new zealand tourism covid impact

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Impacts of covid-19 on the nz tourism sector: tough travails for tourism.

• The tourism sector is perhaps the most visible casualty from COVID-19.  Due to the loss of international tourism, NZ’s GDP will be 3-5% lower than it would otherwise be.
• Domestic tourism within New Zealand is 40% larger than inbound tourism, and the switch towards domestic tourist experiences for New Zealanders will lessen the economic hit. Some adjustments will still have to be made to cater for the different needs of domestic tourists.
• Considerable uncertainty remains on how quickly the tourism sector can bounce back. The return to pre-COVID-19 levels of free cross-border movement looks to be years, rather than months away.

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Mark joined ASB in 2017, with over 20 years of public and private sector experience working as an economist in New Zealand and the UK. His resume includes lengthy stints at ANZ and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, and he has also worked at the Bank of England, HM Treasury and the New Zealand Transport Agency. Mark's areas of specialisation include interest rate strategy, macro-economic analysis and urban economics. Born and bred in the Waikato, Mark studied at Waikato University where he graduated with a Master of Social Sciences, majoring in Economics. Mark's key strengths are the ability to use his extensive experience, inquisitive nature, analytical ability, creativity and pragmatism to dig a little deeper and to deliver common sense solutions to tackle complex problems. When not at work Mark likes to travel, keep fit and spend time with his friends and family.

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New Zealand welcomes back tourists as it eases pandemic rules

The Associated Press

Families embrace after a flight from Los Angeles arrived at Auckland International Airport as New Zealand's border opened for visa-waiver countries Monday, May 2, 2022. Jed Bradley/AP hide caption

Families embrace after a flight from Los Angeles arrived at Auckland International Airport as New Zealand's border opened for visa-waiver countries Monday, May 2, 2022.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — New Zealand welcomed tourists from the U.S., Canada, Britain, Japan and more than 50 other countries for the first time in more than two years Monday after dropping most of its remaining pandemic border restrictions.

The country has long been renowned for its breathtaking scenery and adventure tourism offerings such as bungy jumping and skiing. Before the spread of COVID-19, more than 3 million tourists visited each year, accounting for 20% of New Zealand's foreign income and more than 5% of the overall economy.

But international tourism stopped altogether in early 2020 after New Zealand imposed some of the world's toughest border restrictions.

New Zealand changes its tack on surging COVID-19 cases

The border rules remained in place as the government at first pursued an elimination strategy and then tried to tightly control the spread of the virus. The spread of omicron and vaccinations of more than 80% of New Zealand's 5 million population prompted the gradual easing of restrictions.

New Zealand reopened to tourists from Australia three weeks ago and on Monday to about 60 visa-waiver countries, including much of Europe. Most tourists from India, China and other non-waiver countries are still not allowed to enter.

Tourists will need to be vaccinated and to test themselves for the virus before and after arriving.

"Today is a day to celebrate, and is a big moment in our reconnection with the world," said Tourism Minister Stuart Nash.

At Auckland Airport, flights bringing in tourists began landing from early in the morning, coming in direct from places including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Kuala Lumpur, and Singapore.

The border reopening will help boost tourism ahead of New Zealand's upcoming ski season. But the real test of how much the tourism industry rebounds will come in December, when the peak summer season begins in the Southern Hemisphere nation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said more than 90,000 people had booked flights to New Zealand in the seven weeks since the reopening was announced and 21 international flights were scheduled to land Monday in Auckland.

"Our tourism industry have felt the effects of the global pandemic acutely, and are working hard to prepare," she said.

Ardern said there were no immediate plans to ease virus testing and vaccination requirements for tourists.

• New Zealand
• border restrictions

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Rebounding New Zealand tourism is a rare bright spot for its economy

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Twenty-one dead as bus carrying Indian tourists plunges into Nepal river

Half of the passengers in a bus carrying 43 Indians died on Friday when the vehicle plunged into a rain-swollen river in neighbouring Nepal, a spokesperson for the Himalayan nation's armed police said.

New Zealand reveals action plan to transform tourism post pandemic

Government has revealed plans to build a stronger, more sustainable tourism industry.

Yesterday, Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash shared a draft of the 'He Mahere Tiaki Kaimahi Better Work Action Plan', which aims to transform the tourism industry for employees, businesses and tourists.

What is the Better Work Action Plan?

The Better Work Action Plan is the first phase of the Tourism Industry Transformation Plan. It was opened for public consultation this week at the Tourism Export Council of New Zealand's annual conference in Nelson.

The plan was developed by the Industry Transformation Plan Leadership Group, which is made up of Government, industry, unions, and Māori.

Why is the action plan necessary?

Typically, jobs in tourism or hospitality have been seen as demanding, unreliable and poorly paid for employees, said Nash. Unsurprisingly, this has made it difficult for businesses to retain staff.

However, without a thriving workforce, the report stated, Aotearoa would not have a thriving tourism industry.

The goal then, according to Nash was to challenge the current perception and turn a career in tourism into something that is full of "aspiration, fulfilment and with attractive career pathways".

What does the Better Work Action Plan involve?

Simply put, the report "identifies challenges and sets out actions to overcome them," said Nash.

Some actions include: -Improving education, training and employee experience -Providing more resources for business owners and operators -Future-proofing the industry through technology and innovation -This includes a Tourism and Hospitality Accord to set employment standards -Developing cultural competency within the workforce

New Zealand's tourism industry wasn't perfect before Covid-19 and Nash said the pandemic exacerbated these weaknesses.

However, this made now the perfect time to rebuild.

"Now our borders are fully open, there's a strong uptick in arrivals, and we're anticipating a surging summer of tourism," he said.

"It's time to look ahead to the future of the sector and ensure we do not just go back to the way things were, but learn from the challenges of the past few years and rebuild in a stronger and more sustainable way.

"The action plan sets out a vision for the New Zealand tourism sector that is regenerative - where tourism is giving back more than it takes from people, communities, and the environment."

When will the final plan be released?

Feedback will be accepted until 14 September. Then, after the ITP Leadership Group considers the feedback, it aims to release the final plan before the end of the year.

Have your say on the plan here .

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Tourism Industry Transformation Plan

2021 support - tourism communities: support, recovery and re-set plan, 2020 support - tourism recovery package , tourism futures taskforce.

• Supporting sustainable freedom camping in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Destination Management Guidelines
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• Supporting Māori Tourism
• Government’s Tourism Snapshot
• Ngā manuhiri o te ao, o Aotearoa anō hoki — International and domestic visitors
• International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy
• Responsible camping
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Tourism recovery

Aotearoa New Zealand’s tourism industry has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has provided broad-based and targeted support to the industry since the pandemic began. You can read about the support at the links below.

On this page

In this section.

The Tourism Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) was a partnership with the tourism industry, Māori, unions, workers and government to transform tourism in Aotearoa to a more regenerative model.

• Phase 1: Better Work
• Phase 2: Environment

The government’s $200m Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan targets 5 communities most affected by the loss of international tourism, and the national tourism system.

• Regional Tourism Organisations (RTOs)
• Māori Business Response Tāpoi
• The 3 business initiatives
• Case studies: March 2022

The government’s $400 million Tourism Recovery Package was implemented in 2020 to support the industry.

• Regional Events Fund
• Strategic Tourism Assets Protection Programme
• Documents relating to the Tourism Recovery Package

The New Zealand Tourism Futures Taskforce is a public private partnership to lead the thinking on the future of tourism in New Zealand. MBIE provides Secretariat services to the Taskforce.

• The Tourism Futures Taskforce interim report – We are Aotearoa
• Terms of reference for New Zealand Tourism Futures Taskforce

Crown copyright © 2024

https://www.mbie.govt.nz/immigration-and-tourism/tourism/tourism-recovery Please note: This content will change over time and can go out of date.

News & Activity

Tuesday, November 02, 2021 | New Zealand

Tourism New Zealand's response to COVID-19

Port Hills, Christchurch , Christchurch - Canterbury

By Julian Apse

Tourism New Zealand and the wider tourism industry continue to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19.

How we’re supporting the tourism sector

• We've refocused industry webinars to provide updates on the current COVID-19 situation. It's great to be able to get together to have this discussion and answer your questions.   
• The  tourism advisory support service (opens in new window) delivered by Qualmark is still available to you free of charge if you haven't taken up the offer yet. This service has been extended to include a new phase of practical support designed to help you understand more about your digital ecosystem with the aim of lifting the level of digital capability for the tourism industry.
• Qualmark have also launched COVID Clean Approved (opens in new window) , a self-assessment tool that allows Qualmark licence holders to work through a series of questions on COVID-19 related topics that are relevant to their operations processes, customer interaction and staff wellbeing. By completing this assessment, it communicates to both staff and visitors that the operator is aware of and working to take measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• As New Zealand’s response evolves we will keep you updated on our activity and support through Tourism News.
• We're continuing to provide advice and support to our Business Events partners, including development of an infographic outlining how events can run at different COVID-19 alert levels.

Other resources

• COVID-19: Information for businesses (opens in new window) is the government’s central resource to help businesses with updates about COVID-19 and guidance, including Kiwi Business Boost (opens in new window) . 
• Unite Against COVID-19 (opens in new window) is the central place for information from the New Zealand Government about COVID-19, including the COVID-19 financial support tool and requirements for businesses at different alert levels. Information is available in Te Reo Māori and over 33 other languages (opens in new window) , plus accessible formats for the disabled community. There are also a range of signs and posters (opens in new window) for you to use at your business.
• The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has information on the 2020 Tourism Recovery package (opens in new window) , as well as managed isolation and quarantine, an important part of our border measures to try and prevent COVID-19 in New Zealand. There's also support for South Island groups through the Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan (opens in new window) , delivered by ChristchurchNZ, Great South, Queenstown Lakes District Council and Development West Coast.
• The Ministry of Health (opens in new window) provides the latest updates, information and advice on COVID-19, including public health guidelines for businesses and services.
• Inland Revenue can help businesses understand the tax implications of these changes as a result of COVID-19. There's webinars and other information available on their website including information on the Resurgence Support Payment (opens in new window) .
• Work and Income has information on the COVID-19 Wage Subsidy August 2021 (opens in new window) .
• Go with Tourism (opens in new window) has launched a free service to support tourism industry workers and businesses affected by COVID-19, through redeployment, guidance, advice, and educational pathways.
• Tourism Export Council of New Zealand (opens in new window) (TEC) has developed a list of resources available to help their members, including the Inbound Tour Operator COVID-19 ready handbook.
• The Regional Business Partner Network (opens in new window) has resources and support available to help you whether your business is moving into recovery mode and looking for guidance, or is focused on building capability and growth. They also manage the Tourism Transitions Fund to support tourism businesses with advice and support such as HR, health and wellbeing, business continuity and hibernation, cashflow and finance management, strategy and digital capability.
• The Mental Health Foundation (opens in new window) has put together some information to help you get through. These are testing times for many New Zealanders so its important to take care of yourself and those around you.

We know this is a challenging time. That's why we're here to support the tourism sector in any way we can. If you have any questions or feedback please contact us.

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Tourism industry in talks on rebuilding from covid impact.

The tourism industry is facing a multi-billion dollar loss of revenue after borders closed and international travel screeched to a halt.

A crowd of people enjoying the view of Huka Falls on the Waikato River near Taupō. Photo: pablohidalgo.ec/ 123RF

Earlier this year, New Zealand experienced its first day of no overseas visitors in decades when hundreds of flights would usually arrive and depart daily.

Industry leaders are meeting in Wellington today to discuss how to rebuild their industry after the pandemic's devastating blow.

Rafting New Zealand has lost roughly half of its usual visitor numbers after international tourism dried up earlier this year.

Its managing director, Luke Boddington, said that was not the full picture when it came to revenue loss, despite also offering school trips.

"The school trade is getting rafted for a heavily discounted rate. It's good for employing the guides, keeping the numbers coming through, a bit of cash turnover especially during the winter," Boddington said.

"But really it's that tourist trade that you need to actually get the margins on which can then get the reserves over the summer so that then you can get through the following winter."

Last year, Rafting NZ received support from the Provincial Growth Fund to offer two river guide training courses, working to fill a skills shortage in the industry.

Boddington said it had taken locals off Work and Income, teaching them skills, and gave his business additional cash flow during the quieter months.

Supporting similar programmes could offer a lifeline to other communities and businesses, he said.

"The government could be looking at programmes whereby some of these operators could come in and actually do programmes which potentially are giving them some skills, which they can go off and potentially work in tourism once it comes back," Boddington said.

"But [it] also gives them these soft skills which enables them to then - with some confidence, some work ethic, the ability to communicate - actually go and potentially get work or training elsewhere."

Rafting NZ says the tourism sector has more to offer than just pleasure to visitors (File image). Photo: 123RF

He wanted to hear the government's specific plans to keep tourism afloat until international visitors return.

"The tourism industry has a huge amount of value to add and at the moment it would be underutilised and it is an opportunity which could benefit New Zealand as well as help tourism operators to get through this uncertain period," Boddington said.

"I believe the tourism industry's got a lot more to offer than just giving people a smile on their face."

Ahi Kaa owner operator Katie Tamanui-Thomas said the flow of domestic visitors have been a saviour for both Gisborne and her motel, with some help from the government's scheme to offer emergency housing in commercial accommodation.

"I think we've got about six motels that basically have closed as a motel and now have WINZ clients and they totally deal in WINZ so when you take those number of beds out of the market then it starts to put pressure on the other motels that are operating," Tamanui-Thomas said.

"If you come to Gisborne Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, there's not a bed in town so you make a booking before you come to Gisborne, otherwise you're sleeping in your car or travelling to the next city."

But she was unsure what summer would look like.

"Once upon a time, people booked way ahead. But nowadays they just book as they come through the door and so you can't get a good idea of how the summer is going to be," Tamanui-Thomas said.

"People are getting out and about and looking in their own backyard. I think we're going to have a huge summer cos they've got nowhere else to go."

She wanted the government to introduce taxes on overseas travel agents (OTAs).

"They need to be taxed. They take 15 percent of any booking that they make for us and they have a huge impact on our business ... the government takes 15 percent GST and then when you add another 15 percent that you have to pay out to booking.com OTAs, that's 30 percent that you're losing before you even sell a room."

Last year, Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts was facing vastly different challenges.

"We were dealing with issues like overtourism and how do we deal with the success of our tourism industry, and some of the issues that that success led to," Roberts said.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts is confident tourism has a chance to bounce back. Photo: RNZ/Teresa Cowie

"Now of course we've seen the biggest crisis we've ever faced in the tourism industry, and it's been a battle for survival in 2020. But we're trying to turn our minds at the summit to what the future will bring and how we rebuild tourism and ensure that we have a successful tourism industry in the future," he said.

"We have no doubt that we can rebuild the value that tourism provides to New Zealand. But it may take many years, up to five years to get back to where we were in 2019."

The industry has lost between 40,000 to 50,000 jobs, but some may be revived if there is a successful domestic summer.

Roberts remained confident tourism could bounce back.

"The immediate impact is certainly significant. We've gone from an industry worth $41 billion or $42 billion a year. We'll be doing well to reach $30 billion and that will be on the back of domestic," he said.

"It's a huge hit to the economy, not just the tourism businesses, and so it's really important for New Zealand as a whole that as soon as it can be done safely, we rebuild that tourism industry and restore the value that it was providing."

He was looking forward to rigorous debate at today's conference with sustainability, the state of the industry and its future up for discussion.

Newly appointed Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash will open the Tourism Summit Aotearoa at Te Papa this morning.

Copyright © 2020 , Radio New Zealand

• Full coverage

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What would sustainable tourism really mean for New Zealand? Let’s ask the river

Senior Lecturer, School of Management, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

Professor of Development Studies, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

Disclosure statement

Jason Paul Mika receives funding from Massey University to conduct research on Māori tourism on the Whanganui River.

Regina Scheyvens does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University provides funding as a member of The Conversation NZ.

Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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Excitement among Cook Islands tourism operators and officials at the opening of quarantine-free travel with Aotearoa New Zealand was understandable. The impact of the pandemic on the island nation’s economy has been massive and will be felt for a long time.

But it wasn’t long before a local environmental organisation sounded a warning about the risks of a return to high-volume tourism.

The popular Muri lagoon area has already suffered from pollution. There is also pressure on sacred sites such as Avana harbour, legendary departure place of the seven canoes that sailed to Aotearoa around 700 years ago.

On the other side of the world, there is a renewed movement to save Venice from pre-pandemic threats of over-tourism and cruise ships damaging its ancient canals.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, too, people have been given pause to think about whether a return to tourism as usual is viable.

One iwi, Tūhourangi Ngāti Wahio at Whakarewarewa in Rotorua, has seriously considered whether to allow tourism to resume in their village. Virtually synonymous with the birth of tourism in Aotearoa, the iwi now questions just what benefits its people are receiving from tourist activity.

Everywhere, it seems, there are debates about what tourism will look like in the post-COVID era.

No return to mass tourism

As regular flights between Aotearoa and Australia resume, the issue of high-volume tourism and its environmental impact is now front and centre.

Significantly, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has advocated for using the disruption caused by COVID-19 to transform the local tourism industry.

This would be based on the industry being accountable for its environmental costs, and involving local communities and mana whenua in decision-making — echoing other calls to recalibrate tourism within “ sustainable bounds ”.

Few people would argue for a return to unsustainable practices, but what does this really mean? And who might we turn to for solutions?

Read more: NZ tourism can use the disruption of COVID-19 to drive sustainable change — and be more competitive

Listening to Indigenous voices

We argue Indigenous philosophies of enterprise and economy have the potential to provide those answers — if we are bold enough to allow such voices to be heard.

In Māori philosophy, people and the environment are kin. As such, they depend on one another for their well-being. Consequently, some of the voices we need to hear are those of Papatūānuku (Earth mother) and her elements, the rivers, mountains and seas.

What is more natural than wanting to have a conversation with your relations in times of trouble or joy? This can be an alien concept for many, but the Māori practice of karakia (incantation) is essentially about communicating as kin with the natural elements.

In fact, these ideas have already found expression in Māori tourism operations on the Whanganui River . Te Awa Tupua, an ancestor of the iwi of the river, has been recognised as a person in law through a settlement of past wrongs under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Whanganui iwi and the Crown.

Ask the river

While relatively novel, the granting of legal personhood to Te Urewera in 2014 and Te Awa Tupua in 2017 enacts a fundamental idea of indigeneity — that all things, human and non-human, are interrelated.

For the iwi of Te Awa Tupua, this sense of unity is captured in the tribal saying:

Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au — I am the river and the river is me.

Perhaps those wanting a conversation about what sustainable tourism might look like could begin by asking the river.

This is not a fanciful suggestion. Te Awa Tupua has been given a human face in the form of Te Pou Tupua , a single role held by two people appointed to speak on behalf of Te Awa Tupua and to uphold Tupua te Kawa , the natural law and values of the river.

Low growth, high quality

Our research has exposed social and ecological tensions between conventional industry ideas and Māori tourism operators’ attitudes to commercial growth. Māori tourism enterprises will more readily opt for lower growth in favour of environmental and community well-being.

One Māori-owned jet boating enterprise, for example, would forgo tours beyond a desired daily maximum to help minimise the environmental footprint of the operation on the awa (river) and surrounds. They preferred to focus on quality of experience, not quantity of visitors.

Read more: A green tax on long-haul flights favours rich tourists. NZ needs a fairer strategy

Another Māori operator prioritised job opportunities for whānau to harness their cultural knowledge and deepen their connection to the awa. As the owner reflected:

I think the biggest aspiration is for my kids to know and identify themselves with the river.

Similarly, a marae-based tourism experience has avoided catering for busloads of visitors in favour of smaller groups. Tribal narratives of the awa are linked to discussions about climate change, all within a culturally unique space that allows time to reflect on the human connection to Te Awa Tupua.

Read more: Freedom camping needs new regulations and foreign tourists aren’t the only villains

Tourism and the Treaty

These examples of Māori tourism demonstrate there are other ways of thinking beyond a return to the old mode of accentuating growth at the expense of the environment and local communities.

Given the impact of COVID-19 now and likely into the future, the tourism industry can’t ignore the innovative potential of Māori world views.

A sustainable tourism model also recognises the essential purpose of treaty settlements such as those agreed in Whanganui — to allow people to live a good life in peaceful co-existence with each other and the land for all time.

In practice, this means a homegrown Indigenous framework for discussing and building sustainable tourism is already at our doorstep. We need only ask the rivers, the mountains, the seas – our ancestors – for guidance on what that means for coming generations.

• New Zealand
• Whanganui River
• Sustainable tourism
• Māori culture
• Indigenous-led

Head of Evidence to Action

Supply Chain - Assistant/Associate Professor (Tenure-Track)

Education Research Fellow

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Travel and tourism in New Zealand - statistics & facts

International tourist numbers soar, auckland: new zealand’s tourism hotspot, tourism’s carbon footprint is causing concern, key insights.

Detailed statistics

Tourism value added as a share of industry GDP New Zealand 2014-2023

Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2014-2023, by tourist type

Total number of people employed in the tourism sector New Zealand 2014-2023

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2024

Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by country of origin

Perceived positive impacts of tourism on culture and heritage New Zealand 2023

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• Premium Statistic Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2014-2023, by tourist type
• Premium Statistic Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2022-2023, by product type
• Premium Statistic Total number of people employed in the tourism sector New Zealand 2014-2023

Tourism value added as a share of industry GDP in New Zealand from 2014 to 2023

Tourism GDP growth rate New Zealand 2014-2023

Growth of tourism gross domestic product (GDP) in New Zealand from 2014 to 2023

Annual tourism expenditure in New Zealand from 2014 to 2023, by tourist type (in billion New Zealand dollars)

Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2022-2023, by product type

Total tourism expenditure in New Zealand from 2022 to 2023, by product type (in billion New Zealand dollars)

Total number of people employed in the tourism sector in New Zealand from 2014 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

International tourism

• Premium Statistic Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2024
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Premium Statistic Annual growth of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by region of origin
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Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand from June 2019 to June 2024

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Annual number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand from financial year 2015 to 2024 (in 1,000s)

Annual growth of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2015-2024

Annual growth rate of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand from financial year 2015 to 2024

Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by region of origin

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by region of origin (in 1,000s)

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by country of origin (in 1,000s)

Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by port of entry

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by port of entry

Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by age

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by age (in 1,000s)

Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by purpose of visit

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by purpose of visit (in 1,000s)

Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by length of stay

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by length of stay (in 1,000s)

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Annual number of outbound NZ resident travelers New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound NZ resident arrivals New Zealand FY 2024, by country visited
• Premium Statistic Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers New Zealand 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading sport tourism experience interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading wilderness tourism interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022

Annual number of outbound NZ resident travelers New Zealand FY 2015-2024

Annual number of outbound New Zealand resident travelers from New Zealand from financial year 2015 to 2024 (in 1,000s)

Number of inbound NZ resident arrivals New Zealand FY 2024, by country visited

Annual number of inbound New Zealand resident travelers to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by country visited (in 1,000s)

Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers New Zealand 2022

Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers from New Zealand in 2022

Leading sport tourism experience interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022

Leading sport tourism experience interests among outbound travelers from New Zealand in 2022

Leading wilderness tourism interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022

Leading wilderness tourism experience interests among outbound travelers from New Zealand in 2022

Tourism in Auckland

• Premium Statistic Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand 2019-2024
• Premium Statistic Annual number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand FY 2020-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland, NZ FY 2023, by country origin
• Premium Statistic Share of domestic overnight leisure trips New Zealand 2022, by region
• Premium Statistic Top attractions visited by domestic tourists Central Auckland New Zealand FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Top attractions visited by domestic tourists South Auckland New Zealand FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Top attractions visited by domestic tourists North Auckland New Zealand FY 2022

Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand 2019-2024

Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland, New Zealand from June 2019 to January 2024

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand FY 2020-2023

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland, New Zealand from financial year 2020 to 2023 (in 1,000s)

Number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland, NZ FY 2023, by country origin

Annual number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland, New Zealand in financial year 2023, by country of origin (in 1,000s)

Share of domestic overnight leisure trips New Zealand 2022, by region

Share of domestic overnight leisure trips taken in New Zealand as at December 2022, by region

Top attractions visited by domestic tourists Central Auckland New Zealand FY 2022

Leading attractions visited by domestic tourists in Central Auckland, New Zealand in financial year 2022

Top attractions visited by domestic tourists South Auckland New Zealand FY 2022

Leading attractions visited by domestic tourists in South Auckland, New Zealand in financial year 2022

Top attractions visited by domestic tourists North Auckland New Zealand FY 2022

Leading attractions visited by domestic tourists in North Auckland, New Zealand in financial year 2022

Views on tourism

• Premium Statistic Views on the impact of international and domestic tourism on New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on international tourism impact on post-pandemic economic recovery NZ 2023
• Premium Statistic Perceived positive impacts of tourism on the economy and society New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on the environmental impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Perceived negative impacts of tourism on the environment New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on the social well-being impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on the impact of international tourism on culture, values, and heritage NZ 2023

Views on the impact of international and domestic tourism on New Zealand 2023

New Zealanders' views on the impact of international and domestic tourism on New Zealand as at May 2023

Views on international tourism impact on post-pandemic economic recovery NZ 2023

New Zealanders' views on the impact of international tourism on post-pandemic economic recovery in New Zealand as at May 2023

Perceived positive impacts of tourism on the economy and society New Zealand 2023

Perceived positive impacts of tourism on the economy and society in New Zealand as at May 2023

Views on the environmental impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023

New Zealanders' views on the environmental impact of international tourism in New Zealand as at May 2023

Perceived negative impacts of tourism on the environment New Zealand 2023

Perceived negative impacts of tourism on the environment in New Zealand as at May 2023

Views on the social well-being impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023

New Zealanders' views on the impact of international tourism on the social well-being of communities in New Zealand as at May 2023

Views on the impact of international tourism on culture, values, and heritage NZ 2023

New Zealanders' views on the impact of international tourism on culture, values, and heritage in New Zealand as at May 2023

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New Zealand’s tourism rebound continues

Towns and cities up and down the country should be prepping for a busy summer season, as officials numbers released today highlight the continued growth in international visitors, Tourism and Immigration Ministers Stuart Nash and Michael Wood announced today.

Overseas visitor numbers for the month of September showed a significant uptick, while a decline in the net migration loss shows more people are choosing to stay in New Zealand. This is consistent with migration patterns between 2002 and the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, where New Zealand had an annual net loss of New Zealand citizens, and an annual net gain of non-New Zealand citizens.

 “This is positive news for the strength of the New Zealand economy as the tourism sector is such an important contributor. Before COVID-19, tourism was New Zealand's largest export industry and delivered $40.9 billion to the country. Tourism also made a significant positive impact on regional economies supporting employment by directly employing 8.4 percent (229,566 people) of the New Zealand workforce,” Stuart Nash said.

“I’ve said many times that this summer is going to be a bumper one for our tourism sector with international arrivals spending big across the whole of New Zealand. Tourism electronic card transactions (TECT) in September 2022 has increased overall compared to pre-COVID September 2019 levels with the monthly domestic TECT spend up 24% compared with September 2019 and International TECT spend up 2% on the same period.

“We are also seeing the economic benefits of our Australian neighbours enjoying all that New Zealand has to offer. Monthly TECT spend from Australian cardholders was at 96% of pre-COVID September 2019 levels.

“We mustn’t forget that our local tourists are still travelling domestically and supporting our tourism sector. Nationwide monthly domestic TECT spend in ‘cultural, recreation, and gambling services’ showed the greatest increase of all the tourism-characteristic products. It’s already up 30% compared to 2019.

“We supported the sector through the tough times with the $400m Tourism Recovery Package, the $200m Tourism Communities Plan, and the $54m Innovation Programme for Tourism Recovery. Now it’s time to welcome our international visitors to our world class tourist destinations and look forward to a bright future for our tourism sector,” Stuart Nash said.

Immigration figures also highlighted that more visitors are choosing to come to New Zealand.

“Over 17,000 working holiday visitors have now arrived in country, out of the 36,000 approved since March, providing much need labour during a time of global shortage,” Michael Wood said.

“Since the beginning of November, we have seen weekly arrivals of over 1,200 visa holders. Monthly arrivals have built, from 1000 in July to over 4000 in October .

“Our government recognises the crucial part working holiday visa holders’ play in the New Zealand economy. We need their skills here to meet demand in industries like tourism, hospitality, agriculture, horticulture.

“To support kiwi businesses we have doubled the Working Holiday Scheme caps with a one-off increase to recognise the spots that were unused last year due to the border restrictions. Take-up for the new spots has been swift with many schemes filling up only hours after opening.

“The quick and positive response we are getting from visa holders and those who are applying for visas show that people want to come here,” Michael Wood said.