New Zealand Travel Statistics: From 2019 to Now

Updated On: March 17, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, New Zealand beckons travellers with its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and unique experiences waiting at every turn. As one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, this island nation has captivated the hearts of adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and culture seekers alike.

In this article, we delve into the journey of New Zealand travel statistics from 2019 till now, uncovering the trends and insights that reveal why this enchanting land continues to be a top choice for globetrotters worldwide. From the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps to the pristine beaches of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand boasts an unparalleled diversity of natural wonders, and the statistics confirm a growing interest in outdoor adventures.

Beyond its picturesque landscapes, New Zealand’s rich cultural heritage adds another layer of fascination to the travel experience, with a noticeable rise in cultural tourism. As we analyse the data, we uncover how New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices resonates with today’s conscientious travellers, further enhancing its appeal as a destination of choice.

New Zealand Travel Statistics in 2019

In December 2019, New Zealand welcomed a total of 528,200 overseas visitor arrivals, indicating a slight decrease of 1,000 compared to December 2018. Notable increases in arrivals were observed from key markets such as the United States, Australia, Korea, India, and Tonga. However, there were fewer arrivals from countries like the United Kingdom, China, and Germany. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of international travel patterns and the impact of various factors on visitor arrivals.

New Zealand Resident Travellers

Conversely, the number of New Zealand residents returning from overseas trips showed a significant increase in December 2019, reaching 194,500, which was a rise of 20,200 from the same period in 2018. The notable increases were observed among residents returning from Australia, India, and Japan. This surge in returning residents reflects the growing propensity of New Zealanders to explore international destinations and the evolving travel preferences among domestic travellers.

Annual Visitor Growth

For the year ending June 2019, New Zealand experienced a 2.7% increase in international visitor arrivals, totalling 3.89 million. While this growth rate represented a slight softening compared to previous years, the long-term trend remained positive, with a 10-year compound annual growth rate of 4.9%. These figures underscore New Zealand’s enduring appeal as a destination and its ability to attract a steady influx of visitors from around the globe.

Tourist Numbers

Overall, over 3.8 million tourists and other travellers visited New Zealand for the year ending December 2019, marking a modest increase of 0.7% over the previous year. Despite fluctuations in short-term arrivals, the cumulative numbers demonstrate the resilience of New Zealand’s tourism industry and its ability to maintain steady growth. These statistics provide valuable insights into the dynamics of New Zealand’s travel landscape, offering valuable data for policymakers, businesses, and travellers alike.

New Zealand Travel Statistics in 2020

In 2020, New Zealand’s travel landscape witnessed unprecedented disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual overseas visitor arrivals plummeted to 996,400, marking a staggering decrease of 2.89 million from the previous year. The pandemic-induced travel restrictions and border closures led to significant declines in arrivals from key markets such as Australia, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. These figures underscore the profound impact that the global health crisis had on the tourism industry and the broader economy.

Monthly Overseas Visitor Arrivals

The month of December 2020 painted a stark picture of the challenges facing New Zealand’s tourism sector, with only 5,900 overseas visitor arrivals recorded. This represented a drastic decrease of 522,300 compared to December 2019. The sharp decline in visitor numbers reflected the ongoing travel restrictions and safety concerns stemming from the pandemic. As borders remained closed and international travel advisories persisted, the tourism industry grappled with the reality of a drastically altered operating environment.

New Zealand-Resident Traveller Arrivals

Similarly, New Zealand resident traveller arrivals experienced a sharp decline in 2020, totalling 681,900 for the year. This marked a significant decrease of 2.42 million from the previous year, highlighting the impact of travel restrictions and border closures on domestic travel patterns. The largest changes in arrivals were observed from countries like Australia, Fiji, the United States, China, and the United Kingdom. The substantial decrease in domestic travel further exacerbated the challenges faced by local businesses and tourism operators.

These figures serve as a stark reminder of the immense challenges faced by the tourism industry in New Zealand during 2020. As the country grappled with the dual imperatives of safeguarding public health and reviving economic activity, policymakers and industry stakeholders worked tirelessly to navigate the unprecedented crisis. Despite the significant setbacks, the resilience and adaptability of New Zealand’s tourism sector were evident as efforts were made to reimagine and rebuild a more sustainable and resilient future for travel in the post-pandemic era.

New Zealand Travel Statistics in 2021

In the tumultuous year of 2021, New Zealand’s tourism industry continued to grapple with the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual overseas visitor arrivals dwindled to 207,000 in the December 2021 year, marking a substantial decrease of 789,000 from the previous year. Despite efforts to cautiously reopen borders and revive international travel, ongoing travel restrictions and persistent health concerns continued to dampen visitor numbers. The significant decline in overseas arrivals underscored the enduring challenges faced by New Zealand’s tourism sector as it sought to navigate the complexities of the global health crisis.

New Zealand-Resident Traveller Arrivals

Similarly, New Zealand resident traveller arrivals experienced a notable decrease in 2021, with only 143,000 recorded in December year. This marked a decline of 539,000 from the previous year, reflecting the cautious approach adopted by domestic travellers amidst the uncertain and evolving pandemic landscape. Concerns over health and safety, coupled with travel restrictions and border closures, contributed to the subdued demand for domestic travel experiences. The decline in resident traveller arrivals further underscored the profound impact of the global health crisis on both international and domestic tourism in New Zealand.

Monthly Arrivals

While specific monthly data for 2021 was not provided, the overall trend indicated a significant decrease in travel compared to the previous year. The ongoing implementation of travel restrictions, coupled with the emergence of new COVID-19 variants and fluctuating infection rates, continued to disrupt travel patterns and consumer confidence. As uncertainty loomed over the trajectory of the pandemic and the efficacy of containment measures, travellers remained cautious in their travel decisions, resulting in subdued levels of both international and domestic travel throughout the year.

These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the persistent challenges faced by New Zealand’s travel and tourism sector amidst the protracted global health crisis. As the industry continues to navigate the uncertainties and complexities of the pandemic, concerted efforts are needed to rebuild confidence, stimulate demand, and chart a path towards recovery and resilience in the post-pandemic era.

New Zealand Travel Statistics in 2022

In a promising turn of events, New Zealand experienced a significant increase in overseas visitor arrivals in 2022, signalling a resurgence in international travel. Notably, arrivals from Australia surged by 149,000 compared to the previous year, underscoring the renewed interest in exploring the pristine landscapes and vibrant culture of New Zealand. This uptick in visitor numbers reflects the successful containment of the COVID-19 pandemic and the gradual reopening of borders, offering a glimmer of hope for the revitalization of the tourism sector.

Resident Travellers

Domestic travel also witnessed a notable uptick in 2022, with New Zealand-resident traveller arrivals reaching 236,000 for the year, marking an increase of 192,000 from the previous year. The largest increases in arrivals were observed from key markets such as Australia, the Cook Islands, Fiji, the United States, the United Kingdom, and India. This surge in domestic travel activity reflects the growing confidence among local residents to explore their own backyard and support the tourism industry’s recovery efforts.

Tourism Expenditure

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, international tourists continued to contribute significantly to New Zealand’s economy, with tourism expenditure reaching approximately NZ$1.9 billion in 2022. This slight increase from the previous year underscores the resilience of the tourism sector and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. As travellers resumed their exploration of New Zealand’s attractions and experiences, they contributed to the economic recovery and sustainability of the tourism industry.

Accommodation

The accommodation sector played a pivotal role in facilitating the resurgence of tourism in New Zealand, with a total of 579 hotels and resorts catering to the needs of travellers. With the market valued at $2 billion, the accommodation sector remained a cornerstone of the tourism infrastructure, providing a diverse range of options to suit every traveller’s preferences and budget.

Popular City

Auckland emerged as the most visited city by international tourists in 2022, welcoming a staggering 448 thousand visitors. Renowned for its cosmopolitan vibe, cultural diversity, and stunning natural landscapes, Auckland continued to captivate the hearts of travellers seeking unforgettable urban experiences in New Zealand.

Travel Interests

Dining out emerged as the leading travel interest among outbound travellers from New Zealand, with approximately 65% expressing interest in this activity. As culinary tourism gained momentum, travellers sought to indulge their taste buds in a culinary journey through New Zealand’s diverse culinary landscape, comprising world-class restaurants, artisanal producers, and bustling food markets.

These figures paint a hopeful picture of recovery and growth in New Zealand’s travel and tourism sector in 2022, underscoring the resilience and adaptability of the industry amidst unprecedented challenges. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic landscape, concerted efforts are needed to sustain this positive momentum and ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery for all stakeholders involved.

New Zealand Travel Statistics in 2023

In the fiscal year ending March 2023, New Zealand witnessed a remarkable surge in overseas visitor arrivals, totalling 2.18 million, up from 1.95 million in the previous year. The largest increases were observed from key markets such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany. This resurgence in international arrivals reflects the successful containment of the COVID-19 pandemic and the gradual reopening of borders, paving the way for renewed interest in exploring New Zealand’s unparalleled natural beauty and cultural treasures.

Monthly Arrivals

March 2023 marked a significant milestone in New Zealand’s tourism recovery journey, with 259,100 overseas visitor arrivals recorded. This figure represents an impressive 68 per cent of the pre-COVID-19 number of 378,300 arrivals recorded in March 2019. The robust rebound in monthly arrivals underscores the resilience of New Zealand’s tourism sector and its ability to rebound from the disruptions caused by the global health crisis.

New Zealand-Resident Traveller Arrivals

Domestic travel also experienced a notable upswing in 2023, with New Zealand-resident traveller arrivals reaching 1.82 million for the year, up from 1.64 million in the previous year. The increased propensity of local residents to explore their own backyard reflects a growing confidence in domestic travel experiences and a desire to support the recovery efforts of the tourism industry.

Visitor Growth

The year 2023 witnessed unprecedented growth in international arrivals, with the number of visitors increasing by over 718 per cent compared to the previous fiscal year. This surge in visitor numbers marked the largest growth recorded during the period, signalling a robust recovery in New Zealand’s travel and tourism sector. The impressive growth trajectory bodes well for the country’s economic recovery and underscores its enduring appeal as a premier travel destination.

Inbound Tourism

Looking ahead, international visitor arrivals in 2023 are expected to reach 4.9 million, with a projected annual growth rate of 4.6 per cent. This optimistic forecast reflects the confidence of industry experts in New Zealand’s ability to sustain its momentum and attract a growing number of visitors from around the globe. With a projected increase to 5.1 million visitors in 2024, New Zealand’s tourism sector is poised for continued growth and prosperity in the years to come.

These statistics paint a compelling picture of New Zealand’s remarkable recovery and growth in the travel and tourism sector for the year 2023. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic landscape, concerted efforts are needed to capitalize on this positive momentum and ensure a sustainable and inclusive recovery for all stakeholders involved. For the latest and detailed statistics, interested parties can refer to the official releases from Stats NZ.

New Zealand Travel Statistics in 2024: Predictions for the Year Ahead

As New Zealand continues its recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, predictions for the travel and tourism sector in 2024 paint a picture of sustained growth and prosperity.

International Visitor Arrivals

Forecasts indicate that the number of international visitors to New Zealand is poised to reach an impressive 5.1 million in 2024. This projected increase reflects the country’s enduring allure as a premier travel destination and suggests a resurgence in global travel confidence following the challenges of recent years. With borders gradually reopening and travel restrictions easing, New Zealand is expected to attract a diverse array of visitors from around the world seeking to experience its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and renowned hospitality.

Annual Growth Rate

The tourism sector’s resilience is further underscored by projections of a 4.6% annual growth rate in visitor arrivals for 2024. This steady growth trajectory reflects the industry’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances and capitalize on emerging travel trends. As New Zealand positions itself as a safe and welcoming destination for travelers, it is anticipated that the country will continue to attract a growing number of international visitors, contributing to the economic recovery and prosperity of the nation.

Total International Spend

In addition to the influx of visitors, spending by international tourists is forecasted to reach NZ$14.8 billion in 2024, representing a significant 40% increase from 2017. This robust growth in expenditure highlights the positive impact of tourism on the New Zealand economy, driving job creation, infrastructure development, and investment in local communities. As travellers engage in a wide range of experiences and activities across the country, from adventure tourism to cultural immersion, they contribute to the vibrancy and sustainability of the tourism industry.

These predictions paint a compelling picture of a bright future for New Zealand’s travel and tourism industry in 2024. However, it’s essential to note that these forecasts are subject to change based on various factors, including global economic conditions, geopolitical developments, and public health considerations. For the most current and detailed statistics, interested parties are encouraged to refer to the latest publications from Stats NZ and other reputable sources of tourism research data. As New Zealand continues to navigate the complexities of the post-pandemic landscape, collaboration and innovation will be key to ensuring a sustainable and inclusive recovery for all stakeholders involved.

Sources: The above data has been obtained from the following sources: Stats NZ, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, Camper Champ, Tourism New Zealand, Statista, TRADING ECONOMICS