Owning a holiday home, or a “bach” or “crib” as they are fondly known in New Zealand, is a dream for many Kiwis. But what if you could make money from your second home while still enjoying it yourself? That’s the beauty of short-term holiday rentals. Platforms like Airbnb have made it easier than ever for Kiwis to rent out their holiday properties to tourists, offsetting the costs of owning a second home while keeping the flexibility to use the property for their own getaways.
Why Are Kiwis Jumping on the Short-Term Rental Bandwagon?
For many New Zealanders, renting out their holiday home is more than just a way to make extra income—it’s also a savvy investment strategy. Many owners have second homes that sit empty for part of the year. By listing these homes on short-term rental platforms, owners can cover the costs of maintenance, property taxes, and even generate some extra cash.
What’s even better is that these properties aren’t just a source of income—they’re still available for personal use. When you own a holiday home, you can enjoy those weekends away or summer vacations and then turn it into a money-making asset when you’re not using it. It’s the perfect balance of pleasure and profit.
A Growing Market with Plenty of Potential
New Zealand’s tourism industry is slowly returning to boom times, and certain regions are seeing high demand for short-term rentals. Iconic spots like Queenstown, the Bay of Plenty, and coastal towns with beautiful beaches are hotbeds for tourists looking for a home away from home. This presents a fantastic opportunity for owners to capitalise on the demand and generate income from their properties.
Thanks to platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Bookabach, managing a short-term rental has never been easier. These platforms allow owners to list and manage their properties directly, giving them more control over the process and access to a global pool of guests.
The Popularity of Holiday Rentals
New Zealanders have a long-standing tradition of spending weekends and holidays in their holiday homes, especially during the summer months. This culture of enjoying time in a getaway spot contributes to the growing popularity of short-term rentals. Whether it’s for a quiet retreat or a family reunion, owning a holiday home allows you to embrace that Kiwi spirit of enjoying nature, adventure, and downtime.
The Realities of Managing a Holiday Rental
While the idea of owning a short-term holiday rental sounds like a dream, it’s not without its challenges. Owners must be aware of local government regulations, which can vary by region, and make sure they are compliant with all the rules for renting out their property. Some properties are also part of body corporate developments, where there are additional rules about how properties are managed and maintained.
And let’s not forget the occasional tricky guest. Whether it’s managing their expectations or dealing with property damage, the life of a holiday rental owner can sometimes come with a few headaches. But, as many experienced owners will tell you, these challenges are part of the process but are few and far between. The satisfaction of providing a welcoming place for visitors is well worth the effort.
Why It’s All Worth It
Despite the ups and downs, there’s a great deal of satisfaction in owning and managing a short-term rental. Not only are you helping tourists enjoy your beautiful country, but you’re also turning your second home into a viable income stream. For many, it’s the perfect side hustle that blends well with the Kiwi way of life.
In the coming months, I’ll be sharing more insights, tips, and stories from the world of short-term holiday rentals. I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts and answering any questions you may have as we navigate this exciting and rewarding space together.
Happy hosting!
Pete
