Visitor accommodation

Short term visitor accommodation (STVA) continues to grow in popularity due to an increase in web-based booking facilities such as Air BnB and Bookabach.

If you are currently letting, or considering letting your property for STVA bookings, it is important to be aware of the rules which may affect you. These rules ensure accommodation is safe for guests to use.

The rules vary depending on factors such as location, the type of accommodation you are offering, and the number of guests. In some instances, you may need to apply for resource consent under the Southland District Plan.

The Southland District Plan defines Visitor Accommodation as land and/or buildings used for accommodating visitors, subject to a tariff being paid, and includes any ancillary activities.

The District plan mainly regulates this activity by the number of paying guests and the location.

The following information provides a general summary of the rules in the District Plan. Please refer to the District Plan in its entirety for complete information.

Visitor accommodation is permitted, including Air BnB and Bookabach

• in rural and residential zones when five or fewer paying guests are involved, including Fiordland and Rakiura zones (outside of a National Park).
• in the commercial precinct, involving six or more paying guests only if it complies with general residential standards described in the District Plan.

Visitor accommodation is not permitted unless you have resource consent, including Air BnB and Bookabach

• when six or more visitors are involved
• in the Low-Density Residential Zone - Te Anau Residential (see map below), independent of the number of paying guests
• in the Special Purpose Zone - Eweburn Zone, independent of the number of paying guests
• in the Industrial Zone, independent of the number of paying guests.

Changing the use of an existing building can add requirements under the Building Act, including responsibilities to upgrade fire safety facilities, and have an impact on, rates taxes (IRD) and insurance.

If you are not sure if your proposed visitor accommodation activity needs resource consent or a change of use under the Building Act, give our team a call on 0800 732 732.

Aerial map showing Low-Density Residential Zone - Te Anau Residential