We turn your Dunedin property into a high-performing short-stay rental, while managing everything on your behalf.
Looking for a hands-off way to achieve stronger returns from your property?
We are a boutique, full-service Airbnb management company delivering strong returns, great guest experiences, and local care.
About Staywise
We’re Maggie and Dan, co-founders of Staywise, a family-owned Dunedin business providing hands-on, local short-stay management for owners who want strong returns and confidence that their property is well looked after.
Based in Dunedin, we work directly with you, in person. By managing a small number of properties, we focus on performance, presentation, and peace of mind — not volume.
Our ExperienceOur team brings together more than a decade of hands-on short-stay property management experience, along with over 30 years of experience working across tourism and communications.
This combination allows us to approach property management from both an operational and a marketing perspective — ensuring your property is not only well maintained, but also well positioned to attract the right guests.
We understand what makes a successful high return short-stay property and how to present homes in a way that appeals to visitors choosing where to stay in Dunedin.
Our ApproachMost short-stay rentals are underpriced, poorly optimised, or inconsistently managed — is yours reaching its full potential? We fix that. Properties perform best when they’re managed with care, consistency, and strong local knowledge.
We take the time to understand each property and the goals of its owner, then manage every aspect of the hosting process with attention to detail. From dynamic pricing and booking management to guest communication and property care, we make the process simple and stress-free.
Because we manage a small portfolio of homes, each property receives genuine attention rather than being treated as just another listing.
A Local Perspective Dunedin is a city with a strong sense of place — from its historic architecture and vibrant arts culture to its wildlife and dramatic coastal landscapes. Visitors are drawn here for events, university connections, nature experiences, and the character of the city itself.
Being part of the local community allows us to understand what guests are looking for and how to position properties to meet that demand and provide high returns.
For owners, that means their property is managed by a local team who knows the city, understands the market, and takes pride in representing Dunedin well.
Are you looking for a property management service that handles the day-to-day hosting while taking genuine care of your home?
We offer end-to-end, hands-on management focused on maximising rental income while ensuring your property is consistently cared for and well presented.
Our Services
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Managing a short stay property takes time, coordination, and attention to detail. Staywise provides complete property management so you can enjoy the financial benefits of short-term renting without the day-to-day work.
From preparing your property for guests to managing bookings and overseeing cleaning and maintenance, we take care of every aspect of the hosting process. Our goal is simple: maximise your property’s financial returns while ensuring it is consistently well cared for.
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A strong listing is the foundation of a successful short-stay property. We create and manage professional listings across leading booking platforms including Airbnb, Booking.com, Vrbo, Expedia, and BookaBach.
This includes professional photography, compelling listing descriptions, and ongoing optimisation to ensure your property stands out to potential guests.
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Pricing is one of the most important factors in short stay property success. We use dynamic pricing tools and local market knowledge to adjust nightly rates based on demand, events, and seasonal trends.
By actively managing your calendar and pricing strategy, we aim to maximise both occupancy and revenue throughout the year.
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Providing prompt and professional communication is key to great guest experiences and positive reviews.
We manage all guest enquiries, booking requests, and pre-arrival communication. Guests receive clear information about their stay, house expectations, and check-in instructions, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience from start to finish.
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Cleanliness and presentation are essential for maintaining high guest ratings. We coordinate professional cleaning and linen services between each stay to ensure your property is consistently prepared to a high standard.
This includes overseeing cleaning schedules, quality checks, and ensuring your home is ready for the next guest.
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Being locally based allows us to keep a close eye on your property. We carry out regular checks, coordinate maintenance when required, and ensure any issues are addressed quickly.
From small repairs to routine upkeep, we make sure your property remains well maintained and presented.
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As one of our owners, you’ll have access to a dedicated Owner Portal where you can view bookings, occupancy and financial summaries at any time.
You can also reserve the property for your own stays by blocking out dates that suit you, making it easy to plan visits for yourself, family or friends.
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Because we live and work in Dunedin, we’re available when it matters. Being on the ground allows us to respond quickly, support guests when needed, and ensure your property is managed with care and attention.
We provide complete short-stay property management for Dunedin property owners, handling everything from listing setup and pricing to guest communication, cleaning coordination, and property care.
How it works.
Initial Chat
A relaxed conversation to understand your property, your goals, and whether we’re the right fit.
Property Assessment
An in-person visit to review setup, pricing potential, presentation, and what’s needed to perform well.
Setup & Go Live
Listing optimisation, pricing strategy, availability, and guest readiness.
Ongoing Management
We manage bookings, guests, cleaning, and care, keeping you informed without the day-to-day noise.
Local knowledge makes the difference.
Successful short-stay properties rely on local knowledge, careful management, and attention to detail. Are you working with a manager who truly understands how to optimise performance in the Dunedin market? As a Dunedin-based team, we actively manage pricing, bookings, and guest experience to help your property perform well throughout the year.
By working with a small number of owners, we’re able to give every property the time and care it deserves — ensuring it is well presented, well managed, and consistently looked after.
Who We Are
We’re Maggie and Dan co-founders of Staywise, a family-owned Dunedin business providing hands-on, local short-stay management for owners who want strong returns and are confident that their property is well looked after.
Maggie is well-travelled and deeply connected to the industry, with nearly two decades of experience as an English teacher. She brings a strong focus on communication, guest experience, and what it takes to get the best from each property.
Dan brings extensive tourism experience, including founding the Dunedin Craft Beer & Food Festival and the George Street Market, and leading the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023 for the city. He adds a clear understanding of how to position properties, deliver high-quality management, and maximise returns.
Together, we own and operate our own short-stay properties in Dunedin. That firsthand experience shapes how we position, manage, and optimise properties to achieve consistently strong results.
Based in Dunedin, we work directly with you, in person. By managing a small number of properties, we focus on performance, presentation, and peace of mind — not volume.
What People Are Saying
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Before using a management company we were doing everything ourselves and it quickly became a lot to keep up with. Handing the property over was a relief. The team is organised, proactive, and genuinely cares about the property and the guest experience. We’d happily recommend them to any owner considering short-term rental.
— Steve
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Maggie and Dan at Staywise are organised, professional, and quick to communicate, and they genuinely care about the property and the guests. Nothing is ever too much trouble, and they’re always open to feedback. I really enjoy working with them and recommend them without hesitation.
— Neil
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Working with Maggie and Dan at Staywise has been seamless from the start. They’re professional, responsive, and clearly experienced in running successful short-term rentals. Our occupancy has improved, guests consistently leave great reviews, and we have full visibility of bookings and income. It’s reassuring knowing our property is in such capable hands.
— Liam and Michelle
Our focus is simple: manage fewer properties, do it properly, and build long-term relationships based on trust.
Prefer a management approach that prioritises your property over volume?
Get in touch today for a no-obligation chat.
Talk to Us About Your Property
If you’re thinking about making your Dunedin property a short stay rental, or want to improve the performance of an existing listing, we’d love to hear from you.
We’ll talk through your property, what’s possible, and whether our management service is right for you.
No pressure — just straightforward advice.