25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
861 views
The New Zealand Government, led by Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston, has released a Tourism Policy Statement to guide collaboration between central and local governments and industry in growing tourism and boosting regional economies. The policy aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034 through strategic investments, infrastructure, marketing, and initiatives like the Regional Tourism Boost, which supports campaigns to attract international visitors beyond main centers and peak seasons. With $5 million allocated for round three of the Regional Tourism Boost, targeting key markets such as Australia, China, and North America, recent data shows tourism is recovering strongly, with international visitor numbers reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
909 views
A 12-month visa waiver trial launched in November 2025 allowing eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors traveling from Australia to use a simpler, faster, and cheaper New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) has generated $215 million for New Zealand’s economy in six months. The trial has led to a 40% increase in Chinese visitor arrivals, filling hotels and businesses, and supporting jobs, with over 80,000 travelers arriving via this new pathway. Decisions on the trial’s future will follow a full evaluation after the 12-month period, while eligible travelers continue to benefit from the streamlined NZeTA process.
19 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1464 views
A new visa-free travel option via the New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors arriving from Australia has significantly increased tourism, with visits nearly tripling to 36,800 and generating an estimated $210 million in economic benefits. This streamlined process reduces costs and wait times compared to traditional visas, prompting 85% of Chinese and 82% of Pacific travelers to visit specifically because of the change. The influx of visitors is boosting local businesses, especially in key tourism regions like the South Island, aligning with the government’s goal to support Kiwi businesses and regional growth.
11 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1175 views
New Zealand’s new visa-free pathway for Chinese and Pacific travellers with eligible Australian visas has attracted over 13,000 visitors in just one month, boosting the economy and benefiting Kiwi businesses. Tourism Minister Louise Upston highlights the positive impact on regional tourism, especially in Christchurch and Queenstown, with increased bookings and job opportunities. The initiative supports New Zealand’s vital tourism sector, encouraging more visitors to experience the country’s hospitality and attractions, particularly during the Chinese New Year.
19 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1293 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston will lead an industry delegation on a tourism-focused trade mission to China, visiting Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing to meet with Chinese airlines, e-commerce platforms, and tourism professionals. The mission aims to promote New Zealand's tourism sector, understand the Chinese market, and strengthen the relationship with China as it is New Zealand's third largest tourism market. Efforts include facilitating Chinese visitors' entry to New Zealand and fostering economic growth through tourism, friendship connections, and trade relationships.
20 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2453 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has wrapped up his successful China visit by meeting with his Chinese counterpart Premier Li Qiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. “My first official visit to China allowed me to reconnect with Premier Li on the full scope of our bilateral relationship,” Mr Luxon says. Following their meeting, Mr Luxon and Premier Li issued a Joint Statement of Outcomes and witnessed the signing of 11 new government-to-government arrangements covering cooperation on climate change, cultural linkages, tourism and a range of practical initiatives to facilitate trade flows.
20 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2378 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. “My meeting with President Xi was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the depth and breadth of this important relationship, and to reaffirm our bilateral ties,” Mr Luxon says. “I outlined how our strong and innovative economic relationship has grown to cover a broad range of areas.
19 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2436 views
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has concluded the successful Shanghai leg of his official visit to China, accompanied by Ministers Louise Upston and Mark Mitchell and a delegation of senior New Zealand business leaders from across the food and beverage, health and wellbeing, education, and tourism sectors. “Our bilateral trade relationship with China is one of our most important, with two-way trade exceeding NZ$39 billion in the year ending March 2025. “This relationship accounts for more than 20 per cent of New Zealand’s total goods and services exports,” Mr Luxon says.
18 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2291 views
The Government is boosting tourism and trade by making it simpler, faster and cheaper for Chinese nationals to transit via New Zealand. From November, Chinese passport holders will no longer need to obtain a Transit Visa before transiting through New Zealand airports. Instead, they will be able to get a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
18 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2357 views
Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Scott Simpson have welcomed a new certification scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in Shanghai today, that unlocks access to China’s $200 million cosmetics and skincare market — a move that will drive stronger returns for New Zealand exporters and boost the economy. “This is a smart, practical step that removes a long-standing trade barrier and opens up valuable new channels for our exporters,” McClay says. “It means more high-quality, innovative New Zealand products on shelves in China - not just online, but in stores across one of the world’s fastest-growing consumer markets.
15 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2387 views
The Government is boosting New Zealand’s attractiveness as a destination for Chinese tourists by improving visa settings and processes. From November, New Zealand will trial visa waiver status for Chinese passport holders travelling from Australia with a valid Australian visitor, work, student or family visa, allowing them to visit for up to 3 months. “Our immigration settings play an important role in brightening our country’s economic future.