Expect high hotel costs heading into Auckland's peak season

(Getty / file)
(Getty / file)

Auckland is heading towards an embarrassing problem this summer.

A tourism boom combined with a shortage of hotel rooms means visitors planning to attend events like the Joseph Parker fight will be disappointed.

It's not just house prices which are skyrocketing in Auckland - the cost of hotel rooms is also at unprecedented levels.

"It's more expensive to stay in a hotel at the moment than it was three or four years ago," says Dean Humphries from Colliers International.

"It's a good problem to have if you own a hotel, [but] challenging if you're someone wanting to visit Auckland."

Room occupancy rates are expected to be between 95 and 100 percent during peak season, with prices to be pumped up any weekend a significant event is held.

"On these events nights hotels are looking to maximise returns so $400 or $500 would not be out of the question," says Mr Humphries.

There are currently 10,000 hotel rooms in Auckland but to satisfy demand another 30 hotels need to be built

New Zealand Trade and Enterprise admits demand's outstripping supply.

The organisation is working to get foreign investors to build hotels on our shores.

"We've got nine sites identified, and we're working with about seven international buyers off capital who might show some interest in around actually deploying that money," says Quentin Quen from NZ Trade and Enteprise.

But the problem is going to get worse before it gets better.

Air BnB, campervans and even tents are suggested options for visitors coming for the British and Irish Lions tour next year.

Some standard hotel rooms are already being snapped up for around $1000 a night.

Newshub.