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Christchurch hotels recorded a decade-high February occupancy rate of 96.4 per cent in 2026, well above the national average of 88.9 per cent.
New data from Hotel Data New Zealand shows the result is the highest February occupancy reported for the city in the past ten years, reflecting strong summer demand driven by events, improved air connectivity and international travel.
Novotel Christchurch Airport general manager James Wilson says February was the hotel’s strongest month since opening in 2019.
“February delivered a standout result for Novotel Christchurch Airport, marking our highest monthly occupancy since opening in 2019,” James says.
“It was a very strong month for the city overall and highlights the continued momentum Christchurch is building as a destination for visitors, events and business travel.”
ChristchurchNZ head of destination Kath Low says the figures highlight the strength of the city’s tourism recovery.
“These results show just how strong demand for Christchurch is right now. People want to come here – word has got out that the city is beautiful and the events and attractions fantastic,” Kath says.
Air connectivity has also supported growth. Christchurch Airport increased total summer capacity by 375,000 seats, an 11 per cent rise year-on-year, with domestic capacity up 10 per cent and international capacity up 15 per cent.
Christchurch Airport strategic communications manager Sean Tully says the increase in flights and seats is feeding directly into the city’s visitor economy.
“With more flights, more seats and more visitors choosing Ōtautahi as their gateway, that momentum is flowing right through the city’s hotels, events and businesses,” Sean says.
Major events also contributed to strong hotel demand. The Electric Avenue music festival was estimated to attract around 90,000 attendees across two days in February.
Based on previous event data, about 23,000 visitors are expected to have travelled to Christchurch from outside the region, generating more than 62,000 bed nights and an estimated $10.5 million in visitor spending.
Kath says the city’s events pipeline is expected to continue driving visitor demand.
“There is no denying the momentum in Ōtautahi right now,” Kath says.
“We’re gearing up for autumn with the opening of One New Zealand Stadium and a packed events calendar right around the corner.”
