New zealand Country Commercial Guide
Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in new zealand, prepared by at U.S. Embassies worldwide by Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals
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Travel & Tourism
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Overview

Travel between the U.S. and New Zealand is booming, with the airline industry investing heavily in new flights, seats, and destinations.  In 2024, over 250,000 New Zealanders visited the U.S., close to pre-COVID levels when around 300,000 visited annually, mostly for vacations.

Air New Zealand currently flies to Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and New York. Its Auckland-Chicago route is paused until late 2025 due to aircraft delays.  U.S. carriers American Airlines, Delta, Hawaiian, and United also service New Zealand, with United offering the only direct flights between the South Island and the United States (Christchurch-San Francisco, launched in December 2023).

Many U.S. travel destinations have representation in New Zealand, making the United States the top long-haul choice for travelers, particularly during New Zealand’s winter (June to September).  New Zealanders, known for high passport ownership and avid travel participation, appreciate the United States for its safety and good health facilities if required. With standardized four weeks of paid annual leave and 11 public holidays for full-time employees, they tend to stay longer (average 16 days).  Most trips are booked six months in advance to secure the best prices.

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • Impact Travel (traveling with a purpose and gaining experience, i.e., for Native American culture)
  • Shopping
  • Trade Events/ Business

Opportunities

U.S. travel and tourism bureaus can connect with New Zealand travel trade buyers and media at the annual IPW trade event, hosted by the U.S. Travel Association, with support from the U.S. Commercial Service in New Zealand.

Tourism marketing agency, Gate 7, based in Sydney, Australia, represents Brand USA and assists New Zealand’s travel trade industry. The Brand USA seminar program, held annually in Auckland in February, is the premier event for U.S. travel businesses to engage with the local trade industry. This in-person event is scheduled alongside the Australia Brand USA program.

The New Zealand Visit USA Committee also organizes regional travel seminars for the local trade and is open to hearing from U.S. travel attractions and states planning to visit New Zealand.

Resources

New Zealand Government agencies active in this sector:

New Zealand private organizations active in this sector: