Visa-Free Travel Boost Brings 13,000 New Visitors as NZ Tourism Sees Early Gains

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the surge reflects both the appeal of New Zealand and the importance of modernising border settings to support economic growth.

New Zealand is already seeing strong economic and tourism benefits from the newly introduced visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers who hold eligible Australian visas. Within just one month of the policy taking effect, more than 13,000 visitors have arrived under the new settings—an early indication of growing international interest and strengthened regional connections.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the surge reflects both the appeal of New Zealand and the importance of modernising border settings to support economic growth. “Our immigration settings play a critical role in strengthening our country’s economic future. New Zealand is a dream destination for many, and it’s fantastic to see such high uptake so early,” she said. “More visitors benefit Kiwi businesses, support local jobs, and boost our economy.”

In total, more than 24,000 New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) requests have already been approved, and officials expect applications to increase steadily—adding to the approximately 240,000 visitors from China and the Pacific Islands each year.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston welcomed the momentum, noting that tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export sector and a crucial driver of jobs and investment across the regions. She said the early data shows particularly strong interest in the South Island.

“Forty-three percent of Chinese and Pacific travellers entering under this pathway are arriving in Christchurch, and another 22 percent in Queenstown,” Upston said. “This demonstrates the enduring international appeal of our landscapes and experiences, and the real economic value of making travel easier.”

The increased arrivals are already having flow-on effects across the tourism supply chain—accommodation providers, tour operators, hospitality venues, and transport companies are reporting higher bookings and stronger seasonal demand.

Upston said the timing is ideal as many travellers begin planning for Chinese New Year, one of the busiest periods for outbound tourism in Asia. “It’s now easier than ever to include New Zealand in holiday itineraries. This is a perfect opportunity for visitors to experience our warm Kiwi hospitality, vibrant culture, and world-class cuisine.”

Government officials expect the visa-free pathway to continue delivering economic gains as awareness spreads and travel patterns normalise. For regional New Zealand, where tourism plays a vital role in local economies, the boost comes at an important time for stabilisation and long-term industry recovery.