International visitor numbers aren't quite back to pre-pandemic figures, but their wallets are. 

Overseas tourist spending hit nearly $17 billion to the year to March 2024 – just under 2019 levels. 

Visitor numbers sit at around 89% of figures five years ago. 

Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive, Rene de Monchy told Mike Hosking there's plenty of capacity for international visitors, particularly in the 'off-peak' season. 

He says encouraging people to come between March and November is a major focus. 

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