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New international visitor figures released by Stats NZ show continued growth in inbound travel, with the Government saying the latest results reflect growing confidence across the tourism sector.
The figures show 358,900 international visitors arrived in New Zealand during March 2026, up 15.1 per cent on the same month last year and continuing the sector’s recovery towards pre-pandemic levels.
Australia remains largest market
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the increase is positive news for tourism and hospitality operators around the country.
“More visitors means more people staying in our hotels, eating at local cafes, booking tours and shopping in our towns and cities. That supports jobs and helps businesses and our wider economy grow,” Upston says.
Australia remained New Zealand’s largest visitor market, with 138,360 arrivals in March, up 21 per cent year-on-year.
There was also growth from several other major tourism markets, including:
United States arrivals up 8.3 per cent to 53,390 visitors
China arrivals up 20 per cent to 24,620 visitors
Annual visitor numbers climb
Annual figures show New Zealand welcomed 3.63 million international visitors in the year ending March 2026, an increase of 9.2 per cent compared with the previous year.
Upston says the continued growth highlights tourism’s importance to the wider economy.
“Tourism is our second largest export earner, and when it does well, New Zealand does well,” she says.
“Every extra visitor helps support jobs, from hospitality workers and tour guides to retail staff and transport operators.”
Upston says the latest results are particularly encouraging given recent uncertainty caused by the fuel crisis, which had the potential to impact international travel demand.
“I continue to monitor the situation and work closely with industry to ensure New Zealand retains its appeal,” she says.
