Top of the South: Sunny side up

Nelson

The Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough region is well known for the 'big five' industries of tourism, horticulture, forestry, seafood and pastoral farming. A lot of seasonal workers come and go, particularly in the viticulture and horticulture sectors, and demand for seasonal rental properties is high.

In Marlborough demand for rentals usually exceeds supply, particularly at the beginning of the year. “This year is the tightest we have experienced,” Mariette Knudsen, senior property manager at Mark Stevenson First National in Blenheim, says.

“There is a significant demand for accommodation for seasonal workers and many older large homes have been converted to meet their needs. There are also a number of purpose built residences coming into use. These can be rented for up to $130 weekly per person but usually include housekeeping and gardening services.

“I know of one motel that closes its doors to the public for the duration of the pruning season, all motel furniture is removed and replaced with single beds and bunks. This apparently works well for the owners as it takes up the slack of the quieter winter months.”