Homeowners cash in on rugby

Incoming fans will need a place to sleep. Photo / Dean Purcell.

Billboards showing homeowners exactly how they can make big bucks during the Rugby World Cup are attracting some of Auckland's hottest properties.

One house - a multimillion-dollar home in a resort-like setting - will set renters back between $1500 and $2000 a day.

The billboards, advertising for GoRugbyHomes.co.nz, show an illustration of a rugby ball plus a house equalling big money.

On the website, it says: "The law of supply and demand: more tourists than you can shake a stick at - and they need beds.

"Rugby-mad tourists need beds. Rent a property, caravan, single room even ... it's not rocket science."

There are already dozens of properties listed, from single bedrooms, family homes and inner-city apartments to villas opposite Eden Park.

South Auckland's Sir Edmund Hillary Collegiate also has its school marae up for rent.

Prices start from around $150 a night to up to $2000 a night.

That home, in Northcote, is fittingly titled "Auckland's Best Kept Secret" on its profile.

It boasts of a resort-style pool complex, built-in gas fires and barbecue, a heated pool, spa and tranquil "mesmerising views that sweep across bush, beach, harbour and the city".

It also features a penthouse suite with in-room double spa bath, double showers, a private deck and a games room.

With two big rooms up for rent, up to four people can stay and hosts Graham and Nyree promise a "full, sumptuous breakfast daily" as well as champagne and nibbles to welcome guests the day they arrive.

Homeowner Graham Dorward said he was offering his home up - bed and breakfast-style - to cater to therich.

The package would include a full Kiwi experience, complete with golf and fishing trips, depending on who stayed.

Guests would also be picked up from the airport in a Mercedes.

Mr Dorward said he was an avid rugby fan who wanted to participatein a unique way during the WorldCup.

"I'm offering quality ... I'm just targeting the top end.

"That market needs to be catered for - and obviously drinking champagne."

There are also gorgeous properties for rent in other parts of the country, such as the "Waterfront Stunner" in Christchurch, on the water's edge with large balconies overlooking the sea, a master bedroom and ensuite.

GoRugbyHomes marketing director Mike Gray said people were starting to comprehend exactly how much money they could make by putting their properties up for rent during the tournament.

Last month, 25 properties popped up on the site.

"It really is an opportunity for people to make money. But if you think about it, there is just going to be so much demand," Mr Gray said.

"So even if you rent out one or two rooms, you're providing a much-needed service."

Mr Gray said many properties had already been successfully rented out to mainly overseas tourists.

He said one homeowner in Canterbury had managed to rent out a property for the entire duration of the World Cup. As a result they would be pocketing around $41,000.

"Even if you have a couple stay for three nights at $200 a night, that's $600.

"It's up to you to take up the opportunity."