International visitor spending in the October to December quarter increased by 20% compared to the same period in 2023, to $3.2 billion.  

“The IVS data follows hard on the heels of last week’s Tourism Satellite Account data(opens in new window) for the year to March 2024 which showed international tourism continuing to bounce back, following the pandemic handbrake. 

“Increased spending by international visitors has a significant impact for New Zealand. This encouraging trend in spending drives export earnings, but it also contributes to the success of local businesses and communities, and creates employment opportunities,” Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Rene de Monchy said. “This is a crucial part of supporting a productive and sustainable tourism industry.” 

The top three markets by spend for the 2024 year were Australia: $3.48B (up 2.9%), USA: $1.66B (up 20.6%) and China: $1.41B (up 146.9%). The data also showed that 32% of international holiday visitors visited four or more regions. 

International holiday visitors contributed $7.5 billion in the 2024 year, up 30% on the previous year. 

In the quarter, almost a third of holiday visitors visited a place in Aotearoa that is significant to Māori, and New Zealand’s landscapes and scenery were the main motivator for holidaymakers over the year. 

New Zealand continues to impress visitors, with 97% of respondents in the October –December quarter reporting that New Zealand ‘met or exceeded’ their expectations. 

“After ending 2024 on a high, I’m confident that the 2025 tourism season will be filled with many more exceptional experiences and memories for visitors to seek out and share with friends and family when they get back home,” Mr de Monchy said.