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Visitors to the Queenstown Lakes district spent about NZ$2.83 billion in the year ending March 2025, according to figures cited by Road Genius.
Road Genius says international visitors accounted for NZ$1.79 billion of that total, underlining the district’s position as one of New Zealand’s highest-value tourism destinations.
The company says holiday travel remained the main reason for travel among about 330,770 international arrivals during 2024, reflecting the continued strength of Queenstown’s leisure market.
Global profile supports demand
Road Genius says Queenstown’s international reputation continues to grow, with Travel + Leisure ranking the resort town fourth among the best cities in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific in its 2025 World’s Best Awards.
That profile is helping drive forward bookings, with many travellers securing rental vehicles ahead of arrival during peak periods.
Self-drive transport remains popular with visitors planning itineraries beyond Queenstown, including Wānaka, Glenorchy and the wider Central Otago region.
Shoulder seasons offer value
Road Genius says pricing outside the December to February peak can create opportunities for budget-conscious travellers.
Visitors travelling in shoulder seasons or during winter ski months often compare rental options to manage costs across longer stays.
The availability of more competitive off-peak pricing is seen as supporting efforts to spread visitation more evenly across the year rather than concentrating demand in summer.
Seasonal vehicle mix important
Road Genius says operators such as NZRAC offer vehicles suited to local conditions, including SUVs and four-wheel-drive models for alpine travel in winter.
The company says continued strong visitor spending and Queenstown’s growing international profile are likely to keep rental vehicle demand closely tied to the wider recovery of New Zealand tourism.
