The ‘Within your Wildest Dreams’ activity, which ran from April – June 2022, was designed to keep Australians thinking about New Zealand as a destination.

The activity generated 50,000 referrals to tourism operators in New Zealand and, as borders opened, New Zealand welcomed 335,546 Australian visitors between April and August 2022.

“Australia is an important market for New Zealand and this activity was successful in keeping New Zealand in mind as a destination for Australians and encouraging them book that dream holiday,” said René de Monchy, Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive.

“While we are seeing visitors return, this is expected to be gradual. We are working hard in our core markets to showcase New Zealand to support industry and country recovery.”

The activity also included engagement and training with travel sellers to get them up to speed on New Zealand’s offering.

Before COVID-19 Australia was New Zealand’s largest visitor market previously accounting for almost 40% of international arrivals to New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand research shows that 41% of Australians who want to visit New Zealand are looking to visit by Summer 2023. The most common lead time for booking their holiday to New Zealand is three months.

To find out more about the Australian market here.