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Braden Fastier / Stuff
Accommodation is filling up fast at popular summer vacation spots like Kaiteriteri, in the Nelson-Tasman region, pictured.
Kiwis are urged to book their summer holidays as soon as possible, as demand and prices rise in popular locations.
According to accommodation booking site Bookabach, only two of its 152 listings in the Tasmania region are still available during Christmas, one of which is priced at more than $ 34,000 per week.
On the North Island, only 2 percent of the properties in Whangamata and 9 percent of the site’s listing in Taupo are still available Dec. 23-30.
Bookabach travel expert Simone Scoppa said that with the coronavirus outbreak causing lower-than-usual trip cancellations and bookings, demand until recently had been much lower.
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“We had not seen across the board any significant increase in the value of the average daily price per night.”
However, vacation homes and bachs are shaping up to be popular properties in popular locations this Christmas.
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A seven-night stay on the Jamarh, a catamaran in Abel Tasman National Park, over Christmas costs $ 34,000.
While couples generally have it better (read: cheaper) simply because they need less space, the rates for studio and one-bedroom options are not immune to seasonal price increases.
Scoppa said average nightly rates increase 23 percent, from $ 215 to $ 280, in Nelson during peak season (December through March). In neighboring Tasman, prices typically rise 28 percent over the same period.
The increase is obvious in the few listings that are still available in the popular holiday region.
Of the properties available in Tasmania, a seven-night stay in a studio overlooking the Motueka River costs $ 2,675, while a self-catering week aboard the Jamarh, a catamaran in Abel Tasman National Park, will cost you $ 34,390.
The price is fixed whether there are two or 10 people on board, but the boat comes with a skipper, paddle boards, and kayaks.
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Scoppa’s advice for those who hadn’t made a reservation yet was to start looking now.
Check the cancellation policies on the property description page for peace of mind in case your plans change and use the price filter on the site to get what you’re looking for.
“People tend to book nine months in advance the traditional way, so leaving it until the last minute means fewer options.”
Scoppa also recommended looking beyond the hottest spots to find more affordable options and a greater variety of accommodations.
“Your ideal vacation home could still wait in nearby regions.”
