International visitors to New Zealand increase spend by 4.3% for year to June
International visitor spending rises as arrivals reach 87 percent of pre-pandemic levels
The latest insights from MBIE’s International Visitor Survey highlight the continued recovery and growth of New Zealand’s tourism industry.
International visitor spending rose by 4.3 percent in the 12 months to June 2025, contributing a total of $12.1 billion to the economy. Of this, $7.6 billion came from holidaymakers, underlining the sector’s ongoing importance to regional destinations, accommodation providers and operators across the country.
Visitor spending patterns varied by market. Travellers from the United States recorded the highest average daily spend at $338, reflecting the strong demand from long-haul visitors for premium experiences. Australian travellers, who make up the largest international market, also showed impressive growth, with average daily spend climbing 17 percent year-on-year to $273.
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Activities most frequently enjoyed by international visitors included walking, hiking and trekking, which attracted 71 percent participation. Demand was also strong for nature-based experiences such as exploring mountains, lakes, beaches and national parks, reaffirming the importance of preserving and promoting New Zealand’s natural environment as a drawcard. Cultural and heritage attractions, such as public museums and art galleries, also remained popular, contributing to a more diverse visitor experience.
The increase in spending is consistent with the 5 percent rise in international arrivals over the same period. Arrivals reached 3.38 million in the year to June 2025, representing 87 percent of pre-pandemic levels. While visitor expenditure has now nominally surpassed pre-COVID benchmarks at 106 percent, this figure drops to 86 percent when adjusted for inflation, indicating that while volumes and spend are recovering strongly, the real economic value is still catching up.
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Tourism continues to rank as New Zealand’s second-largest export industry, sitting just behind dairy. With sustained growth in both arrivals and expenditure, the sector remains a vital contributor to the nation’s economy, supporting regional development, job creation and investment across hospitality, transport and visitor services.
