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New Zealand tourism numbers are continuing to strengthen, with international visitor arrivals for July exceeding 2019 levels.
Figures released today by Statistics New Zealand show 256,600 overseas visitor arrivals in July 2026, up 8.5 per cent on July 2025 and surpassing July 2019 numbers.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the recent data shows that international tourism is building momentum.
“We’ve welcomed 3.69 million arrivals in the year to July, up 9 per cent on the year prior,” she says.
The numbers reflect a positive step towards the government’s goal to double the value of tourism exports by 2034, Upston says and is especially encouraging to see growth from key international markets.
“Australia remains our largest visitor market, and it’s fantastic to see a record number of our Aussie mates crossing the ditch in July,” she says.
Visitor arrivals from Australia increased by 6 per cent on July last year, reaching 134,900 visitors.
Arrivals from China increased by 5,400 up 25 per cent compared with July 2025, and arrivals from the United States increased by 12 per cent to 1,700.
“New Zealand remains a highly desirable destination,” Upston says. “We offer world-class experiences, stunning natural landscapes, and the warm hospitality we’re known for around the world.”
“Our tourism and hospitality businesses continue to do an outstanding job welcoming visitors and delivering memorable experiences that keep people coming back and recommending New Zealand to others.”
