$215 million boost from new travel option

Travellers arriving on a new, simpler travel option for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors have already brought $215 million into New Zealand’s economy in only six months, a new analysis has found.

Since launching in November 2025, the 12‑month visa waiver trial for eligible Chinese and Pacific people travelling from Australia has made it faster and cheaper to visit New Zealand.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says the trial has been a runaway success.

“The trial has really taken off, with more than 92,000 requests approved so far, and more than 80,000 Chinese and Pacific travellers already arriving using the new pathway.

“It goes to show that when the Government pays attention to the details and fixes the basics, small changes can yield big results for New Zealanders.”

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says halfway through, the trial is off to a flying start.

“Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment analysis of the first six months of the 12-month trial shows it directly resulted in an increase of more than 40 per cent in Chinese visitor arrivals, with travellers on the trial pathway delivering an estimated $215 million boost to the economy.

“That’s tourism dollars flowing into the New Zealand economy. It’s people filling hotel rooms, cafes, restaurants and shops. It’s jobs and incomes for Kiwis, and it’s growth for New Zealand businesses across the country.

“Tourism is New Zealand’s second-largest export earner and provides jobs for one in nine New Zealanders, and it’s on a positive trajectory.

“Stats NZ’s most recent data shows total visitor arrivals for the month of April were up by 21,300 on the previous year. Chinese visitors made up more than half of that with a significant increase of 11,100 from April 2025.

“It’s great to see so many people making the most of the opportunity to come and experience all we have to offer here in New Zealand. We look forward to welcoming even more visitors during the next six months of this trial.”

Decisions on next steps for the trial will be made after a full evaluation at the end of the 12-month trial period.

Until further decisions are made, eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors will be able to continue to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) rather than a visitor visa.

Note to editor:

Since November 2025, eligible Chinese and Pacific Island Forum passport holders travelling to New Zealand from Australia no longer need to obtain a visitor visa. Instead, as part of the 12-month trial, they can request a New Zealand electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA).
Instead of spending $441 for a visitor visa and waiting an average of 4 days, individuals from China travelling via Australia can pay as little as $117 and have their request for an NZeTA processed in less than 72 hours. Individuals from the Pacific can pay as little as $17 instead of spending $216 for a visitor visa and waiting an average of four days.
More details on the numbers, including a breakdown of Chinese and Pacific travellers, can be found on the INZ website: Background on the NZeTA: Why it was introduced and key statistics: Immigration New Zealand ...