Articles tagged with Visit
Foreign Minister Winston Peters to Visit Cook Islands for Talks with PM Brown
2 hours ago | 47 viewsForeign Minister Winston Peters will visit the Cook Islands on April 1-2 for talks with Prime Minister Mark Brown. This visit follows a private meeting between the two leaders in Auckland earlier this month. Peters last visited the Cook Islands in February 2024.
Tags: Winston Peters Mark Brown Foreign Minister Prime Minister Cook Islands New Zealand Auckland visit talks February 2024International Visitors Boost New Zealand Tourism with $12.5B Spend in 2025
3 weeks ago | 231 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are rapidly returning, with tourism contributing $12.5 billion to the economy for the year ending December 2025, a 3% increase from the previous year. Visitor numbers have reached 90% of 2019 levels, with spending per visitor and daily spending both rising, boosting local businesses and jobs. The government aims to double the value of tourism exports by 2034, highlighting the sector’s importance as New Zealand’s second-largest export earner.
Tags: New Zealand international visitors tourism visitor spend Louise Upston Australia United States hospitality MBIE tourism exportsNew Zealand Tourism Hits $46.6B in Spending, Boosts Jobs and Economy
4 weeks ago | 216 viewsNew Zealand’s tourism sector continues to grow, with total expenditure reaching $46.6 billion for the year ending March 2025, driven by a 7% increase in overseas visitor spending and arrivals. Tourism employment rose by 2.8% to 327,888 people, representing one in nine jobs, and tourism contributes 7.7% of GDP as the country's second highest export. The Government supports this growth through initiatives like the $70 million Major Events and Tourism Package and easing visitor visa requirements, aiming to boost regional economies and sustain long-term development.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Stats NZ Tourism Satellite Account NZeTA Government Tourism and Hospitality Minister Tourism sector Overseas visitors Major Events and Tourism PackageNew Insights Reveal Why and How New Zealanders Travel Domestically in 2025
1 month ago | 283 viewsThe new Domestic Visitor Survey, conducted in late 2025, reveals that three in five New Zealanders took overnight trips and nearly half took day trips in the previous six months, with main motivations being visiting family and relaxation. Domestic tourism accounts for about 60% of New Zealand's tourism expenditure, making these insights crucial for industry planning and responding to travel trends, especially as international visitor numbers recover post-COVID. The survey highlights high trip satisfaction, common planning methods, and barriers like cost and weather, with further data releases planned to support ongoing tourism development.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Domestic Visitor Survey Tourism Hospitality Verian Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Tourism Evidence and Insights Centre Covid CensusGovernment Invests $3.5M to Restore Tongariro National Park After Fires
1 month ago | 276 viewsThe Government is investing $3.5 million over five years to restore over 3000 hectares of Tongariro National Park damaged by major fires, focusing on weed control, pest management, and biodiversity monitoring. This effort, supported by the International Visitor Levy, aims to protect the park’s ecological resilience and sustain the local economy and communities dependent on it. Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro and the Department of Conservation are collaborating on the Maunga Ora restoration plan, integrating science and Māori knowledge to revive the sacred landscape.
Tags: Tongariro National Park Tama Potaka Ruapehu District Ngāti Hikairo ki Tongariro Department of Conservation Maunga Ora International Visitor Levy biodiversity pest management ecological restorationVisa-Free Travel Boosts New Zealand Tourism with 36,800 Chinese and Pacific Visitors
1 month ago | 303 viewsA 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.
Tags: Erica Stanford Louise Upston New Zealand Chinese visitors Pacific visitors NZeTA tourism South Island Immigration MinisterMilford Sound Tourism Gets Long-Term Concession to 2050 for Sustainable Management
2 months ago | 360 viewsConservation Minister Tama Potaka has approved a long-term concession for Milford Sound Tourism Limited to operate key visitor infrastructure at Milford Sound Piopiotahi until 2050, providing certainty for essential facilities in this important conservation area. The decision emphasizes balancing conservation, safe visitor access, and support for regional economies, while recognizing the cultural significance of the site through a partnership with Ngāi Tahu. Officials will now negotiate terms to ensure statutory obligations, capital investment, and broader tourism interests are addressed, supported by government funding for the Milford corridor.
Tags: Tama Potaka Milford Sound Piopiotahi Milford Sound Tourism Limited Ngāi Tahu Conservation Minister Aotearoa New Zealand International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy Tangata Whenua Department of Conservation New Zealand GovernmentDiscover Different: Explore Canterbury & West Coast This Autumn 2026
2 months ago | 394 viewsCanterbury and the West Coast’s regional tourism organisations will receive $1 million to launch the Discover Different campaign, promoting the regions' attractions during autumn and targeting Australian visitors. The initiative highlights the natural beauty, local food and drink, and unique experiences across Canterbury and the West Coast, aiming to support local businesses and boost regional tourism. Delivered through a collaboration of regional bodies, this campaign is part of a broader $3.69 million Regional Tourism Boost funding to attract international visitors to New Zealand’s regions in autumn and early winter 2026.
Tags: Canterbury West Coast Louise Upston Aoraki Mount Cook Kaikoura Hanmer ChristchurchNZ Destination Kaikōura Visit Hurunui Venture Timaru$450K Boost for Waikato Tourism: New International Autumn Travel Campaign
2 months ago | 448 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston announced over $450,000 funding for the One Flight campaign to boost international tourism in the Waikato region during autumn, targeting visitors from Australia via direct flights to Hamilton Airport. The campaign, led by Hamilton & Waikato Tourism in collaboration with regional partners, offers new seasonal travel deals and themed itineraries highlighting attractions like the Waikato River Trails, Hobbiton Movie Set, and Waitomo glowworm caves. This initiative is part of a larger $3.69 million Regional Tourism Boost aiming to support local businesses, create jobs, and attract visitors to central North Island destinations in autumn and early winter 2026.
Tags: Louise Upston Waikato Hamilton Airport Hobbiton Movie Set Waitomo Len Lye Centre Hamilton & Waikato Tourism Destination Great Lake Taupō Visit Ruapehu Venture TaranakiNew Zealand Tourism Booms with 6% More Visitors and $12.3B Spend in 2025
3 months ago | 519 viewsInternational visitors to New Zealand are increasing in number and spending more, driving significant growth in the tourism sector and economy, with total spending reaching $12.3 billion for the year ending September 2025. Visitor numbers rose to 3.43 million, reaching 88% of pre-pandemic levels, boosted by higher-spending travelers, especially from the USA. The government supports this growth through the Tourism Growth Roadmap, aiming to double tourism export value by 2034 while enhancing visitor experiences and regional opportunities.
Tags: Louise Upston New Zealand Tourism International Visitors USA MBIE Tourism Growth Roadmap Hospitality Economy Visitor SurveyNew Zealand’s Great Rides Boost Local Economy by $1.28 Billion in 2025
4 months ago | 499 viewsNew Zealand’s 23 Great Rides contribute $1.28 billion annually to local economies, with visitor spending rising 35% from 2021 to 2025, according to the latest evaluation report. Visitor nights and trail usage have also increased significantly, boosting accommodation and hospitality sectors and supporting regional jobs. The Government invests $8 million yearly from the International Visitor Levy and additional funds into trail infrastructure to sustain growth and economic benefits.
Tags: Louise Upston Sir John Key New Zealand Great Rides Tourism Hospitality Ruapehu Dunedin International Visitor LevyDiscover the Southern Way: $393K Campaign to Showcase Authentic Hospitality in Lower South Island
4 months ago | 530 viewsTourism 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.
Tags: Great South campaign Southern Way international visitors Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston lower South Island regional partners Australian travellers Gold CoastNew Zealand Tourism Soars: Record International Visitor Arrivals in 2025
4 months ago | 1143 viewsTourism Minister Louise Upston is pleased with the growth in New Zealand's overseas visitor numbers, particularly from Australia, which saw a 12% increase in arrivals in September 2025 compared to the previous year. Overall, New Zealand welcomed 248,600 international visitors in September 2025, with significant increases also seen from the United States, United Kingdom, and Japan. The government's efforts to attract more international visitors and boost the tourism industry are reflected in the record-high arrivals in Queenstown and Christchurch, as well as the initiatives such as the Tourism Boost package and the $70 million events and tourism investment package.
Tags: Louise Upston Tourism Minister Australia New Zealand Overseas visitors Stats NZ International visitors Tourism industry Everyone Must Go campaignNew Zealand Welcomes Michelin Guide, Showcasing Culinary Excellence and Boosting Tourism Growth
4 months ago | 500 viewsNew Zealand is excited to welcome the Michelin Guide for the first time, showcasing the country's food and wine to an international audience and expecting an increase in visitor numbers and economic growth, according to Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston. Michelin Guide inspectors are already dining anonymously in top New Zealand restaurants, with the first selections and potential star ratings expected next year. The arrival of Michelin is seen as a prestigious accolade that will boost tourism, with an estimated 36,000 more international visitors expected and a focus on promoting New Zealand's culinary excellence on a global stage.
Tags: New Zealand Michelin Guide Tourism Hospitality Minister Louise Upston Oceania Cuisine International visitors Culinary centers Hospitality sectorCarnival Adventure to Homeport in Auckland Boosting Cruise Tourism Growth
5 months ago | 503 viewsTourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston is excited about Carnival Adventure's return to homeporting in Auckland for the 2027 winter season, marking the first ship to do so since 2023. This move signifies confidence in New Zealand's tourism sector, bringing more visitors, jobs, and opportunities for local businesses. The Government's support for cruise tourism, including infrastructure development and regulatory clarity, demonstrates a commitment to fostering the sector's growth and ensuring New Zealand remains open for business.
Tags: Louise Upston Carnival Auckland Tourism Hospitality Cruise industry New Zealand Cruise visitors Port of Auckland Biofouling