Visa-Free Travel Surge Injects $210m Into NZ Economy

A fast-growing visa-free travel pathway for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors is delivering a major tourism boost, with nearly 37,000 travellers already crossing the Tasman under the new settings and injecting an estimated $210 million into the New Zealand economy.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford and Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston say the results demonstrate the immediate success of reforms allowing certain travellers in Australia to visit New Zealand visa free using the NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority).

Visitor Numbers Nearly Triple in Two Months

The Government first revealed in December that 13,000 Chinese and Pacific travellers had visited New Zealand under the new pathway, with 24,000 total requests approved at that stage.

Just two months later, the numbers have surged:

• 36,800 total visits recorded

• 54,000 travel requests approved

• Chinese visitors accounting for around 36,200 arrivals

"In December, we announced that 13,000 Chinese and Pacific travellers had already visited… After two months, that number has now almost tripled," Ms Stanford said.

The rapid uptake underscores strong demand from travellers already in Australia who can now easily extend their trip across the Tasman without undergoing a full visa process.

$210 Million Economic Injection

With average visitor spending by Chinese travellers estimated at $5,800 per person, according to the International Visitor Survey, the economic impact is already substantial.

Based on current visitor numbers, ministers estimate:

• $210 million injected into Kiwi businesses

• Spending flowing directly into retail, hospitality, accommodation, tours and regional services

"With average visitor spend at $5,800 for Chinese visitors… that amounts to an estimated economic injection of $210 million for Kiwi businesses," Ms Stanford said.

Tourism remains New Zealand's second-largest export industry, and ministers say policies that reduce barriers to entry are critical to sustaining momentum in the sector's post-pandemic recovery.

Travel Reform Driving Visitor Decisions

Survey data suggests the visa-free change was not merely convenient — it was decisive.

• 85 percent of Chinese travellers surveyed said they visited specifically because of the new NZeTA option.

• 82 percent of Pacific travellers surveyed cited the same reason.

Ms Stanford described the policy shift as a "no-brainer," noting that simplifying access from Australia makes New Zealand significantly more competitive as an add-on destination.

"Everybody wants the chance to visit and experience New Zealand, and through our change to allow more people to visit through visa-free travel from Australia, it appears to be a no-brainer," she said.

Strong Regional Benefits, Especially in the South Island

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the benefits are already being felt across the country, particularly in key regional destinations.

• 67 percent of Chinese and Pacific visitors began their travels in the South Island

• International arrivals into South Island airports are driving regional tourism activity

"The South Island remains extremely popular," Ms Upston said.

Visitor spending is flowing directly into local economies — from boutique retailers and restaurants to accommodation providers and tour operators — generating revenue that may not have materialised without the streamlined travel option.

"This is spending which may not have come into New Zealand prior to the change," Ms Upston said.

Part of Broader Economic Strategy

The visa-free pathway aligns with the Government's broader economic strategy aimed at boosting exports, strengthening regional economies, and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.

"The travel changes we've made are reflective of this Government's stance — we back Kiwi businesses and we back our regions," Ms Upston said.

With more than 54,000 approvals already granted and demand continuing to rise, ministers say the reform demonstrates how targeted, practical policy adjustments can deliver rapid and measurable economic returns.

As international travel patterns continue to evolve, the Government is positioning New Zealand as an accessible, high-value destination — particularly for visitors already travelling within the Asia-Pacific region.