Jetstar’s Hamilton Boost

By Scott Mears - Aspire PRO Enterprises

Hamilton might not be the first place Kiwis think of when booking a holiday, but Jetstar’s latest statistics are shaking things up. As we reported back in June, Jetstar has restarted international flights to Hamilton.

Nearly 9,000 passengers, half inbound and half outbound, were recorded in the first month of its running of Gold Coast or Sydney to Hamilton routes. Demand is looking strong and that is good news for Waikato tourism, and even better news for short term rental (STR) investors.

Tourism Up, Beds Needed

With more people arriving from across the ditch, the region’s attractions like Hobbiton, Waitomo and Waikato’s growing events scene are getting more visitors. And while hotels and motels are plugging away, they’re not always meeting the mark for families, remote workers or those wanting a more personal stay. That’s where STRs come in.

If your STR is clean, well-styled and professionally managed, it’s likely getting a slice of that growing pie.

Why It Matters for Investors

This isn't just a travel story - it's also a property one. Steady passenger numbers mean one thing: reliable demand. That’s music to the ears of STR owners and buyers who want better returns.

If you’re sitting on a property near Hamilton CBD or even just thinking about jumping in, this is a sign to take seriously. Tourism isn’t just happening in Queenstown or Auckland anymore. 

Waikato’s back on the tourist map and your property could be too.