Chinese New Year in Queenstown: A Boost for Vacation Rentals

Its the last night of the Chinese New Year festive period, so what is it and is it good for Queenstown?

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in China and is celebrated by millions around the world. The holiday follows the lunar calendar, meaning its date shifts each year, typically falling in late January or February. this year, the celebrations began quite early, with the official holiday period running from January 29 to February 6, a total of 8 days.

Did you know that Queenstown was the top-searched destination for Chinese travellers on Booking.com for the Lunar New Year period this year! This surge in interest highlights Queenstown’s growing reputation as a must-visit location during this festive season, solidifying its position as a top choice for Chinese tourists seeking a special holiday experience. Queenstown's reputation for great hospitality, stunning photography spots, and its strong presence on Chinese social media platforms contribute to its popularity among Chinese tourists.

In terms of travel behaviour, many Chinese travellers use this holiday as an opportunity for family reunions, often traveling in multi-generational groups. Queenstown lends itself perfectly to this as there is plenty to do for all ages. The picturesque scenery, clean air, and adventure activities such as bungee jumping, skydiving, and jet boating appeal to younger Chinese travellers, while older visitors often enjoy the tranquility of lake cruises, guided tours, and scenic drives. The family bucket-list spots for who family are are Arrowtown, with its Chinese gold mining history, and exploring Glenorchy for its beautiful landscapes and stunning photo opportunities.

Chinese visitors typically aim to experience a few key destination within the South Island during their, only staying in each location a few days. For us at Staysouth, the Luna New Year period provides around a 10 day boost of high occupancy across our properties, often made up of a few short stays of two to three nights each. 

For us the Luna New Year represents a great opportunity to extend the peak summer tourist season. While December and early January see a surge in holiday visitors, the influx of Chinese tourists in late January and February helps sustain strong occupancy rates before the quieter autumn months arrive. With Queenstown ranking as the most searched destination for Chinese travellers during this period, local operators should be prepared to capitalise on this interest, ensuring they make the most of this high-demand travel window.

As Queenstown continues to attract international visitors, embracing the opportunities presented by Chinese New Year can help vacation rental owners optimise their bookings and revenue during what is traditionally the tail end of the summer peak.

If you are a property owner looking to improve your short term rental occupancy and want more insights like this, the Staysouth team is here to help, just pick up the phone and give us a call.