New data has shown that visitor and tourism growth is continuing its positive trajectory, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said.
Stats NZ data has indicated that there were 288,500 international visitors who came to New Zealand in April 2026, up eight percent on the same period last year, and 94 percent of pre-pandemic levels. It also reported a record number of visitors from the United States (25,800, up 14 percent on the same time last year), Australia (138,000, up 4 percent) and India (8,000, up 17 percent).
Visitor numbers from China also reached 32,500, up 52 percent compared to the same time last year.
The continued growth in the sector, New Zealand’s second-largest export earner, shows the Government’s work to back tourism is working, Louise Upston said.
“Tourism is a cornerstone of the Government’s push for economic growth. This sustained growth is great news for Kiwis, it represents business investment, jobs and incomes for New Zealanders, all while showing off our beautiful country that we are so proud of. It is particularly encouraging seeing such strong momentum from China, which is a really important market for New Zealand."
Upston said this significant lift from China reflected growing demand and highlights the value of our targeted efforts to attract more international travellers, including the visa-waiver trial for Chinese and Pacific travellers coming via Australia.
“We’re fixing the basics so the resilient, hard-working and ambitious tourism sector can build its future, delivering more economic growth to New Zealand in the process,” said Upston.
“This continued growth is encouraging, especially as it comes amidst the conflict in the Middle East and associated fuel supply pressures. We remain focused on strengthening performance across all our key markets. Growth doesn’t happen by accident, it’s down to ensuring settings are in place to help the sector fly.”
Upston added that the latest figures have shown that the country was moving in the right direction.
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