New accommodation figures show total guest nights in May were down slightly on last year.
However, visitor numbers in the South Island increased.
Statistics New Zealand says guest nights for May totalled two million - 1% lower than the same month last year.
Stays in the North Island fell 2% , with international guest nights down 6% and domestic visitors on par with last year.
But guest nights in the South Island continue to increase, with international visitors in May up 5%.
Domestic guest numbers were similar to the same month last year.
Although there was a nationwide drop in total guest nights, nine of the 12 regions recorded more guest nights in May than in the same month last year.
