Northland baches' summer windfall

Many holiday home owners rent out their properties during the summer months to help cover the costs of owning them.

Websites are making the process even easier

Website Bookabach said there were 50,397 people visiting the baches it lists nationwide, between December 20 and January 5.

Northland was the most popular destination, with 15.2% of the visitors, followed by Auckalnd at 13.1% and Coromandel with 11.9%.

The average spend by those visitors was $1084, and the average length of a stay was just over five nights.

Baches in Auckland commanded the most rent, at an average $251 per night, and Queenstown-Lakes, at $303.

Those on the West Coast of the South Island and Southland received the least in rent, at $129 and $145 respectively.

Bookabach general manager Peter Miles said recorded rental activity was up 30% on last year.

Whangamata boasted the highest number of nights booked overall for the sixth year running, while Northland emerged as the most popular region overall. Bay of Plenty, Southland, Coromandel and the West Coast were the favourites for families with children.