The number of people travelling to New Zealand is on the rise. File photo supplied
The Government is welcoming new data showing New Zealand’s international visitor arrivals continued to rise in December, with strong growth from China and Australia in particular.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says Stats NZ’s arrival statistics for December, 2025, show New Zealand’s tourism recovery continues to build.
The December, 2025, year was the first annual period to exceed 3.5 million overseas visitor arrivals since the March, 2020, year.
“International tourism is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economic growth, supporting businesses and jobs in communities right across the country.
“It’s great to see our Government’s work to boost tourism is paying off.
“We’re seeing strong growth in visitors from China, with arrivals up by 29 per cent (6,400) in December, 2025, compared with December, 2024, as more Chinese visitors experience New Zealand’s unique scenery and hospitality.”
Annual figures show overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.51 million in the year to December, 2025, an increase of 196,000 on the previous year.
This continues to track towards the Government’s goal of returning tourism to pre-Covid levels, now sitting at 90 per cent of December, 2019, figures.
“It’s also great to see continued growth from our largest visitor market, Australia, with 1.52 million arrivals in the year to December, up 9.9 per cent (137,000 since the previous year),” Upston says.
Monthly data shows 32,800 more international visitors arrived in December, 2025, compared with December, 2024.
The Government is supporting tourism growth through a range of initiatives, including strengthening partnerships with key markets, providing funding for the promotion of New Zealand as a year-round destination and streamlining travel processes.
Changes that allow eligible visitors from China and the Pacific to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), rather than a visa, are also making a difference, Upston says.
A new survey following the changes shows being able to travel with an NZeTA was a deciding factor in people’s decisions to visit New Zealand.
An overwhelming 85 per cent of respondents, including 85 per cent of Chinese travellers and 82 per cent of visitors from Pacific Island Forum countries, said they travelled to New Zealand specifically because the NZeTA option became available.
The simplicity and speed of the process meant they could plan trips more spontaneously and confidently.
“We’re committed to fixing the basics and building the future through backing our tourism and hospitality sector,” Upston says.
“This data shows our plan is working as we position New Zealand as a top choice for people planning their next holiday.”