International tourism in New Zealand continues to recover strongly, with rising visitor numbers and spending reinforcing the sector’s role in the national economy. Government data shows international tourism spending reached NZ$12.5 billion in the year ending December 2025, marking a 3% increase compared with the previous year.
The figures, based on the latest International Visitor Survey, indicate that international visitors are returning steadily as global travel demand stabilises after the pandemic.
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The growth reflects stronger inbound tourism flows and higher visitor expenditure across accommodation, transport and hospitality services.
International visitor numbers rise
International visitor arrivals to New Zealand have continued to climb through 2025. Official statistics show overseas arrivals reached about 3.51 million in the year to December 2025, an increase of around 196,000 compared with the previous year.
The total is the first annual period above 3.5 million visitors since before the COVID-19 pandemic, although it remains roughly 90% of 2019 levels.
Australia remains the largest inbound tourism market for New Zealand, followed by the United States and China. Growth in arrivals from these countries has supported the recovery of airlines, hotels and regional tourism businesses.
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By GlobalDataMonthly data also shows steady gains. For example, international arrivals reached 262,700 in October 2025, up 22,500 compared with October 2024.
Visitor spending supports the tourism economy
Rising visitor numbers have translated into higher tourism spending. International visitors contributed NZ$12.5 billion to the New Zealand economy in 2025, according to the government survey.
Tourism remains one of the country’s most important export industries. Overall tourism expenditure in New Zealand reached NZ$46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, increasing by NZ$1.5 billion year-on-year.
The spending growth reflects not only higher visitor numbers but also increased per-visitor expenditure. Travellers from markets such as the United States have been identified as relatively high-spending visitors, helping raise overall tourism revenue.
Industry analysts note that spending by international travellers supports a wide range of sectors, including accommodation, food services, transport operators and retail.
Recovery continues but remains below pre-pandemic peak
Despite the current tourism boom, the sector has not fully returned to its pre-pandemic scale. Visitor arrivals remain below the record levels seen before 2020, when international travel was disrupted by border closures and restrictions.
Government forecasts expect international arrivals to continue growing as aviation capacity expands and global travel demand strengthens. Policy initiatives such as the national Tourism Growth Roadmap aim to rebuild the sector while increasing the value generated by visitors rather than focusing only on volume.
For tourism operators, the current recovery highlights the sector’s ongoing role in economic activity and employment across New Zealand. As visitor numbers approach pre-pandemic levels, the industry is likely to remain a key contributor to export earnings and regional development.
