Trans-Tasman Group Programmes: New Zealand After Australia

Many agents sell New Zealand as the second half of an Australia programme, or to groups based in Australia. Stats NZ's figures show how busy that corridor is. Our New Zealand team sets out the detail in its planning notes for Australian groups. This page is the short version for agents who combine the two countries.

How Busy Is the Trans-Tasman Corridor?

Stats NZ's International travel release for July 2026 reported:

• 256,600 overseas visitor arrivals in July 2026, up 8.5% on July 2025.
• 134,900 arrivals from Australia, up 6% and a record for a July month, more than half of all visitor arrivals.
• 3.69 million arrivals in the year to July 2026, up 9%.

Monthly figures move, so check the latest Stats NZ release before you quote a number.

What Changes for a Group with Mixed Passports?

Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport need no visa or NZeTA for New Zealand and do not pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. A group that started in Australia often includes other nationalities, and those travellers may need an NZeTA or a visa. Check every passport on the rooming list before the group leaves Australia.

How Do We Build the New Zealand Leg?

• Pick the gateway for the route. Queenstown and Christchurch take trans-Tasman flights as well as Auckland, so a South Island leg can start in the south.
• Watch both school calendars. School holidays in Australia and New Zealand fill rooms, and winter brings ski groups to Queenstown.
• Keep the days short. Trans-Tasman trips are often short, so we cut transfer time and keep the highlights near the gateway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Australia New Zealand's largest visitor market?

Yes. In July 2026 Stats NZ counted 134,900 arrivals from Australia out of 256,600 overseas visitor arrivals.

Do Australian citizens need an NZeTA?

No. Australian citizens travelling on an Australian passport need no NZeTA or visa. Other nationalities in the same group may need one.

Can a New Zealand leg start in the South Island?

Yes. Queenstown and Christchurch take trans-Tasman flights as well as Auckland.

Why keep the New Zealand days close to the gateway?

Trans-Tasman trips are often short, so less time on the road leaves more time for the programme itself.

Sources

• Stats NZ: International travel, July 2026

Where Explera Fits

Our New Zealand team plans the New Zealand leg at net rates for travel agents, tour operators and MICE planners, and we combine it with programmes in our other destinations.

Write to b2b@explera.co.nz or message +66 93 656 8090 on WhatsApp. Explera DMC is IATA TIDS-registered (96215733) and an ASTA member (900408341).