travellers staying at New Zealand hotels are increasingly planning trips in advance, with the average booking window extending to 43 days in 2024, surpassing the global average of 32 days. This shift indicates that New Zealanders are increasingly planning their trips earlier to secure the best deals, aligning with a broader trend of travellers taking a more strategic and informed approach when booking hotel stays.
Summer peaks, winter lulls
There is a clear seasonal pattern in New Zealand’s hotel bookings, with January to March emerging as the busiest period for accommodation providers, driven by the summer holiday season. In contrast June and August represent the quietest months, reflecting the typical winter lull. This seasonal fluctuation highlights the importance for hoteliers to strategically plan and adjust pricing, marketing, and staffing to maximise revenue during peak periods while maintaining operational efficiency during the quieter months.
“The increasing preference for direct bookings among New Zealand travellers is a clear indication of their desire for more personalised and value-driven experiences,” says SiteMinder Asia Pacific regional vice president Bradley Haines.
“With Kiwis planning their trips further in advance, it’s evident that they are becoming more discerning and strategic in how they book and plan their travels. This trend not only highlights the growing importance of direct channels for hoteliers but also reinforces New Zealand’s position as a resilient and dynamic travel market.
“At SiteMinder, we are committed to helping hoteliers better align with these evolving preferences to enhance guest satisfaction and drive long-term success”.
In New Zealand, the Top 12 hotel booking sources in 2024, based on total gross revenue made for all users of SiteMinder’s platform, were:
- Booking.com
- Expedia Group
- Hotel websites (direct bookings)
- Global distribution systems
- Agoda
- Hotelbeds
- Trip.com
- Hostelworld Group
- Tourplan
- Pan Pacific Travel
- Airbnb
- Flight Centre Travel Group