Our take on the latest Tourism data (Fri 14 Aug 2026)
Tourism arrivals
Tourism arrivals
Tourism arrivals
0.1%
8.1%pa
95%In June 2026 from May 2026 (seasonally adjusted)
In June 2026
Of pre-pandemic levels
The key numbers...
- International visitor arrivals rose 8.1%pa in the June 2026 quarter, but this annual lift was on the back of progress in prior months. Arrivals in June 2026 were down 0.1% from May 2026 on a seasonally adjusted basis. Visitor arrivals amounted to 95% of pre-pandemic levels in the year to June 2026, but recovery has stalled over the past six months.
- Stronger arrivals from Australia (up 14%pa) and China (up 20%pa) accounted for almost all the growth in June 2026. Arrivals fell sharply from Europe (down 13%pa) and North America (down 7%pa).
- Departures of New Zealand travellers softened further in June, with a 1.8% fall from May (seasonally adjusted) leading to a 14%pa fall from June 2025.
- The South Island continues to lead growth in visitor arrivals, with arrivals to Christchurch up 22%pa and Queenstown up 29%pa in June 2026. Auckland arrivals rose by a narrow 0.8%pa, and Wellington arrivals fell 4.2%pa. Christchurch arrivals totalled 99% of pre-pandemic levels in the year to June 2026, and Queenstown reached 165%.
...and our reaction
- Visitor arrivals in June show the effect of the Iran war more clearly, with a direct hit to European tourists as long-haul routes through the Middle East were disrupted. Higher fuel prices from the war had an indirect effect, especially for long-haul flights, with disruption to North American arrivals starting to come through a month after Europe.
- Chinese arrivals remain a bright spot among otherwise stalling international visitor arrivals. Growth in Chinese arrivals has been spurred by a 12-month trial allowing visa-free travel for Chinese visitors coming through Australia. This trial is due to finish at the of October, and if not extended soon, it is likely to dent future visitor arrival numbers, especially to the South Island.
- With short-term challenges facing North American and European long-haul markets, it’s encouraging to see ongoing strength in Australian visitor arrivals, pushing up to 106% of pre-pandemic levels in the year to June 2026.
- New Zealanders aren’t just pulling back on international travel; domestic tourism has been weak too. Data from Fresh Info and MBIE shows that domestic visitor guest nights at commercial accommodation fell 2.0%pa in the June 2026 quarter.
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