This is a best prospect industry sector for this country. Includes a market overview and trade data.

Overview

New Zealanders are avid travelers, and passport ownership is one of the highest globally.  The United States is the most popular long-haul destination for New Zealand travelers.  Due to a combination of new direct routes from New Zealand to the United States, competitive airfares and good consumer confidence based on stable exchange rates with the U.S. dollar, the number of New Zealand visitors is trending upwards.  In 2017, 330,000+ New Zealanders visited the United States.  Peak booking periods are February-March and July-August.  Peak season for U.S. travel is in New Zealand’s winter months of June-September. 

New Zealanders visit the United States mainly for their vacations.  All full-time employees in New Zealand receive a generous leave package comprising of four weeks paid annual leave plus 11 statutory public holidays.  This means once they are in the United States they tend to stay longer (16 days average) and spend more. 

Airfares are currently at record-low levels and a key driver of record-high volume of air traffic to the United States.  The introduction of new routes e.g. Air New Zealand’s 2015 Auckland-Houston route has proved New Zealanders are motivated to travel to other regions of the United States such as Miami, FL New Orleans, LA and New York, NY.   (In the past New Zealanders have traditionally traveled just to the west coast of the U.S.)  As well, New Zealanders are receptive to including a cruise while visiting the U.S. – viewing Alaska from a cruise ship is a popular aspiration.   In November 2018, Air New Zealand is due to launch a sixth route from Auckland-Chicago. 

Flights direct from Auckland to the U.S. are scheduled by Air New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines.  Travel to the U.S. via Australia is also an option.

 

2016

2017

2018
(January-November)

2019
(Estimated)

Total Market Size

292,000

294,119

284,282

300,000

Exchange Rates

1.44

1.41

1.45

1.44

Unit: USD Thousands
Source:  ITA, National Travel and Tourism Office

Leading Sub-Sectors

  • Adventure Tourism

  • National Parks

  • Shopping

  • Theme Parks

  • Trade Events/Business

Opportunities

Brand USA New Zealand coordinates an annual Discover America seminar program.  This event which takes place in February is an opportunity for U.S. travel and tourism bureau to meet and update New Zealand’s travel trade on new/existing destinations and pricing changes.  The Discover America seminar program takes place in Auckland and alternates every two years between Wellington and Christchurch.  In 2020, the event takes place in Auckland and Christchurch in mid-February

New Zealand’s Visit USA Committee manages a similar program for New Zealand’s regional centers.    

Web Resources

Brand USA New Zealand
National Travel and Tourism Office 
Stats New Zealand  
Visit USA New Zealand  

Prepared by the International Trade Administration. With its network of more than 100 offices across the United States and in more than 75 markets, the International Trade Administration of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.