WELLINGTON, May 14 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand recorded a sharp rise in international visitors in March, with arrivals nearing pre-pandemic levels, official data showed Thursday.
Foreign arrivals totaled 358,900 during the month, up 15 percent over the same period in 2025, according to Stats NZ.
The figure marked the highest March level since 2019, though still below the record of 388,300 set in 2018, said Stats NZ international travel statistics spokesperson Bryan Downes.
Visitor arrivals from Australia rose by 24,100 to 138,400, while those from China, the United States and Britain climbed as well, the statistics department noted.
A visa waiver trial for eligible Chinese passport holders travelling from Australia contributed to a rise in Chinese arrivals, statistics showed.
The Middle East conflict disrupted flights, with no Qatar service and fewer flights from the United Arab Emirates, plunging direct arrivals from the region, especially British and German travelers, the department said. ■
