New Zealand’s tourism sector has received a major boost after a simplified travel pathway for eligible Chinese and Pacific visitors generated an estimated $215 million in economic benefits within its first six months.
The 12-month visa waiver trial, launched in November 2025, allows eligible Chinese and Pacific Island Forum passport holders travelling from Australia to enter New Zealand using a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of applying for a traditional visitor visa.
The new travel option has attracted strong demand, with more than 92,000 requests approved and over 80,000 travellers already arriving through the pathway.
New Zealand Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the trial demonstrated how practical changes to travel processes could deliver significant benefits.
The simplified process has helped visitors save both time and money. Eligible Chinese travellers can access the NZeTA pathway for as little as $117, compared with a visitor visa cost of $441, while Pacific travellers may pay around $17 instead of $216 for a visitor visa.
According to analysis by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, the travel trial contributed to an increase of more than 40 per cent in Chinese visitor arrivals during its first six months.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said the increase was supporting businesses across New Zealand, including hotels, cafes, restaurants and retail stores.
The latest visitor data also showed strong growth, with total visitor arrivals in April increasing by more than 21,000 compared with the previous year. Chinese visitors accounted for more than half of that rise, with arrivals increasing by 11,100 compared with April 2025.
Tourism remains one of New Zealand’s most important economic sectors, supporting jobs and business growth across the country.
The visa waiver trial will continue until the end of its 12-month period, after which the government will evaluate the results and decide on the next steps.
For now, eligible Chinese and Pacific travellers arriving from Australia can continue using the NZeTA pathway, making travel to New Zealand simpler, faster and more affordable.
