Learn More about the New Zealand Travel Statistics

New Zealand is a country in Oceania which means the neighbouring countries include Australia, Fiji, Samoa, and many other countries. New Zealand is an island in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. It consists of two main landmasses which are the north island, and the south island and more than 700 smaller islands which cover a total land area of 268,021 square kilometres. The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington and the largest city of New Zealand is Auckland. The population of the country according to the 2019 World Bank statistics 4,917,000. The official languages for New Zealand are English and Maori.

New Zealand is a land of great contrast and diversity, with active volcanoes, spectacular caves, deep glacier lakes, verdant valleys, dazzling fjords, long sandy beaches and spectacular snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps on the south island. All contribute to New Zealand’s scenic beauty. One fun fact about New Zealand is that there are no snakes in this country. It is considered a very secure country to live in. It is often voted one of the most secure countries in the world. It has low crime rates and offers good security for its inhabitants and visitors alike. 

Life in New Zealand is relaxed and laid back, no one takes life seriously and a good work balance is encouraged. New Zealand has quieter cities and less traffic than many other countries. It is truly an amazing and beautiful country. You can experience New Zealand’s hospitality. 

Monthly overseas visitor arrivals, March 2019–2022

According to the statistics, New Zealand welcomed 28,624 visitors during March 2022 alone. Better than expected tourism performance reported. New Zealand witnessed a significant increase in the number of visitor arrivals in March compared to February 2022 which had 5,235 Overseas Visitor Arrivals. 

From August 2021 to February 2022, the number of overseas visitor arrivals witnessed a dramatic decrease. The highest number of overseas visitor arrivals was 6,161 arrivals in December 2021. While the minimal number of arrivals was 2,310 arrivals in September 2021. The number of overseas visitor arrivals was consistently decreasing between August 2021 and February 2022.

From March 2019 to July 2019, the number of overseas visitor arrivals were fluctuating. In March 2019, New Zealand had 378,270 arrivals. The number of arrivals witnessed a small decrease in April 2019 at 307,409 arrivals. The highest number of overseas visitor arrivals was 378,270 arrivals in March 2019. While the minimal number of arrivals was 213,536 arrivals in June 2019.

From August 2019 to December 2019, the number of overseas visitor arrivals was significantly increasing. August 2019 had 251,131 arrivals. The number of arrivals in September 2019 was 261,770, reflecting an increase compared to August. December 2019 witnessed the highest number of overseas visitor arrivals at 528,19 arrivals which is a significant increase compared to the numbers of the previous months.

From January 2020 to March 202 numbers were consistently decreasing. The number of arrivals was 410,778 arrivals in January 2020. In February 2020, the number of arrivals was 372,745 arrivals. The highest number of overseas visitor arrivals was 410,778 arrivals in January 2020 while the minimal number of arrivals was 175,512 arrivals in March 2020.

From April 2020 to March 2021 witnessed a dramatic decrease. The numbers were consistently decreasing between April 2020 to March 2021. The highest number of overseas visitor arrivals was 5,904 arrivals in December 2020 while the minimal number of arrivals was 1,721 arrivals in April 2020.

From April 2021 to July 2021, the number of overseas visitor arrivals was fluctuating. The number of arrivals in April 2021 was 31,931 arrivals. May 2021 witnessed a significant increase at 57,605 arrivals. The highest number of overseas visitor arrivals was 57,605 arrivals in May 2021 while the minimal number of arrivals was 30,209 arrivals in July 2021.

Domestic and international arrivals and departures through main airports

Auckland Airport witnessed the highest number of domestic and international arrivals and departures among the other four airports in 2018. Auckland Airport received 2.9100 domestic and international arrivals and departures in 2018. Wellington Airport witnessed 6.3400 arrivals and departures in the same year. While the number of arrivals and departures in Christchurch Airport was 6.9300 arrivals and departures. On the other hand, Queenstown Airport had 2.2400 arrivals and departures in the same year. Finally, Dunedin Airport received 1.0800 arrivals and departures in the same year.

Best Activities to Do on New Zealand’s South Island

The South Island of New Zealand is the bigger of the two islands but has a fewer population making for great backcountry adventures and natural scenery. It is the spot where you can find the most adventurous activities.

Bungy Jump In Queenstown: Queenstown is the adventure centre of New Zealand. This is the ideal place to make a base if you are a thrill lover. Queenstown offers everything you could ever want from Bunjy jumping to skydiving. The authentic Kawarau Bridge jump is the most suitable for that original bungy jumping experience in New Zealand. The Ledge Bunjy presents the most stunning view of Queenstown, and the frightening Nevis Bungy lying 134 metres over the middle of a ravine is the third-highest bungee in the world! All lie in and around Queenstown!

Cruise Milford Sound: Milford Sound is located on the west coast of the South Island. is a world-famous natural wonder with towering peaks, torrent waterfalls and outstanding wildlife. One of the must-see spots in New Zealand is Milford Sound. Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s most well-known tourist attractions and for a valid reason. In 2008 Milford Sound was called the World’s Top Travel Destination, and Rudyard Kipling anointed it the 8th Wonder of the World. You can discover this breathtaking region with a Milford Sound day or overnight cruise, coach tour or picturesque flight. you can go on an adventure you’ll never forget.

Skydive Abel Tasman: skydiving is one of the most famous activities to do. There are many places all around the country ideal for skydiving on the North Island and South Island. There are various spots to jump in New Zealand, but Abel Tasman is exceptional because you can see the North Island and South Island as well when you jump. Abel Tasman is probably the most recognized spot in New Zealand to go skydiving in the country as it has the most elevated jump in New Zealand. With skydive Abel Tasman you can jump from 16,500 feet. It is recommended to book your skydiving adventure in advance at Abel Tasman National Park. You have the option to choose from a 13,000 or 16,500-foot couple skydive that offers 40 or 60-second freefall in tandem with your instructor.

Franz Josef Heli Hiking Guided Tour: You can experience a Franz Josef Glacier Heli-hike while exploring ice caves and other glacial landscapes with a professional guide. Then put on provided jacket, boots, and ice axe for a guided hike beyond deep cracks and towering ice-blue peaks before the return helicopter ride down. You can choose from seasonal departure times to fit your schedule. You can choose the Franz Josef Glacier helicopter tour and an instructed hike. There is the option of taking a helicopter flight between two icefalls. You can also choose to follow a guided hike on the glacial terrain. They provide you with the equipment, including ice crampons and glacier boots. 

Trek The Fox Glacier: The Fox Glacier is likely one of the most manageable and most rapid glacier walks on a glacier you’ll ever be able to experience. If you want to experience how it feels like on a glacier, this is the ideal choice! You’ll be suited up with boots suitable for crampons and thick woolly socks. You will be given waterproof pants and a rain jacket. Located at a low height, it’s appropriate for anyone that’s somewhat fit.

Top Attractions in New Zealand

Sky Tower, Auckland: Sky Tower is New Zealand’s highest building. It is 328 M high. It is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand with its main observation deck offering 360-degree views of the sprawling city. It is truly beautiful that you can see the whole of Auckland. This iconic tower is located in the centre of Auckland city. The view at night from the waterfront is also stunning. You can take the plunge from the country’s highest base jumping platform. It is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. 

National Park of Fjorland: Water is the most well-known feature of Fjorland. Water sculpts the landscape in the park, lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls, lush rainforests, magnificent fjords and water trapped as glaciers. Fiordland National Park is home to some of the world’s best walking trails and is surrounded by breathtaking scenery. There is never a dull moment in the park with whispering waterfalls, offshore islands, long lakes, untouched woods, towering mountain summits, and cascading cascades. Sea kayaking and flights for bird’s eye views are two popular ways to see the Fjords and appreciate the must-see New Zealand destination. 

Waiheke Island: One of the most beautiful places to visit in New Zealand is Waiheke Island. It is only a half-hour boat ride from downtown Auckland. There are several vineyards while visiting this location, you should not miss out on the wine tours. You may sample 14 different wines during the wine tours. Apart from wine tasting, Waiheke island offers a wide range of activities, the beaches, art scene, olive trees, and woodlands of the island are also well known. It is a good idea as well to go on a hike excursion or a cultural tour.

Christ Church: Christ Church is a popular tourist destination in New Zealand, despite being destroyed by 4 massive earthquakes between 2010 and 2011. The city has been rebuilt. The city’s renaissance can be seen everywhere from new buildings to commercial centres, everything has been restored. The beautiful botanic gardens are one of the city’s top attractions with their attractive strolling routes, conservatories, and horticulture exhibitions. Some of New Zealand’s oldest, tallest and most significant trees can be found in the garden. You can see both modern and historic Christchurch from the gondola. The cable car offers a scenic ride up to Mount Cavendish.

Muriwai Beach: Muriwai is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular black-sand surf beaches with the windswept rugged coastline stretching 60 kilometres and only streams and rivers interrupting it. You can rent block carts, bikes and kites or simply stroll along the boardwalk that hugs the coast for a breath of fresh sea air. Muriwai Beach is just about 40 minutes outside of Auckland city and offers stunning views. The area’s appeal is enhanced by the area’s spectacular sunsets, vast dunes and incredible surf. This is one of New Zealand’s most famous destinations. When visiting this beautiful beach, you must see the Ghanette Colony which sits between two beautiful bays. In this area, tens of thousands of birds will be flying right above your head.

Rotorua: Rotorua is a must-see stop on New Zealand’s North Island with stunning natural scenery and a wealth of history and culture, a variety of outdoor adventures and some of the best R&R spots in the country. It is a world-renowned geothermal hotspot with breathtaking scenery. It is thought to be a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire as well. The region’s already stunning train is enhanced by steaming geysers, boiling mud pools, hissing thermal springs and volcanic craters. You can relax in the mineral-rich water as you explore these geothermal wonders. Skydiving, luging, trekking and mountain biking are just a few of the activities available, making it a must-see New Zealand destination for the adventurous. 

The Bay of Islands: The breathtaking natural beauty and 144 islands make for an idyllic aquatic playground, making it New Zealand’s most popular summer destination. The Bay of Islands’ coastal walkway allows you to walk the entire circumference of the inner bay. Yacht and sailing vessels find refugees in the bay of islands, one of New Zealand’s most popular destinations. The Bay of Islands necklace, on the other hand, is made up of pearls from 144 different islands. You can kayak along the coast, hike the island paths, relax in secluded bays, and explore untouched forests. The abundance of marine life, such as dolphins, whales, gilet marline and penguins makes this a popular fishing spot. All of this contributes to the area’s appeal as a tourist destination in New Zealand. 

Auckland: Auckland seamlessly blends majestic scenery with the hustle and bustle of city life, with towering skyscrapers, volcanic islands, and picturesque beaches. There is everything from ziplining on Waiheke Island to bungee jumping from the sky towers for thrill-seekers. Two gleaming ports, Manicure Harbour and Waitemata Harbour are the jewels in Auckland’s crown. Rainforests, rugged hiking trails, hidden coves, beautiful islands and enigmatic volcanoes combined to make this city an ideal destination for adventurers. Unusual black and gold beaches create an unforgettable backdrop for photographs and memories. It is one of New Zealand’s most well-known tourist destinations.

Coromandel Peninsula: The Coromandel is a home town to hundreds of hideaways, making it an ideal place to unwind. It is known for its natural beauty, green valleys, mystery rainforests, and pristine golden beaches. The Coromandel Peninsula is a haven for complacent people seeking quiet, a beautiful universe away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The golden sand on the beaches in this area is well-known. Hiking, kayaking and skydiving are all available at this New Zealand tourist destination. The Coromandel Peninsula, a long spit of land, that shields the Hauraki Gulf from the stormy Pacific Ocean, attracts an adventurous environmentally conscious crowd with powdery beaches flanked by steep reinforced clad mountains. Its west coast is dotted with small towns that swell during high season and can be almost deserted the rest of the year. On a clear day, you can see as far as Auckland the capital which is about a 3-hour drive or a 2-hour scenic ferry ride away, and Tauranga, a pleasant harbour city in the bay of plenty which is two and a half hours southeast by car.

Queenstown: Queenstown is known as the world’s adventure capital for a reason. For everyone looking at their adrenaline pumping and blood flowing, the town and the surrounding area are a dream come true. One of New Zealand’s most popular tourist attractions is Queenstown, the country’s adventure capital. Bungee jumping, white water rafting, jet boating, rock climbing, paragliding, hiking, downhill skiing and mountain biking are just a few of the adrenaline-pumping activities available at this popular New Zealand tourist destination, despite the region’s relatively remote location. Queenstown’s natural beauty and infrastructure caused it to be a top choice for film scouts. In July of 2017, the mountains in Cashmere were used to film Mission Impossible fallout.

Kaikoura: On the South Island of New Zealand lies the small coastal town of Kaikoura. The beautiful place is famous for watching the ocean life in its full glory. This includes the massive beasts that are the sperm whales, dolphins and even various species of seals. The whale-watching tours are arranged in secured vessels, so you can witness the magnificent sperm whales in their natural habitat. Different services are available depending on the types of animals you want to see. Some services even offer boat rides to pods of dolphins where you could swim with them. Finally, there are services which allow you to swim with seals. So, Kaikoura is a must-visit place for anyone who admires ocean life. The town of Kaikoura is also famous for its popular hiking area, car park and beach. The hiking tours allow you to witness some beautiful landscapes as you climb. However, nothing is compared to the sheer beauty of point Keen Viewpoint. This picturesque landmark offers you a spectacular view of the turquoise waters with the light contrasting sandy beach.

Wanaka: It lies on the South Island of New Zealand with magnificent snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and ski resorts. Wanaka is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the country. The Cardrona Alpine Resort is one of the best for outdoor activities and relaxed sports. The nearby Tatia Mount Aspiring and Royce peak are also famous tourist destinations for climbing and tramping for those who love a little adventure. If you like skiing, you can go to the phenomenal treble cone ski area. This is by far, the largest ski area in New Zealand, with the largest vertical rise. This place also allows you some panoramic views of some of the most scenic places around it. The Puzzling World is another must-see place in Wanaka. This amusement park features multi-level outdoor maze rooms full of optical illusions, and other outdoor activities, complete with a puzzled-themed cafe.

Wellington:  Wellington is the capital of New Zealand. This urban centre lies near the North Island of New Zealand. It is famous for its beautiful city landscape complete with museums, art galleries, a zoo and even a space place at carter observatory. Cuba Street in Wellington is often regarded as the city centre of this place’s unique culture. Cuba street is perfect for a day of shopping. The entire place has a bohemian vibe about it and is a must-visit place for anyone who visits Wellington. 

Tongariro National Park: The park is an enigma in terms of landscapes and ecosystems, from lush green forests to dry and barren deserts, and from calm and serein lakes to angry volcanoes. The Tongariro National park has not one but three active volcanoes and is one of the sites where the famous series the Lord of the Rings were shot. The greenish waters of the Emerald lakes are also important tourist attractions. There are also magnificent nearby peaks including Wakapapa, Mount Tongariro, Mount Rapu and the active volcanic peak, Mount Nagarajo as well