Visitor expenditure reaches NZD 480.5 million, continuing a recovery from the mid-year low
International tourism expenditure in New Zealand increased 2.9% year on year in August 2026, reaching NZD 480.5 million, compared with NZD 467.2 million in August 2025, according to the latest tourism expenditure data.
The August figure was NZD 9.9 million higher than July and NZD 69.9 million above June, indicating a gradual recovery in international visitor spending after a pronounced decline during the first half of the year.
The figures cited in the original report are consistent with New Zealand’s official tourism data framework, although the source article contains a significant currency-conversion error: NZD 480.5 million is not equivalent to USD 27.46 billion. The article also describes the figures as Stats NZ data, whereas the current monthly tourism expenditure estimates are published through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s (MBIE) Monthly Regional Tourism Estimates (MRTEs).
Tourism spending recovers from June low
International tourism expenditure was reported at NZD 778.4 million in January 2026, rising to NZD 784.8 million in February before easing to NZD 725.8 million in March.
The decline continued through April and May, when expenditure fell to NZD 542.9 million and NZD 462.7 million respectively. Spending reached NZD 410.6 million in June, the lowest monthly level cited for the year.
The trend then reversed, with expenditure increasing to NZD 470.6 million in July and NZD 480.5 million in August.
The latest MBIE MRTE release, published on September 25, incorporates updated Retail Trade Survey information and additional merchant data to improve the accuracy and consistency of the tourism expenditure series.
Monthly estimates provide a broader tourism measure
The MRTE system is designed to estimate monthly tourism expenditure and its contribution to New Zealand’s national and regional economies. The estimates are produced using electronic card transaction data alongside official tourism statistics, including the Tourism Satellite Account.
The published series covers expenditure categories including accommodation, food and beverage services, retail spending, cultural and recreational services and other passenger transport. Some categories, including air passenger transport and education services, are currently excluded from the published MRTE totals.
This distinction is important when comparing monthly tourism-spending figures with New Zealand’s International Visitor Survey. MBIE states that the IVS measures expenditure by international visitors aged 15 and over and excludes international airfares, while the MRTE and related electronic-card datasets use different methodologies and coverage.
International tourism demand remains closely watched
The spending trend comes as New Zealand continues to rebuild international tourism volumes. MBIE’s latest International Visitor Survey release said international visitor numbers for the year ended June 2026 had reached 3.67 million, equivalent to 94% of the 2019 level, while overall visitor expenditure, adjusted for inflation, had recovered to 98% of its pre-pandemic level.
Australia and the United States were among the markets that had exceeded their 2019 visitor levels by the year ended June 2026, according to MBIE.
At the same time, travel costs have been rising. Stats NZ reported that international airfares increased 21.5% in the year to August 2026, following a 4.3% monthly increase in August.
Gradual improvement heading into the peak season
The rise in August international tourism expenditure marks the second consecutive monthly increase following June’s low point. While the monthly figure remained below the levels recorded at the beginning of 2026, the improvement provides a more positive indication for tourism activity as New Zealand moves toward its spring and summer travel period.
MBIE’s latest MRTE release also notes that the August series incorporates routine methodological and data updates, meaning the estimates may be revised as additional information becomes available.
