International visitor arrivals into New Zealand increased by 23,500 in April 2019 compared to April 2018.
The timing of Easter in April 2019 is likely a cause in the rise in visitors. A similar rise in Australian and total inbound tourists occurred in 2017 when Easter also fell in April.
Over 130,800 Australians visited New Zealand in April 2019, up 21,000 from last year.
“Trans-Tasman travel was lifted by the timing of Easter this year, which fell in the school holidays and close to Anzac Day,” said Tehseen Islam, populations indications manager, Stats NZ.
“This made it an attractive option for many holidaymakers, but particularly those visiting family and friends.”
Other country with notable increases were the United Kingdom (up 3,500), Hong Kong (up 2,000), and the United States (up 1,600).
In the year ended April 2019 there were a total of 3.98 million arrivals, up 99,400 from the year ended April 2018.
