Christmas accommodation tops $34,000 a week

Kiwis are being urged to book their summer holidays as soon as possible as demand and prices climb in popular spots.

According to accommodation booking site Bookabach, just two of its 152 listings in the Tasman region are still available over Christmas, one of which is priced at more than $34,000 a week.

In the North Island, just 2 per cent of properties in Whangamata and 9 per cent of the site’s listings in Taupo¯ are still available from December 23 to 30.

Bookabach travel expert Simone Scoppa said demand until recently had been a lot lower.

But holiday homes and baches are shaping up to be hot property in popular spots this Christmas.

While couples generally have it better (read: cheaper) simply through needing less space, rates for studio and one-bedroom options aren’t immune to seasonal price rises.

Scoppa said average nightly rates increase 23 per cent, from $215 to $280, in Nelson over the high season (December to March). In neighbouring Tasman, prices typically rise by 28 per cent over the same period.

The increase is obvious in the few listings still available.

Of the properties available in Tasman, a seven-night stay in a studio overlooking the Motueka River comes in at $2675, and a self-catered week aboard the Jamarh, a catamaran in Abel Tasman National Park, will set you back $34,390.

The price is fixed, whether two or 10 guests are aboard, but the boat comes with a skipper, standup paddle boards and kayaks.

But Aaron Clancy, spokesman for Trade Me-owned booking site Holiday Houses, said inquiries and bookings for November to January were down 14 per cent on last year.

‘‘We expect many Kiwis are waiting to see what happens in the coming months before they begin to make their summer holiday plans.

‘‘It appears that some Kiwis are making the most of their freedom to move around the country now instead of waiting for summer.’’