The latest insights from MBIE’s International Visitor Survey show international visitor spending increased by 9.2% in the 12 months to March 2025. The total spend was $12.2 billion (6.4% higher than 2019 before COVID-19 restrictions began) and holiday visitors spent $7.6 billion (up 8.8% on 2019).  

In the year to March 2025, Australian visitors had the highest total spend ($3.5 billion), followed by the US ($1.8 billion) and China ($1.2 billion). Visitors from Germany spent the most per trip ($8,100), followed by China and the UK ($5,800), and the US ($5,600). 

Conference delegates visiting New Zealand continue to spend more than other international visitors, spending an average of $387 per day. The average daily visitor spend was $209 per day, with holiday visitors spending $324. 

New Zealand’s stunning landscapes and scenery continue to be the top motivator for holiday travellers (cited by 77%), and 31% visited four or more regions during their trip. 

For more data and insights, please explore our Tourism Data(opens in new window) and Insights(opens in new window) pages.