WELLINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand guest nights fell 0.9 percent in April 2018 to 3.43 million, comparing with 3.46 million in April 2017 boosted by the timing of Easter that year, the country's statistics department Stats NZ said on Wednesday.

"Easter fell partly in March this year, which boosted March statistics but had a dampening effect on April," accommodation statistics manager Melissa McKenzie said in a statement.

"April 2017 was a bumper month, with Easter weekend coinciding with Anzac day and school holidays. This year these events were more spread out," McKenzie said.

In April 2018, guest nights fell 5.4 percent in the North Island and rose 5.5 percent in the South Island when compared with April 2017, Stats NZ said.

When the movement of the Easter holiday and other seasonal effects are accounted for, guest nights rose 2.3 percent in April 2018 from March 2018, it said.

The accommodation survey collects data for guests staying in short-term commercial accommodation such as hotels, motels, backpackers, and holiday parks. Hosted and private accommodation, such as bed and breakfasts and holiday homes, are excluded, according to Stats NZ.