Christmas accommodation is hot property

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 that with the coronavirus outbreak causing travel cancellations and lower bookings than usual, demand until recently lower.

However, holiday homes and bachs 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 onebedroom options are not immune to seasonal price rises.

Scoppa said average nightly had been a lot 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 in the popular holiday region.

Of the properties available in Tasman, a seven-night stay in a studio overlooking the Motueka

River comes in at $2675, while 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.

Scoppa’s advice to those yet to make a booking was to start looking now.