WELLINGTON, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand's international visitor arrivals reached their highest level since 2019 in December, driven by strong growth from China and Australia, Stats NZ reported Friday.
Overseas visitor arrivals totaled 3.51 million in the year to December 2025, up 196,000 from a year earlier and about 90 percent of pre-pandemic levels, said the statistics department.
"We're seeing strong growth in visitors from China, with arrivals up by 29 percent (6,400) in December 2025 compared with December 2024, as more Chinese visitors experience New Zealand's unique scenery and hospitality," said Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston.
Australia -- New Zealand's largest visitor market -- recorded 1.52 million arrivals for the year, up 9.9 percent from a year earlier, statistics showed.
"International tourism is a cornerstone of New Zealand's economic growth, supporting businesses and jobs in communities right across the country," Upston said, adding the latest arrival statistics show New Zealand's tourism recovery continues to build.
Monthly arrivals of international visitors in December 2025 were 32,800 higher than in December 2024, Stats NZ said. ■