Since the borders reopened to travellers from Visa Waiver countries at the beginning of May, the slow rebuild of tourists has been clear to New Zealand's border authorities. As the electronic entry permits for inbound air and cruise passengers are valid for just two years, it gives a stark picture of pre and post pandemic travel. While these visa-waiver numbers illustrates the slow rebuild of travel routes and uptake of long-haul travel, they do not give the whole picture. This does not take into account Australian tourists, however it is a good indicator for travel from long-haul visa waiver countries in Europe and the Americas. For visitors from visa waiver countries this was attached to the NZeTA.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 20, 2022 19:53 UTC