New Zealand Tourist Arrivals

Visitor arrivals to New Zealand fell by 2.3% year-on-year to 354,408 in February 2025, according to official data. Among key markets, the United States recorded the largest increase, with arrivals up by 8,200 to reach 63,700—marking a record high for any month from the US. Other notable increases came from Australia (+7,600), the United Kingdom (+3,100), Canada (+1,600), and Japan (+1,100). In contrast, arrivals from China saw a significant decline of 18,400, while Taiwan and Malaysia recorded decreases of 1,500 and 1,200, respectively. The sharp drop in Chinese visitor numbers is attributed to the timing of the Chinese New Year. In 2025, the holiday began on January 29, compared to February 10 in 2024. Monthly arrivals from China typically peak around the New Year, which shifts between January and February depending on the lunar calendar.