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International visitor numbers are now within a whisker of pre-pandemic levels, with four months left to go in the year and the summer season yet to hit, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
Stats NZ data out today shows the total number of overseas visitor arrivals in August 2026 was 99 per cent of the 251,100 in August 2019.
“In 2025 I set the ambitious goal to increase the number of international visitors to New Zealand to at least 2019 levels by 2026.
“This monthly data shows we are well on track to reach that goal, showing the Government’s efforts to back tourism growth is working.
“That matters because tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner, and one in 9 New Zealanders are directly or indirectly employed by the sector. Tourism growth is economic growth, which means jobs, incomes and opportunities for Kiwis.
“Today’s data also shows there were record arrivals of overseas visitors from Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore in the month of August, reflecting the efforts of the Government, Tourism NZ and the sector to target important tourist markets and deliver the growth we have seen.”
The biggest increase in visitors came from China with arrivals up 32 percent on last August. Visitor arrivals from Australia were up 4.9 percent in the same period.
“Australia remains our largest visitor market and it’s exciting to see record numbers of Aussies visiting their neighbour for the second month running.” says Louise.
“Visitors from the United States, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Japan were all up on last year showing strong growth from markets around the world, even during our quieter winter months.
“New Zealanders are rightly proud to showcase our beautiful country, and more and more overseas visitors are finding out why. It is heartening to see the recovery of the industry and what that means for Kiwis.”
