New Stats NZ data shows the total number of overseas visitor arrivals in August 2026 reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels recorded in August 2019.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston said it was heartening to see the recovery of the tourism industry and what that means for Kiwis.
“In 2025 I set the ambitious goal to increase the number of international visitors to New Zealand to at least 2019 levels by 2026,” said Ms Upston.
“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 1-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.”
The new data also showed there were record arrivals of overseas visitors from Australia, Taiwan, and Singapore in the month of August.
The biggest increase in visitors came from China, with arrivals up 32% on last August. Visitor arrivals from Australia were up 4.9% 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,” said Ms Upston.
“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.”
