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Market Pulse
New Zealand Is 99% of the Way Back
Overseas visitor arrivals hit 248,700 in August, 99% of August 2019. Australians set an August record, and visitors from China rose 32%.
Photograph · Wangi / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.5)
New Zealand’s tourism recovery is nearly complete. Stats NZ counted 248,700 overseas visitor arrivals in August 2026, up 18,400 on August 2025. The Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, Louise Upston, said that is 99% of August 2019’s 251,100.
Where the growth came from
Change in arrivals compared with August 2025:
- China: +6,500 (up 32%, the minister said)
- Australia: +5,800
- United States: +2,000
- Malaysia: +1,300
- Taiwan: +800
- Indonesia: +700
- Japan: +600
- United Kingdom: −600
Three markets set August records: Australia (125,600), Taiwan (5,800) and Singapore (4,600).
“Tourism is New Zealand’s second largest export earner,” Upston said.
For advisors and operators
- Australia is half the market. Trans-Tasman capacity matters more than ever, with the Qantas–Air New Zealand partnership ending in April 2027.
- China is coming back fast, and summer group demand will follow.
- The UK is the one market going backwards. Long-haul Europe needs a push this summer.