Guest nights fell 0.9 percent in April 2018, to 3.43 million, Stats NZ said.
This compares with 3.46 million in April 2017, which was boosted by the timing of Easter that year.
“Easter fell partly in March this year, which boosted March statistics but had a dampening effect on April,” accommodation statistics manager Melissa McKenzie said.
“April 2017 was a bumper month, with Easter weekend coinciding with Anzac day and school holidays. This year these events were more spread out.”
In April 2018, guest nights fell 5.4 percent in the North Island and rose 5.5 percent in the South Island when compared with April 2017.
When the movement of the Easter holiday and other seasonal effects are accounted for, guest nights rose 2.3 percent in April 2018 from March 2018.
The accommodation survey collects data for guests staying in short-term commercial accommodation such as hotels, motels, backpackers, and holiday parks. Hosted and private accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts and holiday homes, are excluded.
