An opportunity to continue boosting Aotearoa’s economy.
$1.23 Billion Annually
The 2024/25 financial year brought NZ$1.23 billion in total economic output created by cruise tourism in New Zealand, supporting 8,253 jobs and generating NZ$384.2 million in wages for New Zealand workers.
$393.7 Million of Direct Passenger Spend into New Zealand
In 2024-25, New Zealand received 1.3m passenger visit days by cruise ship passengers, who spent $393.7 million directly in New Zealand, boosting regional economies.
Cruising not only bolsters New Zealand's economy and supports numerous local jobs across various sectors, but also enhances the visibility and appeal of New Zealand's products to global audiences, making it a vital economic driver that extends tourism benefits throughout the country, including regional areas.
Cruise Line Expenditure in New Zealand
Cruise line spending is a significant contributor to New Zealand’s tourism economy, totalling NZ$260.6 million in 2024/25. This included NZ$131.6 million paid to ports and the government in fees and charges, representing 50.5% of cruise line expenditure
Passenger Expenditure in New Zealand
Cruise visitors spent an average NZ$313 per day while on shore in New Zealand, creating a total direct passenger expenditure of NZ$393.7 million. Passenger spending benefits local communities and businesses in many areas including accommodation, food & beverage, tour operations, transport, retail and entertainment.
Regional Breakdown
Cruise tourism reaches almost every region of New Zealand. As the country's primary cruise gateway and turnaround port, Auckland represents the biggest share of cruise tourism in New Zealand. Canterbury is the second most significant cruise region, followed by the Bay of Plenty, Otago, Fiordland and Wellington.
Cruise Ship Visits Round New Zealand
The economic impact of cruise tourism is distributed beyond the major cities to ports and destinations around the country.
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882 ship visits days
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1.3m passenger visit days in 2024-25
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46 ships in NZ
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25 New Zealand ports & destinations visited
Elevates Sales of Regional Produce
Cruise lines purchase significant quantities of New Zealand food and beverages, benefiting local farmers, food producers, wineries, and supply chain members. On-board dining that showcases New Zealand's produce to international visitors enhances the country's global reputation for high-quality food and beverages, helping further boost exports and tourism.
Cruising is essential for many businesses across New Zealand and brings significant benefits to communities nationwide, spreading tourism beyond the major cities.
Cruise Tourism Brings Big Dollars to NZ
Cruise tourism pumped NZ$1.23 billion into the New Zealand economy in 2024–25. That’s thousands of jobs, millions in wages, and real value for coastal communities.
8,000+ Kiwis Employed by Cruise Tourism
In just one year, the cruise industry supported 8,253 jobs and generated NZ$384.3 million in wages across Aotearoa.
From port workers to tour operators—cruise supports real livelihoods.
Cruise is Growing. NZ is Ready.
Global cruise passengers are forecast to hit 42 million by 2028. With unmatched natural beauty and growing demand for luxury, New Zealand is poised to lead in high-value cruise experiences.
$570 million annually
Cruise tourism contributes nearly $570 million annually to New Zealand's economy (Stats NZ 2018-19) and supports thousands of local jobs.
Cruise tourism benefits many local businesses including travel agents, tour operators, visitor attractions, hotels, retailers, restaurants, transport companies, port workers, and maritime service providers.
$370 million in NZ directly
In 2018-19, over 320,000 cruise people visited New Zealand by cruise ship and spent $370 million directly in New Zealand (Stats NZ 2018-2019), boosting regional economies.
Cruising not only bolsters New Zealand's economy and supports numerous local jobs across various sectors, but also enhances the visibility and appeal of New Zealand's produce to global audiences, making it a vital economic driver that extends tourism benefits throughout the country, including regional areas.
Boosts exports and tourism
Cruise lines purchase significant quantities of New Zealand food and beverages, benefiting local farmers, food producers, wineries, and supply chain members. On-board dining that showcases New Zealand's produce to international visitors enhances the country's global reputation for high-quality food and beverages, helping further boost exports and tourism.
Cruising is essential for many businesses across New Zealand and brings significant benefits to communities nationwide, spreading tourism beyond the major cities.
Economic Insight
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Generates significant economic boost for port town and wider region.
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Provides opportunities to attract repeat visitation.
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Growing proportion of passengers are choosing to explore locally.
Source: Economic Impact Assessment of Cruise Tourism in New Zealand 2023/24, prepared by AEC Group Ltd. The Value of Cruise Tourism economic impact assessment for New Zealand was prepared by AEC Group on behalf of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), covering the 2023-24 financial year (1 July to 30 June).
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