Visitor accommodation

Short term visitor accommodation (STVA) includes web-based booking facilities such as AirBnB 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 whether you require a resource consent or not.

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 Southland District Plan in its entirety for complete information.

Visitor accommodation is permitted:

• 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 the relevant Performance Standards (GRZ-PS1-16)

Visitor accommodation is not permitted unless you have resource consent where:

• six or more visitors are involved (except in the commercial precinct)

• five or fewer guests in the commercial precinct

• in the Low-Density Residential Zone - Te Anau Residential

• in the Special Purpose Zone - Eweburn Zone

• in the Industrial Zone

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.

Access the Southland District ePlan