16 Oct 2026
1 week ago
158 views
From 1 July 2027, cruise ship passengers will pay significantly lower Border Processing Levy rates, with a net reduction of NZ$19.91 per person due to decreased arrival levies and a minimal increase in departure levies. The levy system aims to recover Customs’ border processing costs while ensuring secure and efficient border services, with rates regularly reviewed to reflect forecast costs and passenger volumes. Air travellers will see a slight overall increase of 32 cents per passenger, and early notice of these changes helps the travel and tourism sectors plan accordingly.
29 Jul 2026
2 months ago
670 views
The New Zealand Government is investing $800,000 to upgrade Tourism New Zealand’s systems, making local tourism services more accessible and visible through AI search tools. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and personalization of holiday planning by making tourism data AI-ready and expanding the AI travel assistant with detailed regional information. The investment supports goals to boost tourism exports by 2034, increase international visitors to pre-pandemic levels by 2026, and grow tourism-related jobs and economic growth.
12 Jun 2026
4 months ago
1049 views
Tourism in New Zealand is showing strong growth, with 288,500 international visitors in April 2026, reaching 94% of pre-pandemic levels and significant increases from key markets like China, the US, Australia, and India. The government’s targeted efforts, including visa-waiver trials and support for the tourism sector, are credited with driving this positive trend, which boosts business investment, jobs, and incomes. Despite global challenges such as the Middle East conflict and fuel supply issues, the sector’s resilience and ongoing growth demonstrate effective policies and a promising future for New Zealand’s tourism industry.
14 May 2026
5 months ago
1073 views
International visitor numbers to New Zealand continue to grow, with 358,900 arrivals in March 2026, marking a 15.1% increase from the previous year and nearing pre-pandemic levels. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston highlights that this growth boosts the economy by supporting jobs and local businesses, with significant visitor increases from Australia, the United States, and China. Despite challenges like the fuel crisis, tourism remains New Zealand's second largest export earner, contributing substantially to economic growth and employment.
24 Apr 2026
6 months ago
1007 views
Veterans Affairs has increased private vehicle mileage reimbursement rates by 50 percent to help veterans manage rising fuel costs when traveling for treatment. This temporary measure, funded within the existing budget, applies until petrol prices drop below $3 per litre for four consecutive weeks and aims to ensure veterans continue accessing essential care. The government emphasizes supporting veterans amid global fuel price volatility, prioritizing those with limited transport alternatives.
05 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1308 views
The New Zealand Government is actively preparing to assist citizens stranded in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict by pre-deploying consular staff and two Defence Force planes for potential evacuation operations. Due to closed airspace and limited flights, New Zealanders are advised to shelter in place or use safe opportunities to leave, while the government coordinates with consular partners and airlines. Around 3,000 New Zealanders are registered in the region, with a 24/7 Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade response operation in place to provide urgent assistance.
01 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1368 views
The biosecurity component of the Border Processing Levy for most arriving air passengers will decrease by 30 percent, from $16.92 to $12.03, as the costs of rebuilding border operations after COVID-19 have been paid off. The levy funds essential biosecurity services like x-ray screening and detector dogs, which protect New Zealand's economy and environment, particularly benefiting farmers and other primary industries. The government plans to use levy funds to modernize border biosecurity through investments in new technology, including a digital border program and enhanced passenger processing systems.
30 Dec 2025
9 months ago
1457 views
Biosecurity New Zealand has released an updated inflight video to inform international passengers about their responsibility to declare or dispose of risk items to protect New Zealand’s primary industries and environment from threats like foot and mouth disease. The video, featuring biosecurity officers and ambassadors, provides clear instructions on completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and helps airlines comply with the 2023 legal requirement to provide biosecurity information before arrival. Additionally, Biosecurity New Zealand is enhancing border measures by increasing staff and improving airport processing to manage higher passenger volumes during the summer.
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.
14 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1211 views
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced that Great South will receive $393,000 to launch a campaign promoting the Southern Way and the region's hospitality to international visitors. The investment aims to showcase the lower South Island's unique experiences, wild beauty, rich flavors, and warm hospitality to new audiences. Led by Great South and regional partners, the campaign will target Australian travelers, particularly those from the Gold Coast, encouraging them to explore iconic destinations like Milford Sound, the Catlins coastline, and Dunedin, while highlighting the region's local events and genuine southern hospitality.
11 Nov 2025
11 months ago
1162 views
The Land Transport Management (Time of Use Charging) Amendment Bill has passed in Parliament, aiming to reduce congestion and improve travel times in New Zealand. Time-of-use charging encourages off-peak travel to keep cities moving efficiently. The legislation allows local authorities to partner with NZTA on targeted schemes to ease gridlock and support economic growth, with Auckland likely to be the first to implement such measures.
06 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1699 views
New Zealand is supporting Samoa in addressing a severe dengue outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of five children, demonstrating the special relationship between the two countries. New Zealand plans to send a clinical team to Apia, provide medical supplies worth $300,000, and offer additional assistance as needed. Travellers to Samoa are advised to take precautions against mosquito bites and refer to the SafeTravel website for Dengue Fever prevention advice.
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).