New data shows that Hong Kong is surging in popularity with Kiwi travellers, and the destination says its events calendar, position as a stopover hub, and support from the trade are behind the boost.
It’s no secret that Kiwis have increasingly been looking to Asian cities for stopovers due to global events, and Hong Kong is among the countries reaping the benefits.
The latest Hong Kong Tourism Board data shows that Kiwi arrivals to Hong Kong Jan-Jun 2026 were up 13% year-on-year to a total of 45,000.
Overnight arrivals from New Zealand are up 11% over the same period, which the HKTB says reflects its positioning of the destination as a diverse hub for extended stopovers and longer stays.
Jan proved the most popular time to visit for Kiwis with the data showing a 29% increase while growth in Apr was attributed to the Hong Kong Sevens and Easter break. HKTB’s director for Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, Karen Macmillan says that, after seeing a double-digit increase year-on-year in 2025 for New Zealand visitors to Hong Kong, it’s really pleasing to see this growth continue from such a
competitive base. “We are thrilled to see such strong growth in visitor arrivals from New Zealand,” she says.
. . . Trade Support
Macmillan also expects this momentum to continue, thanks in part to the Kiwi trade. “Following our recent retail agent roadshow, we’ve seen growing interest and enquiry for Hong Kong, and we’re confident this momentum will continue as more trained agents inspire and convert travellers.”
Hong Kong’s event calendar is also said to be a drawcard for Kiwis. “Hong Kong is already known for its world-class dining, shopping and accommodating offering, but we’ve also been working to communicate
its breadth of outdoor experiences such as hiking trails and island hopping, as well as its incredible cultural offering and unique festivals,” Macmillan adds.
. . . Tookits
The HKTB will continue providing the trade with updated toolkits, resources, and regular updates to ensure they are equipped to assist clients, she adds. See more on Hong Kong HERE.
