FX.co ★ New Zealand Tourist Arrivals Fall 2.3% in February

Visitor arrivals in New Zealand experienced a 2.3% decline year-on-year, totaling 354,408 in February 2025, as per official statistics. Among the primary source markets, the United States exhibited the most substantial growth, with arrivals increasing by 8,200, reaching a historic high of 63,700 for any single month from the US. Other significant surges were noted from Australia (+7,600), the United Kingdom (+3,100), Canada (+1,600), and Japan (+1,100). Conversely, there was a notable drop in visitors from China, decreasing by 18,400, while arrivals from Taiwan and Malaysia fell by 1,500 and 1,200, respectively. The pronounced decline in Chinese visitors is largely attributed to the scheduling of the Chinese New Year, which commenced on January 29 in 2025, compared to February 10 in 2024. Visitor numbers from China typically peak around this celebration, which varies between January and February due to the lunar calendar.