New Zealand welcomed 248,700 international visitors in August 2026, bringing monthly arrivals to 99% of the August 2019 level. Visitor numbers rose 8% year-on-year, with Australia and China contributing significantly to the increase. Annual arrivals reached 3.71 million in the 12 months ending August. The country is also moving selected visitor and transit visa applications to an enhanced online system, aiming to simplify procedures for international travellers.