nz tourist arrivals

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Covid-19 travel safety and information

Know what to expect while travelling and follow some simple guidelines to stay safe in New Zealand.

On this page, you'll find helpful information on what you need to know:

Before travelling to New Zealand

• When in New Zealand

Leaving New Zealand

1. check your eligibility.

Before planning your travel to New Zealand, make sure you are eligible for travel, meet the visa requirements and have taken the right steps.

Everyone entering New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) (opens in new window) including babies and children. It’s free and you can complete it on the NZTD website or by downloading the NZTD app ahead of your travel.

2. New Zealand’s vaccination requirements

COVID-19 vaccination and testing requirements for all travellers arriving in the country, including air crew, are no longer required.

However, all travellers are strongly encouraged to remain up to date with their vaccinations before travelling to New Zealand. Vaccination remains a significant tool for preventing infection, reducing COVID-19 symptoms and severe illness.

3. Pre-departure test

To enter New Zealand, travellers no longer need to get a pre-departure test. 

4. Other things to consider before leaving 

For peace of mind during your trip in New Zealand, you may also want to consider medical and travel insurance.

When you're in New Zealand

Once you arrive in new zealand.

Antigen tests

Travellers entering New Zealand do not need pre-departure tests or proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter New Zealand. Check with your travel provider as they may still require proof of vaccination. If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand, it is recommended to take a rapid antigen test (RATs). COVID-19 tests are free and widely available in New Zealand. Find more information on how to get a free RAT or PCR test (opens in new window) . Find more  information on taking your test (opens in new window) .

COVID-19 safety practices in place

With COVID-19 case numbers falling, a highly vaccinated population, and increased access to antiviral medicines to treat COVID-19, New Zealand has removed most COVID-19 restrictions. It is still recommended to practice healthy habits when travelling around New Zealand.

Practice healthy habits

• While travelling around New Zealand, you should try to physically distance yourself in airports or busy transport hubs.
• Wearing a face mask is no longer required, although masks are still encouraged in some places such as hospitals.
• Find further information on face mask requirements (opens in new window) here.

What to do if you develop symptoms

• Find a COVID-19 testing centre (opens in new window) in your current location
• Order a rapid antigen tests (RATs) home testing kit
• Isolate for seven days. Find more information on self-isolation requirements (opens in new window) .
• Find more information on what to do if you  test positive while travelling (opens in new window) .

Helpful links

• New Zealand emergency information and numbers
• List of public hospitals in New Zealand (opens in new window)
• Testing centre locations (opens in new window) across New Zealand

Check entry requirements

The country you are travelling to may have entry requirements in place. Be sure to check the requirements of the country you are travelling to.

• the official website of the country you wish to enter
• that country’s diplomatic representative in New Zealand
• More information if you require a pre-departure test before leaving (opens in new window) New Zealand
• List of testing centre locations (opens in new window) in New Zealand

More information on travelling to NZ

Visas and entry requirements long-arrow-right

Flights to New Zealand long-arrow-right

Travel agents and agencies long-arrow-right

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A Guide to the NZ Traveller Declaration (Passenger Arrival Card)

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Entering a new country is not as easy as it used to be, especially with pandemics thrown into the mix. Due to health requirements and strict biosecurity measures at the border of New Zealand, everyone arriving in New Zealand needs to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) , formerly known as the Passenger Arrival Card . Find out how to complete the form and what evidence you’ll need to supply with this complete guide to the entry paperwork for New Zealand.

For the complete list of arrival formalities for entering New Zealand, be sure to also check out our guide, Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process .

What is the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD)?

The New Zealand Traveller Declaration , formerly known as the New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card, is a form that you must submit either online 24 hours before starting your trip to New Zealand or in paper form either on the final leg of your journey to New Zealand or at the airport in New Zealand before passing through Passport Control/Customs. The form requires you to fill out your personal details, as well as asks simple yes/no questions concerning Customs, Biosecurity and Immigration. Once you have filled out the Traveller Declaration, keep a hold of it so you can hand it to Passport Control and Customs and Biosecurity once you arrive in New Zealand .

3 Ways to Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration

There are three ways to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration: in paper form, online or through an app. Take a look at the form in the section below to familiarise yourself with what information you’ll need to complete it. Your passport and boarding pass will come in handy for this.

1. The NZ Traveller Declaration Paper Form

Part of your in-flight entertainment on your flight to New Zealand is filling out the Traveller Declaration Form for New Zealand. The card/form will be handed out to you by the flight crew during your flight (the final leg of your journey that ends in New Zealand). Once you have filled out the card, keep a hold of it so you can hand it to Passport Control and Customs .

If you don’t complete the form during your flight, there are forms available at your arrival airport in New Zealand before getting your passport checked.

2. The NZ Traveller Declaration Online

Up to 24 hours before starting your journey to New Zealand, you can submit the New Zealand Traveller Declaration online at travellerdeclaration.govt.nz . It’s free (don’t pay anyone to do an “NZTD completion service” or similar) and takes approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your digital declaration is linked to your passport and is checked when you arrive. You are not required to print anything out.

Note that you can start your New Zealand Traveller Declaration at a time that suits you. The earliest you can submit your declaration is 24 hours before you start your trip to New Zealand.

3. The NZTD App

There is also an app available to complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration: the NZTD App . It works similarly to the website form, with the difference being that the app allows you to scan your passport to instantly upload your passport details. See travellerdeclaration.govt.nz to learn more.

What Does the New Zealand Traveller Declaration Form (Passenger Arrival Card) Look Like?

Video: how to complete the new zealand passenger arrival card.

Want more? In the video below, Robin fills up the Passenger Arrival Card for New Zealand so you know what to expect.

8 Tips for Filling Out the NZ Traveller Declaration for New Zealand

Here are the answers to the most common questions asked about the NZ Traveller Declaration for New Zealand.

• If you plan to complete a paper form on your flight, bring a pen with you! You’re unlikely to be given one on the plane.
• In Section 1 for “occupation or job” simply put unemployed, if you do not have one.
• In Section 1 for “full contact or residential address in New Zealand” put the name of your first accommodation if you know it. If not, leave it blank.
• Do not answer Section 2a, if you are not from New Zealand.
• In Section 2b , tick the “holiday/vacation” option even if you are doing a working holiday or backpacking in New Zealand.
• One of the most important parts of the card is the declaration Sections 5 and 6 . If you don’t declare something that you should have declared, you will face a hefty fine. If in doubt, declare it! If you have sports and outdoor equipment, make sure they are clean before you pack them. Get more information on this in What Do You Need to Declare When Arriving in New Zealand?
• In Section 8 , if you are from a visa-waiver country, meaning that you automatically get a visitor visa when you enter New Zealand , circle “Yes” to “I do not hold a visa I am applying for a visitor visa on arrival”. Note that the NZeTA is not a visa.
• Lastly, keep this card with your passport, as you will need to hand the card in at Customs and then again to Biosecurity . Learn about that process in  Arrival Advice: Passport Control and Immigration and Arrival Advice: Biosecurity & Customs in New Zealand .

More About the Entry Forms to Complete for New Zealand

That’s it for our guide to the New Zealand Traveller Declaration and Passenger Arrival Card for New Zealand. For more arrival tips, check out our full arrival guide, Arriving in New Zealand: Airport Customs, Biosecurity & the Arrival Process .

What other paperwork do you need to complete for entering New Zealand? Check out the following guides:

• NZ Tourist Visa : Do You Need a Visa to Visit New Zealand?
• 10 Things You Need to Know About the NZETA
• New Zealand Packing List : What to Pack for New Zealand

Finally, get our complete guide to visiting Aotearoa with  The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand .

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Immigration New Zealand (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Customs Service (Customs and Biosecurity - Updated [2024])
• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD online platform - Updated [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Stats NZ (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Travel, Tourism & Hospitality

Industry-specific and extensively researched technical data (partially from exclusive partnerships). A paid subscription is required for full access.

Annual growth of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by country

In financial year 2024, the largest group of international visitors to New Zealand arrived from Australia; nonetheless, the growth in international arrivals from Australia was only around 5.3 percent. Although it was the third most prominent country in terms of total visitor arrivals in 2024, China witnessed the largest growth in visitors to Australia, with visitor numbers increasing by over 287 percent from the 2023 financial year. 

Annual growth rate of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand in financial year 2024, by country of origin

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August 2024

New Zealand

year ended June

Note: Stats NZ and licensed by Stats NZ for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International license. International visitors are defined by the source as overseas residents arriving in New Zealand for a stay of less than 12 months. Values have been rounded. Only the top 20 countries in terms of total visitor arrivals are represented.

Other statistics on the topic

• Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2024
• Perceived negative impacts of tourism on the environment New Zealand 2023
• Annual number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand FY 2020-2023
• Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by country of origin

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Statistics on " Travel and tourism in New Zealand "

• Tourism value added as a share of industry GDP New Zealand 2014-2023
• Tourism GDP growth rate New Zealand 2014-2023
• Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2014-2023, by tourist type
• Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2022-2023, by product type
• Total number of people employed in the tourism sector New Zealand 2014-2023
• Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Annual growth of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by region of origin
• Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by port of entry
• Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by age
• Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by purpose of visit
• Annual number of outbound NZ resident travelers New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Number of inbound NZ resident arrivals New Zealand FY 2024, by country visited
• Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers New Zealand 2022
• Leading sport tourism experience interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022
• Leading wilderness tourism interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022
• Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand 2019-2024
• Number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland, NZ FY 2023, by country origin
• Share of domestic overnight leisure trips New Zealand 2024, by region
• Top attractions visited by domestic tourists Central Auckland New Zealand FY 2022
• Top attractions visited by domestic tourists South Auckland New Zealand FY 2022
• Top attractions visited by domestic tourists North Auckland New Zealand FY 2022
• Views on the impact of international and domestic tourism on New Zealand 2023
• Views on international tourism impact on post-pandemic economic recovery NZ 2023
• Perceived positive impacts of tourism on the economy and society New Zealand 2023
• Views on the environmental impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023
• Views on the social well-being impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023
• Views on the impact of international tourism on culture, values, and heritage NZ 2023

Other statistics that may interest you Travel and tourism in New Zealand

• Premium Statistic Tourism value added as a share of industry GDP New Zealand 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Tourism GDP growth rate New Zealand 2014-2023
• Premium Statistic Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2014-2023, by tourist type
• Premium Statistic Total tourism expenditure New Zealand 2022-2023, by product type
• Premium Statistic Total number of people employed in the tourism sector New Zealand 2014-2023

International tourism

• Premium Statistic Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand 2019-2024
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Premium Statistic Annual growth of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by region of origin
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by country of origin
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by port of entry
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by age
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to New Zealand FY 2024, by purpose of visit

Outbound tourism

• Premium Statistic Annual number of outbound NZ resident travelers New Zealand FY 2015-2024
• Premium Statistic Number of inbound NZ resident arrivals New Zealand FY 2024, by country visited
• Premium Statistic Leading tourism experience interests among outbound travelers New Zealand 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading sport tourism experience interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022
• Premium Statistic Leading wilderness tourism interests of outbound travelers New Zealand 2022

Tourism in Auckland

• Premium Statistic Monthly number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand 2019-2024
• Premium Statistic Annual number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland New Zealand FY 2020-2023
• Premium Statistic Number of international visitor arrivals to Auckland, NZ FY 2023, by country origin
• Premium Statistic Share of domestic overnight leisure trips New Zealand 2024, by region
• Premium Statistic Top attractions visited by domestic tourists Central Auckland New Zealand FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Top attractions visited by domestic tourists South Auckland New Zealand FY 2022
• Premium Statistic Top attractions visited by domestic tourists North Auckland New Zealand FY 2022

Views on tourism

• Premium Statistic Views on the impact of international and domestic tourism on New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on international tourism impact on post-pandemic economic recovery NZ 2023
• Premium Statistic Perceived positive impacts of tourism on the economy and society New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on the environmental impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Perceived negative impacts of tourism on the environment New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on the social well-being impact of international tourism New Zealand 2023
• Premium Statistic Views on the impact of international tourism on culture, values, and heritage NZ 2023

Further Content: You might find this interesting as well

Visitor Visa

People travelling on a passport from some countries must apply for a Visitor Visa to visit New Zealand. You can stay for up to either 6 months (multiple entry) or 9 months (single entry). You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months.

Length of stay

6 or 9 months

Processing time

With this visa you can.

• Holiday in New Zealand.
• Visit family and friends in New Zealand.
• Study for up to 3 months.
• Include your partner and dependent children in your visa application.

Things to note

• From 17 June 2024: English language translations must be provided for any documents not in English. Providing English translations of supporting documents
• Some people including citizens of visa waiver countries can travel to New Zealand with an NZeTA instead of a visa.  Check if you need an NZeTA or visa
• How long you can stay depends on if you have a single entry or multiple entry visa. Check the visa conditions to learn more. Visitor Visa conditions
• We advise travellers not to book any non-refundable travel until after their Visitor Visa is approved.

If you are planning to travel to New Zealand for Christmas it is important that you apply for your Visitor Visa by 15 October so that your application can be processed in time.

Apply early for your New Zealand visitor visa

Use the filters below to display relevant tips as well as detailed fees and receiving centre information

What you need to apply

Check if you are eligible to apply for this visa and what supporting documents and information you need to provide.

View All Evidence

You must provide proof of your identity

• 1 acceptable photo if you apply online, or 2 photos if you use a paper application form.
• your passport or certificate of identity .

Acceptable photos

If you apply online, you must upload a copy of your passport when you apply. We will let you know if you need to send your passport after you have applied.

Providing your passport for online applications

If you submit a paper application, provide your original passport or a certified copy.  We can usually process your application faster if you provide your original passport.

If you are a citizen of China and you submit a paper application form in China, you must also complete a supplementary form.

Supplementary form for Chinese citizens (INZ 1027) PDF 338KB

If you are submitting a paper application form, you must provide a supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students.

Supplementary form for Hong Kong and Macao visitors, workers and students (INZ 1220) PDF 240KB

Also provide a copy of your Identity card.

Also provide your:

• Hukou (household registration book)
• Chinese identity card.

Check that you enter your details correctly when you apply. If there are any errors or mistakes your application will be delayed. We also may decline your application or refuse you entry to New Zealand.

You must be in good health

We may ask you to have a chest X-ray, a medical examination or both as proof of your good health.

If you are staying less than:

• 6 months you do not normally need a chest X-ray. 
• 12 months you do not normally need a medical certificate. 

Who needs an X-ray or medical examination

When we process your application we let you know if we need you to have a chest x-ray or medical examination.

Acceptable standard of health criteria for visa approvals

Provide medical certificates if requested

You must provide a chest x-ray completed in the last 3 months, even if you've provided one to us previously, if:

• you have spent 6 consecutive months in China since the last x-ray certificate was issued, and
• you are now coming to NZ for more than 6 months.

You must be of good character

If you have a criminal conviction or are a security risk to New Zealand we may not be able to grant you a visa.

Good character for temporary visas

You must provide police certificates if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits. This includes any time you have spent in New Zealand in the past on other visas, even if you have been out of the country since then.

You also must provide police certificates if we ask for them.

If you are 16 years old or younger you do not need to provide police certificates.

Providing police certificates

How to get a police certificate

If you have already sent us Police Certificates with a previous visa application and they are less than 24 months old, you do not need to send them again.

Police certificates must be less than 6 months old when you submit your application. They must be from any country you are a citizen of, or have spent more than 5 years in since you turned 17.

Genuine intentions

You must be a genuine visitor to New Zealand and intend to leave at the end of your visit

When we decide if your intentions are genuine, we consider all the information:

• you provide to support your application
• we have about your personal circumstances, and
• you provided in any previous applications.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in NZ

If you will return to a Schengen member state after your visit, but are not a citizen of a member state,  you should provide evidence of your right to return to that country.

Evidence of your right to return to that country is a current copy of your Schengen visa.

You may need to apply for a different visa if you are coming to New Zealand:

• to work — apply for a work visa.
• for a special purpose, such as joining a partner, or traveling for a work conference — check the other visitor visas to find one that matches your purpose.
• for medical treatment - apply for a Medical Treatment Visitor Visa.
• to conduct or undertake business — apply for a business visa.

Explore visa options

Relationship with family

You can include your partner and any dependent children up to the age of 19 in your application

To bring family:

• you must provide evidence of your relationship with them, like marriage and birth certificates
• you must provide proof of their identity
• they must be of good character
• they must be in good health.

Partnership Dependent children

A family can include yourself, your partner, and dependent children 19 and under.

You should provide copies of family members Hukou (household registration book) included in your application.

You should provide copies of identity cards for family members included in your application.

Funds or sponsorship

You must have enough money to live on while you are in New Zealand or have an acceptable sponsor

If you are paying for yourself

You must have at least NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 per month if you have already paid for your accommodation.

To prove this, you can include:

• proof of accommodation pre-payment, like hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts
• bank statements or credit card statements
• bank drafts or travellers’ cheques.

We may also ask for information about the source of your money that you will use for travelling.

If you are sponsored

Your sponsor must provide evidence that they meet the criteria, and can look after you while you are in New Zealand.

Criteria to sponsor a visa applicant

What sponsors must do while a visa holder is in New Zealand

Evidence they can provide includes:

• recent bank statements
• employment agreement
• accommodation ownership or payment of rent

You must have your sponsor's Sharing ID to complete your online application.

Process to become a sponsor

You may be eligible for streamlined visa processing arrangements.

Check if you are eligible

If you are pregnant, there are additional requirements.

Paying for maternity care

Health care

You must agree to pay your own health care costs

You must declare in your visa application that you will pay the costs of any health care or medical assistance you receive in New Zealand.

We recommend that you have full medical insurance for the length of your visit.

Onward travel

You must leave New Zealand at the end of your stay

When you arrive in New Zealand you may be asked to show that you intend to leave the country — for example, a return ticket or proof you have enough money to buy a ticket out of New Zealand. This is in addition to the funds you have to live on.

If you are sponsored and you do not have a return ticket your sponsor can provide recent bank statements to show they have enough money to buy you a ticket out of New Zealand.

If you are not a citizen of the country you will return to after your visit, you must provide evidence of your legal right to enter that country.

If you will return to Schengen member state after your visit, but are not a citizen of a member state, evidence of your right to enter that country is a current copy of your Schengen visa.

If you buy your ticket before we have processed your visa application, you risk losing the fare if we do not grant you a visa.

English translations

You must provide certified English translations of any documents that are not in English

Documents must be translated by someone who meets our requirements for providing English translations.

Providing English translations of supporting documents

Process and costs

The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.

We cannot display any process or costs information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

How to submit

Payment methods and receiving centre details if applicable.

We cannot display any receiving centre or payment method information until you have provided your country details. Enter your country details in the panel above to view information relevant to your situation.

These are the conditions that you must meet once you have your visa.

Entry permission

You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD), or an NZTD paper declaration.

New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity also check that you meet their entry requirements.

Arriving in New Zealand

You can be refused entry permission if you:

• are not a genuine visitor
• do not meet our character criteria
• have had a change in circumstances since you were granted a visa
• refuse to let us take your photo or to provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan
• cannot provide evidence of any onward travel or funds required to leave New Zealand.

Genuine intentions to visit, study or work in New Zealand

If you are refused entry to New Zealand

Before you travel make sure you carry all the documentation you need with you.

You may not be allowed to check in to your flight if your passport is close to expiring. Check that it will not expire while you are in New Zealand or close to when you plan to leave New Zealand.

Before you travel to New Zealand

How long you can stay

How long you can stay depends on if you have a multiple entry or a single entry visa.

Multiple entry Visitor Visa

If you have a multiple entry visa, you can visit New Zealand as a tourist as many times as you want and stay for a total of up to 6 months in a 12-month period.

The 12-month period is calculated back from the last day you intend to be in New Zealand (your intended departure date).

For example, if the last day you intend to be in New Zealand is 1 December 2024, then your 12-month period will begin on 1 December 2023.

To be eligible, you must have been out of New Zealand for at least 9 months in the 18-month period before you apply.

Single entry Visitor Visa

If you want to visit New Zealand for more than 6 months or extend your current 6-month stay in New Zealand, we consider issuing you a single entry visa. This lets you enter New Zealand once and stay for up to 9 months in an 18-month period.

The 18-month period is calculated back from your intended departure date.

For example, if the last day you intend to be in New Zealand is 1 December 2024, then your 18-month period will begin on 1 June 2023.

If you have a single entry Visitor Visa and you leave the country, your visa will expire.

Visa expiry

You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

Visa expiry dates are printed on a visa label or included in a visa letter.

If travelling in and out of New Zealand, a valid multiple entry travel condition  is needed to return to New Zealand.

Changing the conditions of a visitor visa

If there are no multiple entry travel conditions and you leave New Zealand the visa will expire.

The travel conditions will be listed on the visa label or in a visa letter.

Unless your visa label or letter says 'Return/onward travel not required', you must have either of the following:

• a travel ticket to a country you can enter
• an acceptable sponsor who can pay for your travel ticket out of New Zealand to a country you can enter.

What sponsors must do – responsibilities and obligations

Unless your visa label or letter states “Return/onward travel not required” you must have a ticket to leave New Zealand whenever you travel here.

You must have enough money to support yourself while you are in New Zealand or have a sponsor.

You may be asked for evidence you have enough funds to support yourself when you check in or arrive in New Zealand.

You cannot  work in New Zealand on this visa, however you may be able to volunteer .

If you’re coming to New Zealand to take up an offer of employment, you should apply for a Work Visa.

If you’re coming to New Zealand for a special purpose, such as a work requirement, or as a partner or family member, you should first consider the Special Category Visitor Visas .

If you want to conduct business while in New Zealand, you should apply for a Business Visitor Visa.

Business Visitor Visa

You may study for up to 3 months in any 12 month period.

School-aged children can study for up to 3 months in any calendar year. Children studying for more than 2 weeks must attend a school that is signatory to the ‘Code of Pastoral Care for International Students’.

Code of Pastoral Care for International Students

New Zealand Tourist Arrivals

The number of visitor arrivals in new zealand went up by 3.8% from a year earlier to 185,300 in june 2024. the biggest changes were in arrivals from: australia (up 4,800); china (up 4,600); indonesia (up 1,000); india (down 1,400). the june 2024 number of overseas visitor arrivals was 87 % of the pre-covid-19 number of 213,500 in june 2019. of the 185,300 overseas visitor arrivals in june 2024: 52% were from australia (compared with 48% in june 2019); 9% were from the united states (10% in june 2019); 7% were from china (9 % in june 2019); 3% were from india (2 % in june 2019) and 3% were from singapore (2% in june 2019). source: statistics new zealand, tourist arrivals in new zealand increased to 185300 in june from 179700 in may of 2024. tourist arrivals in new zealand averaged 68754.89 from 1921 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 529255.00 in december of 2018 and a record low of 40.00 in april of 1942. this page provides the latest reported value for - new zealand tourist arrivals - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. new zealand tourist arrivals - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on september of 2024., tourist arrivals in new zealand increased to 185300 in june from 179700 in may of 2024. tourist arrivals in new zealand is expected to be 245000.00 by the end of this quarter, according to trading economics global macro models and analysts expectations. in the long-term, the new zealand tourist arrivals is projected to trend around 596000.00 in 2025 and 615000.00 in 2026, according to our econometric models.,   markets,   gdp,   labour,   prices,   money,   trade,   government,   business,   consumer,   housing,   taxes,   health,   climate.

International visitor arrivals to New Zealand

1922–2023, millions, about this data, definitions.

Country of residence: the country where the person last lived or will next live for 12 months or more. Travel purpose: the main purpose for the visit to New Zealand or trip overseas. Categories are holiday, visiting friends and relatives, business, conferences and conventions, education, and other. Visitor arrivals: Visitor arrivals are overseas residents arriving in New Zealand for a stay of less than 12 months.

Data calculation/treatment

These statistics relate to the number of passenger movements to New Zealand, rather than to the number of people - that is, the multiple movements of individual people during a given reference period are each counted separately. From March 2020 to July 2022, the New Zealand government implemented measures to protect New Zealanders from the COVID-19 virus, effectively limiting travel to and from New Zealand.

For more information

http://datainfoplus.stats.govt.nz/Item/nz.govt.stats/f705ca38-ea6e-453f-b1d9-a95dc0fcaf59#

Limitations of the data

A person may change their intentions after their arrival, which may mean the recorded passenger type becomes incorrect. Stats NZ does not revise published statistics for such changes, but advises that the published figures remain a good indicator of trends in permanent and long-term migration. Data is derived from a sample of records and hence may contain sample error. Caution should be used when using data with low cell values. Note: the 2023 data for countries with small samples is subject to high level of misclassification error and should be disregarded.

'Transit' passengers do not complete border clearance - regardless of whether they travel by air or by sea - so are not included in these statistics. About three-quarters of cruise ship passengers visiting New Zealand are 'transit' passengers.

Changes to data collection/processing

Imputation of 'country of residence' for visitor arrivals who have not stated a response on their arrival card, occurred from August 2016 to October 2018. From November 2018, 'country of residence' was fully captured and no longer sampled, resulting in an increase in the 'not stated' category. From December 2019 country of residence remains fully captured, but is imputed for visitor arrivals who have not stated a response on their arrival card

Data provided by

Dataset name.

International Travel: Visitor arrivals by EVERY country of residence and purpose (Annual-Dec) December 2023

https://infoshare.stats.govt.nz/

How to find the data

At URL provided, select 'Tourism > International Travel and Migration - ITM > Visitor arrivals by EVERY country of residence and purpose (Annual-Dec)'. All variables were selected to create this dataset.

Import & extraction details

File as imported: International Travel: Visitor arrivals by EVERY country of residence and purpose (Annual-Dec) December 2023

From the dataset International Travel: Visitor arrivals by EVERY country of residence and purpose (Annual-Dec) December 2023 , this data was extracted:

• Rows: 4-105
• Columns: 2-2,025
• Provided: 91,429 data points

This data forms the table Travel - Visitor arrivals by every country of residence and purpose Year ended December 1922–2023 .

Dataset originally released on:

May 07, 2024

About this dataset

International Travel covers the number and characteristics of overseas visitors and New Zealand resident travellers (short-term movements) entering New Zealand.

Method of collection/Data provider

Data is obtained from electronic passport and flight records by the New Zealand Customs Service.

Related Content

• International
• Overseas licence holders involved in crashes as a proportion of international visitor arrivals 2005–2015, % of visitors
• Total international visitor spend By purpose, 2018 & 2019
• Mean spend per international visitor By country of residence, 2019
• Total international visitor spend By country of residence, 2019
• Total international visitor spend 1998–2019
• Mean spend per international visitor By purpose, 2018 & 2019
• Actual and forecast visitor arrivals from all countries By purpose of travel, 2018 & 2025
• Actual and forecast visitor arrivals from the United Kingdom By purpose of travel, 2018 & 2025
• Actual and forecast visitor arrivals from the United States By purpose of travel, 2018 & 2025
• Actual and forecast visitor arrivals from Indonesia By purpose of travel, 2018 & 2025
• Actual and forecast visitor arrivals from Japan By purpose of travel, 2018 & 2025
• Actual and forecast visitor arrivals from South Korea By purpose of travel, 2018 & 2025

Navigation for News Categories

Tourism industry aotearoa warns hiking international visitor levy could lead to fewer arrivals.

The government is being urged to factor in the significant economic benefits that international visitors bring when considering the international visitor levy. Photo: Supplied/ Air NZ

• A tourism industry body is concerned millions of dollars could be jeopardised
• That's if the international visitor levy is hiked to $100 and travellers are deterred
• The $35 levy, which was introduced in 2019 to help visitors contribute more, is under review

Tourism Industry Aotearoa is warning the government could put millions of dollars at risk if the international visitor levy is hiked to $100.

Earlier this year, the government consulted on whether the levy should remain at $35 for most visitors or be increased to $50, $70 or $100.

The money raised goes towards tourism infrastructure and conservation projects.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Rebecca Ingram said their calculations suggested a $100 levy could result in 48,000 fewer visitor arrivals and put $273 million of international visitor spend at risk.

"This would create a significant barrier at a time when the industry, our second largest export, is sitting around 80 percent of recovery," Ingram said.

She was concerned a levy hike would be unpalatable for travellers in a highly competitive market, especially in light of increases to some visa and levy charges and cuts to Tourism New Zealand's budget.

"We urge the government to factor in the significant economic benefits that international visitors bring and our export earnings, rather than focusing solely on cost recovery at the expense of our tourism sector," she said.

A government decision on the levy is pending.

Tourism funding has been a frustration for the industry for years. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Matt Doocey has said nothing was off the table when it came to addressing the issue.

Ingram said the levy was part of the solution but it was a blunt instrument and new funding solutions were needed.

"We strongly support more elegant solutions that collect additional revenue while visitors are travelling through the country and do not present a large upfront cost when considering New Zealand as a destination," she said.

Copyright © 2024 , Radio New Zealand

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