Your Southern Lakes Update: A Breather Before The Winter Rush
As autumn winds down and winter approaches, May brings a noticeable pause to the pace of the Southern Lakes. It’s the quietest month of the year, a good opportunity for owners to step back, enjoy their property, or plan for the season ahead without the usual flow of visitors. In this update, we look at recent visitor trends and share what to expect as we move into winter. From booking demand to changes in the OCR, here’s what you need to stay informed and prepared.
- May in Southern Lakes – Each year, May stands out as the region’s quietest month. Visitor numbers drop off, the summer buzz has faded, and the ski crowds haven’t arrived yet. It’s a rare, calm window where you can truly unwind, soak in the scenery, and enjoy the region without the usual hustle and bustle. If you’ve been thinking about taking time for yourself or enjoying your home in a different light, May is the time to do it. Consider blocking it out now and planning a peaceful retreat next year.
- Winter Booking Season Kicks Off with Strong Demand – With winter just around the corner, we’re starting to see a healthy flow of bookings coming through. July, in particular, is shaping up to be a busy month, with many guests opting for longer stays, often between 6 to 10 nights. This trend is a great sign of an active winter season ahead. We’re also noticing that guests are increasingly booking their holidays closer to their travel dates, which means those remaining gaps are likely to fill up soon!
- Visitor Trends at a Glance – The Southern Lakes continues to attract both domestic and international travellers, according to Destination Queenstown, the average stay sitting at four nights—three for domestic guests and four for international ones. Interestingly, 41% of international visitors visiting Queenstown also choose to spend at least one night in Wanaka, highlighting the appeal of exploring the wider region. Perhaps most telling is that 67% of visitors say they intend to return, reinforcing the areas reputation as a destination people fall in love with and want to experience again.
- What Draws Visitors to the Southern Lakes? – Breathtaking natural scenery remains the top attraction for both international and domestic visitors. While domestic travellers often come for the local food and beverage offerings and the chance to unwind, international visitors tend to focus more on the wide range of tourism activities and attractions available. That said, food, beverages, and relaxation still play a key role in the experience, especially for visitors from Australia, who balance adventure with comfort during their stay.
- OCR Cut to 3.25%: What It Means for Home Owners – The Reserve Bank has reduced the Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 3.25%—the lowest level since October 2022. This is the first OCR decision since the 2025 Budget and comes amid ongoing uncertainty in global markets, partly driven by shifting U.S. trade policy. The cut was widely expected, with banks like BNZ and Westpac already adjusting their mortgage rates in anticipation. For holiday home owners, this could mean lower borrowing costs and an opportunity to review lending arrangements ahead of the busy winter season. We’ll continue to watch for any further moves, but for now, this decision may offer some financial relief for property owners.