New Zealand Draws Record US Tourists With Wellness and Weak Kiwi Dollar

New Zealand attracted a record number of visitors from the United States in the 12 months leading up to September, buoyed by favorable exchange rates and enhanced air connections. According to Statistics New Zealand, arrivals reached 390,116 during the period, with US travelers comprising 10% of all arrivals and ranking as the second-largest source of visitors behind Australia.

China's tourism sector may soon surpass the US as Chinese nationals return to New Zealand in greater numbers, with arrivals climbing to 340,125 in the same period, up from 94,000 over the past year. These numbers represent 84% of pre-pandemic levels. Chinese arrivals have surpassed US arrivals for six consecutive months, potentially overtaking the US as New Zealand's second-largest tourism market given current growth rates.

Tourism is a significant contributor to New Zealand's economy, accounting for roughly 17% of total exports and 12% of all jobs. The government has been actively promoting the country to international markets, including the US, while national carrier Air New Zealand and rival airlines have increased their capacity to attract more visitors.

Tourism New Zealand recently launched a campaign positioning New Zealand as the "ultimate wellness studio" for Americans, highlighting its geothermal waters, forest trails, and indigenous Māori culture as a retreat for time-strapped US travelers. Air New Zealand provides direct flights to five US cities, including New York, while US carriers such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines offer daily flights from California to Auckland.

The New Zealand dollar has weakened over the past six months, losing 6.6% against the US dollar, making it more affordable for US tourists to purchase goods and services in New Zealand. September saw total arrivals rise by 9% to 3.74 million.