Kiwi love for Fiji hits record high

Kiwis have been travelling to Fiji in record numbers, with close to a quarter of the one million international visitors to the Pacific island nation last year coming from New Zealand.

In 2024, almost 226,000 Kiwis visited Fiji, the highest number of New Zealand arrivals ever recorded in the country's history.

According to Tourism Fiji, this represents an increase of 2.2 per cent from 2023.

More than one million visitors came to Fiji last year, setting a new record for the country.

Most of the tourists (982,938) arrived via air, while seven per cent (over 82,000) came on a cruise ship.

Tourism Fiji said the country has long been a popular holiday destination for New Zealanders, but in 2024, the Kiwis' love for the islands reached new heights.

Chief executive Brent Hill said the cruise industry’s success last year was remarkable. It created significant economic value and supported local communities and businesses.

Fiji also gained increased international visibility through events like the return of the renowned Corona World Surf League (WSL) Fiji Pro, the second Spartan Fiji Trifecta, and the first-ever NRL match.

Viliame Gavoka, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, said the record visitor numbers reflected strong collaboration within the industry, increased airline capacity, and high-quality hospitality offerings.

Fiji sees record number of New Zealand tourists seeking tropical holidays. Photo/RNZ

“From the expansion of routes by our airline partners like Fiji Airways to the exceptional hospitality provided by our tourism businesses and the continued strategic promotion by Tourism Fiji, these achievements are the result of a united effort,” Gavoka said.

Tourism Fiji also reported a three per cent increase in room night bookings last year compared to 2023.

Hill emphasised the importance of attracting tourists who appreciate landscapes and rich culture and who will contribute to a high-yield tourism sector.

"With strong partnerships, a growing airline and cruise industry, and exceptional performance in key international markets, we are confident that Fiji’s tourism industry is on a promising path for continued success in the years to come.”

Likuliku Lagoon Resort boasts Fiji’s only authentic over-water bures (villa). Photo/Brook Sabin

Kiwis weren’t the only visitors to enjoy Fiji. The country was named the #3 destination to visit in 2025 by Lonely Planet and ranked the top South Pacific island in Conde Nast Traveller’s 2024 Readers’ Choice Awards.

According to Stats NZ, almost 1.2 million Kiwi travellers visited Australia from June 2023 to 2024.

Fiji was the second most popular destination, attracting 207,400 Kiwis, followed by the United States, China, and the United Kingdom in the top five.

Hill stressed the importance of focusing on quality as well as quantity to ensure sustainability in Fiji tourism.