International tourism is an integral part of New Zealand’s economy, with visitors contributing $12.3 billion over the 12 months to September 2025, a 5.3% increase on the previous year. Holiday spending contributed $7.8 billion, up 8.9% on last year.  

With 3.43 million visitors arriving on our shores in the same period, Australia remained our largest market in terms of total spend, at $3.6 billion. Visitors from the US spent $1.8 billion and Chinese travellers spent $1.2 billion. 

International visitors play a vital role in keeping our tourism and hospitality industry sustainable, with over $3.2 billion spent on accommodation across the year, and $1.7 billion on dining. Indonesian visitors have the highest daily spend of $485, followed by the US ($350) and Taiwan ($314).  

Despite having a lower average daily spend, travellers from Germany remain the highest holiday spenders per trip, followed by the UK, which reflects their longer lengths of stay.   

The top reason for visiting New Zealand was landscapes and scenery at 74.4%. Nature continues to be a strong draw for holidaymakers, with 80% visiting our natural attractions (such as lakes, mountains, rivers), 79% enjoying a walk, hike, trek or tramp, and 62% visiting a national park.