NZ Targets Aussie-Kiwi Connections as Tourism Spending Surges

Australia is now New Zealand's largest international market for visitor spending, accounting for nearly $1 billion of the country's tourism revenue in just one year. According to the latest International Visitor Survey, Australian visitors spent a total of NZ$4.4 billion in New Zealand between July 2025 and June 2026, representing a 25% increase from the previous year.

This growth has prompted Tourism New Zealand to focus on encouraging Australians with Kiwi friends and family to plan a trip to the country. The organization is running a new campaign called 'Don't be a Stranger,' which targets people who have been putting off visiting due to various reasons, such as timing or lack of motivation.

The campaign aims to attract an additional 5,000 visitors from Australia by December 2026, contributing approximately NZ$16.4 million to the country's economy. To achieve this goal, Tourism New Zealand is highlighting the benefits of visiting friends and family in New Zealand, such as enjoying local cuisine, exploring regional areas, and participating in various activities.

With an estimated 183 million people considering a trip to New Zealand, the challenge lies in converting interest into bookings. By targeting Australians with Kiwi connections, Tourism New Zealand hopes to tap into this large potential market and drive further growth for the country's tourism industry.