NZ short term visitors +8.0 pct in April vs year ago

International visitor arrivals to New Zealand increased by 8.0% year-on-year in April 2025, reaching 267,300 visitors compared to 223,100 in April 2024. This growth reflects a continued recovery in international tourism following pandemic-related disruptions. The data is sourced from border crossing information collected by Stats NZ and commissioned by Tourism New Zealand.

The increase in short-term visitor arrivals aligns with broader trends in the tourism sector, which has seen a steady rebound in recent years. In February 2026, visitor arrivals surged by 15.2% year-on-year to 408,142, driven largely by arrivals from China, Australia, and other key markets. As of February 2026, total overseas visitor arrivals reached 98% of pre-pandemic levels, compared to 417,900 in February 2019.

The tourism sector remains a vital component of New Zealand’s economy, with international visitors contributing significantly to spending and employment. In the year ending March 2024, international tourists spent approximately $12.20 billion in New Zealand, an increase of 12.8% compared to the previous year. These figures highlight the sector’s resilience and its ongoing contribution to the national economy.