Our tourism levels are continuing to rise, reaching 88% of pre-Covid numbers. 

Australian visitors continue to dominate the market, with 1.48 million arrivals in the September quarter – up 12% on last year. 

The US was the next biggest at 381,000 —up 21,000— while visitors from China remained flat at 246,000. 

In New Zealand, Queenstown and Christchurch remain the tourist hotspots. 

Tourism Minister Louise Upston told Mike Hosking the numbers show the work they’re putting in are delivering some results, but there’s still work to do to attract even more international visitors.  

She says they just have to make sure New Zealand is top of mind for countries that normally choose us – Australia, the US, and Canada all being a big focus. 

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