Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region continue to outperform the national hotel market, with a new industry report showing the city posted some of the strongest results in the country for November 2025.

While national hotel occupancy sat at 83 percent for the month, Christchurch climbed to 89.5 percent and recorded a 6.1 percent rise in average daily rates, reflecting sustained demand across the region.

More than 10,800 international visitors arrived through Christchurch Airport in November, a 23 percent increase on the previous year.

The report credits expanded seasonal air links and a full event calendar at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre for driving the surge.

Hotel Elms Christchurch General Manager Anthony Moore told Chris Lynch Media that November “delivered a solid performance,” noting it is traditionally a peak month thanks to Canterbury Anniversary Day and strong offshore visitation.

“We recorded a modest but welcome lift in demand, resulting in a slightly improved occupancy figure,” he said.

Moore said rising operating costs have pushed average daily rates up by 4–5 percent, but demand remains firm.

He highlighted a “substantial increase” in visitors from Asian markets, supported by favourable exchange rates and expanded flight connections.

“Looking ahead,  the opening of the Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre and One NZ Stadium will be a game-changer for attracting high-value events.”

Christchurch’s momentum follows an equally strong October, when the city posted an 87 percent occupancy rate and a 27.8 percent increase in revenue per available room, one of the biggest improvements nationwide.

Market fundamentals also remain in the city’s favour, with hotel demand up nearly 8 percent in the year to December 2024 while supply grew only 3 percent.

Average daily rates are now almost 28 percent higher than pre-pandemic levels.