An opportunity to continue boosting Aotearoa’s economy.
$439.5 Million of Direct Passenger Spend into New Zealand
In 2023-24, New Zealand received 1.5m passenger visit days by cruise ship passengers, who spent $439.5 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 cruise economy, totalling $317.6 million in 2023-24. This included $146.2 million paid to ports and government as fees and charges, which is 46% of cruise line expenditure.
Passenger Expenditure in New Zealand
Passenger spending benefits local businesses in areas like accommodation, food & beverage, tour operations, transport, retail and entertainment.Cruise visitors spent an average $282 each per day while on shore in New Zealand, creating a total direct passenger expenditure of $439.5 million.
Regional Breakdown
Cruise tourism reaches almost every region of New Zealand. As the country’s primary cruise gateway and turnaround port, Auckland represents the lion’s share of cruise tourism in New Zealand. Otago is the second most significant cruise region, followed by Canterbury, Bay of Plenty and Wellington.
$1.37 Billion Annually
The 2023-24 financial year brought $1.37b in total economic output created by cruise tourism in New Zealand, supporting employment - totalling 9,729 jobs and $425.9 million in wages for New Zealand workers.
Cruise tourism benefits many local businesses including travel agents, tour operators, visitor attractions, hotels, retailers, restaurants, transport companies, port workers, and maritime service providers.
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 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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1,011 ship visits across 21 ports
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1.55m passenger visit days in 2023-24
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54 ships in NZ
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1,204 ship visit days
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).
Good News Stories
$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.