As North American visitor arrivals to New Zealand continue to rise, tourism representatives from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Tāhuna Queenstown are heading on a roadshow to the United States and Canada. The delegation, which departed on Saturday, 22 March, will showcase Auckland and Queenstown as key destinations for North American travellers.
The North American Roadshow, organised for the third year by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and Destination Queenstown, aims to raise awareness of these regions as top destinations for North American visitors, who remain a significant market for New Zealand tourism. The USA is New Zealand’s second largest inbound market behind Australia.
The year ended 2024 saw a 10 percent increase in US visitors to New Zealand, totalling 370,000 arrivals, with more than 80 percent landing in Auckland, driven by improved air connectivity from North America.
The roadshow will see 15 Auckland and Queenstown tourism operators travelling to New York, Toronto, Minneapolis, Seattle, and San Francisco from 22 March to 2 April. These cities were selected for their key role in driving North American tourism to New Zealand.
This year’s roadshow will highlight Auckland’s stunning scenery, vibrant culture, world-class food and drink, and luxury accommodation, alongside Queenstown’s breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor activities. Both regions offer rich and diverse experiences that are tailored to meet the evolving interests of North American travellers.
Annie Dundas, Director of Destination at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says North American visitors are increasingly seeking authentic, high-quality travel experiences. “Auckland and Queenstown are two of the most sought-after destinations in New Zealand, offering everything from scenic beauty and adventure to luxury and culture. We’re excited to share the unique offerings of these regions with travel professionals across North America,” Dundas says.
Dundas also emphasizes the growing importance of New Zealand’s sustainability and cultural preservation efforts for international visitors. "As part of our commitment to environmental sustainability and cultural respect, we encourage visitors to engage with our values, especially through the Tiaki Promise, which ensures the protection of our natural beauty and heritage," she says.
The roadshow delegates will meet with more than 400 key travel sellers during the tour, with support from local partners in each city to help facilitate promotional activities and event management.
During meetings with influential North American travel industry professionals, the New Zealand delegation will recommend at least three-day stays in both Auckland and Queenstown to fully experience the diverse offerings at each location. “The favourable exchange rate, where $1 USD equals $1.75 NZD, also makes these regions an even more attractive option for US tourists,” Dundas adds.
Mat Woods, Chief Executive of Destination Queenstown, says he is thrilled the roadshow provides the opportunity to connect with key travel professionals in North America and share what makes the Queenstown Lakes region so special.
“Queenstown is home to breathtaking natural landscapes, unique experiences, exceptional dining and rich cultural heritage. Travellers seeking deeper, more authentic experiences get the most out of their visit when they slow down, stay longer and fully immerse themselves in Queenstown and its surrounds.
“Queenstown’s vision is for regenerative tourism, enriching the lives of people who live in the region and those who visit, and delivering benefits, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally,” Woods says.
Scott Tasker, Chief Customer Officer at Auckland Airport, highlights the extensive flight options facilitating travel from the USA and Canada. "Auckland is the hub of connectivity to North America, offering up to 84 flights per week during the summer season. For those journeying beyond Auckland to the adventure capital, Queenstown, there’s smooth connectivity on one of the 15 daily flights."
ENDS
For more information:
Auckland: www.aucklandnz.com
Queenstown: www.queenstownnz.co.nz
Operators in attendance:
Terra and Tide
Te Manu Taupua Ltd
Fullers360
SkyCity
Cordis
Millennium Hotels
The Big Foody
Hilton North Island Cluster
TIME Unlimited Tours
Alpine Luxury Tours
Glenorchy Air
Altitude Tours & BLACK NZ
Cheeky Kiwi Travel limited
Heliworks Queenstown
Accor New Zealand
BACKGROUND FACTS AND NOTES:
- Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, Auckland Airport, and Destination Queenstown collaborate to promote Auckland and Queenstown to North American leisure, business, and incentive travellers.
- Auckland is connected to six non-stop destinations year-round in North America: Los Angeles LAX, San Francisco SFO, Houston IAH, New York JFK, Honolulu HNL, and Vancouver YVR, with a seasonal non-stop connection to Dallas DFW.
- There are more than 90 connections between Auckland and Queenstown per week.
- In 2024, 370,000 US visitors came to New Zealand, with over 80% landing in Auckland (Stats NZ).