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The Government says a six-month trial allowing eligible Chinese and Pacific travellers to visit New Zealand from Australia without a visitor visa has generated an estimated $215 million for the economy.
Since the 12-month trial began in November 2025, more than 92,000 requests have been approved, with more than 80,000 travellers arriving through the new pathway.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment analysis shows the trial has directly contributed to a more than 40 per cent increase in Chinese visitor arrivals.
“The trial is off to a flying start, with travellers on the trial pathway delivering an estimated $215 million boost to the economy,” Upston says.
She says the latest Stats NZ figures also show international visitor arrivals continue to grow, with April arrivals increasing by 21,300 year-on-year, including an additional 11,100 visitors from China.
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the streamlined travel pathway has proven popular, making it faster and cheaper for eligible visitors travelling via Australia to visit New Zealand.
The visa-waiver trial is due to run for 12 months, with decisions on its future to be made following a full evaluation once the trial concludes. Until then, eligible Chinese and Pacific travellers arriving from Australia can continue to travel using a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) rather than applying for a visitor visa.
