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Growing demand from international travellers across Asia helped reshape guest mix and booking behaviour at New Zealand hotels in 2025, according to new data from SiteMinder.
SiteMinder’s Hotel Booking Trends report, based on more than 130 million hotel bookings globally, shows New Zealand ranked among the top three markets for average booking lead time in 2025 at 44 days. Ireland led at 46 days, followed by Portugal at 45 days.
The extended booking window reflects renewed international demand and New Zealand’s position as a long-haul destination.
New Zealand was also one of only a small number of markets globally, alongside Malaysia, to record a significant increase in international reservations in 2025, rising from 37.94 per cent in 2024 to 41.47 per cent.
The resurgence was reflected in booking channels. Agoda entered New Zealand’s top four revenue-generating channels for the first time, while Chinese travel platform Trip.com reached seventh position — its highest ranking in the country’s top 12.
New Zealand recorded a relatively low cancellation rate of 17.7 per cent in 2025, indicating increased traveller confidence and stronger commitment to travel plans.
SiteMinder regional vice president Asia Pacific Bradley Haines says the data marks a turning point for the accommodation sector.
“New Zealand’s recovery story in 2025 was defined by returning international demand from across Asia in particular and longer booking horizons. As a long-haul destination, travellers naturally plan further in advance, and that plays directly into the hands of hoteliers who have more time to optimise pricing and maximise revenue. Combined with lower cancellation rates, this creates a far more predictable operating environment than we’ve seen in recent years,” says Bradley.
A summer-focused market
The data shows New Zealand remained one of the most seasonally concentrated markets analysed. Of the 20 destinations reviewed, New Zealand recorded the highest percentage of arrivals in January and the second-highest percentage in December, behind Malaysia.
Despite established winter tourism offerings, the concentration of arrivals in December and January reflects the country’s peak summer season.
B2B channels gain traction
New Zealand hotels also demonstrated growth in business-to-business distribution. Hotelbeds entered the country’s top five revenue-generating channels for the first time, while WebBeds entered the top 12.
Bradley says hotels are becoming more strategic in managing channel mix.
“In a market defined by seasonal peaks, long-haul travel patterns and growing international demand, the hotels that can strategically manage this diverse mix of channels are the ones maximising revenue and driving stronger business performance,” he says.
Top 12 booking sources for New Zealand hotels in 2025
- Booking.com
- Expedia Group
- Hotel websites (direct bookings)
- Agoda
- Hotelbeds
- Global distribution systems
- Trip.com
- Hostelworld Group
- Pan Pacific Travel
- Tourplan
- WebBeds
- Airbnb
The annual SiteMinder Hotel Booking Trends report analyses bookings across 20 global destinations. SiteMinder’s platform supports more than 50,000 hotels worldwide.
