Stephen Hamilton

Director, Auckland, New Zealand

Stephen jointly established the specialist tourism and leisure consulting practice, Horwath HTL (formerly Horwath Asia Pacific Limited) in 2002. With thirty years consulting experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Stephen has also undertaken engagements in Australia, Fiji and the Cook Islands.


Bio

Stephen Hamilton is the founding partner of Horwath HTL in Auckland, New Zealand, established in 2002. With over 30 years of consulting experience in the New Zealand tourism industry, Stephen has also undertaken significant projects across Australia, Fiji, and the Cook Islands. His extensive industry knowledge and practical approach provide clients with valuable insights and solutions tailored to their unique challenges.

Stephen works with a diverse range of stakeholders, including lenders, investors, funding sponsors, and developers, across both public and private sectors. His expertise lies in identifying the financial and market analysis or research most beneficial for advancing projects and supporting informed decision-making. His ability to quickly and accurately assess complex scenarios makes him a trusted advisor for clients navigating the dynamic tourism and leisure landscape.

His service offerings encompass a broad range of consulting disciplines, including market demand analysis, financial feasibility studies, market research, economic impact assessments, and strategy development. These services are designed to provide clients with actionable data and strategies to optimise their operations and investment outcomes.

Stephen’s deep understanding of New Zealand’s tourism sector, combined with his regional experience and strategic perspective, ensures a balanced and pragmatic approach to every engagement. His dedication to delivering quality information and solutions has cemented his reputation as a leading figure in tourism consulting throughout New Zealand and the Pacific.

Expert insights

Cutting edge analysis.

Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus May 2025

Discover how Queenstown, Rotorua, and the luxury hotel segment are defying national trends and delivering standout results in an otherwise challenging May for New Zealand’s hotel sector.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus April 2025

April 2025 saw New Zealand hotels achieve a 2.9% RevPAR increase, with regional destinations thriving thanks to an uplift in Australian visitors and extended holiday demand.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus March 2025

During March, New Zealand hotels’ RevPAR declined by 5.5%, with Auckland and Wellington experiencing double-digit declines. Queenstown recorded another strong month. In addition to our usual market insights, we have expanded this month’s analysis to explore how supply growth and shifting consumer preferences have impacted Auckland hotels across the 3-star to 5-star segments.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus February 2025

New Zealand’s hotel market in February 2025 showed mixed regional performance, with RevPAR declining nationally by 1.8%, yet strong growth in areas like Queenstown and Nelson-Marlborough, while others faced challenges, amidst a backdrop of fluctuating international visitor arrivals and increased supply.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus December 2024 – January 2025

New Zealand’s hotel sector experienced encouraging growth in December 2024 and January 2025, with RevPAR increasing by 5.7% compared to the previous year. Queenstown and Christchurch led the way.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand
Report

New Zealand Hotel Performance Focus November 2024

After six consecutive months of year-on-year declines, hotels in New Zealand experienced a 7% growth in Revenue Per Available Room (RevPAR) in November, driven by increased international visitor arrivals and major events. While cities like Auckland, Christchurch, and Queenstown saw robust performance improvements, markets such as Wellington and the Central North Island faced challenges due to reduced demand levels.

Wim Ruepert
Wim Ruepert
Director, New Zealand