In 2025, New Zealand’s lodging industry was reshaped by shifting consumer behaviour, sustainability priorities and the broader rebound in international travel. As overseas arrivals increased, particularly from Australia, the United States and Asia, accommodation providers adapted their offerings to appeal to higher-spending visitors seeking premium and immersive experiences. This trend was closely linked to the expansion of international routes and greater airline capacity to regional destinatio

Airline performance in 2025 was shaped by strong international travel demand alongside ongoing operational pressures. Air New Zealand faced notable fleet constraints due to engine maintenance issues that affected a significant share of its aircraft, particularly on regional routes, which pushed up domestic airfares and reduced capacity. Despite these challenges, international demand remained robust, with overseas routes proving highly profitable and supporting overall revenue. Jetstar capitalise

In 2024, childless couples constituted the leading household type in New Zealand, driven by urbanisation, financial pressures and career priorities. Single person households are forecast to grow the fastest over 2024-2029, reflecting a shift towards personal independence and delayed family commitments. Furthermore, the average household size is predicted to shrink, and the share of the population aged 65+ years will rise, indicating significant demographic changes.

In 2025, New Zealand’s travel industry was defined by the interplay of evolving consumer preferences, technological innovation and supportive government policies. A significant trend was the rise of digital nomads and remote workers, encouraged by relaxed visa rules that allowed tourists to work remotely for extended stays. This policy attracted high-earning individuals, particularly from the United States and East Asia, fuelling demand for flexible and longer-term accommodation in destinations

Inbound tourism in New Zealand in 2025 was supported by a combination of targeted government policies and improved international connectivity. Flexible visa initiatives introduced in early 2025 attracted digital nomads and remote workers, encouraging longer stays and higher per-visitor spending. Expanded international flight capacity, particularly from Australia, China and the United States, further strengthened accessibility and boosted arrivals. The government also placed emphasis on promoting

In 2025, booking in New Zealand was reshaped by digital innovation, evolving consumer behaviour and the continued recovery of global travel. Travellers increasingly turned to mobile-first platforms that offered seamless experiences, real-time availability and flexible cancellation policies. Personalised recommendations, supported by data-driven insights, also gained importance, as travellers sought platforms that could match their preferences and deliver convenience at every stage of the booking

Value sales of other dairy products increased in New Zealand in 2025, though growth in retail value terms has slowed. The decline in performance is due to a range of factors, most notably the ongoing high global demand for New Zealand dairy, which has led to price increases across the local market.

Value sales of baby food increased in New Zealand in 2025. Baby food is generally considered an essential purchase for consumers, remaining relatively unaffected by price fluctuations, which has contributed to its steady performance. Despite the challenging economic conditions faced by many New Zealanders due to inflation in food and beverage prices, baby food continues to perform well, as there are few substitutes for this category.

Value sales of drinking milk products in New Zealand increased in 2025. However, this growth in value was largely driven by price inflation, as consumers are drinking less milk overall, with volume declines evident across all sub-categories.

Value sales of cheese increased in New Zealand in 2025, continuing a trend of low single-digit growth seen in recent years. This growth has been primarily driven by rising unit prices rather than increases in volume. The strong international demand for New Zealand dairy products, including cheese, has sustained high producer prices, which have consequently been passed on to local consumers.

Yoghurt and sour milk products in New Zealand experienced steady growth in 2025. However, much of this increase is attributed to unit price inflation amid rising dairy prices. Yoghurt enjoys a positive market perception as a healthy snacking option, valued for its high protein content and probiotics. Another key advantage is that yoghurt is produced naturally, with plain or unflavoured varieties typically containing only a few ingredients, free from additives or flavourings.

Value sales of butter and spreads in New Zealand increased in 2025, largely driven by price inflation, while volume sales continued to decline. Although these products are considered household staples, they are not viewed as essential by many consumers and can be easily omitted from shopping baskets when prices rise. Additionally, growing health and wellness concerns are influencing purchasing decisions, with some consumers reducing their intake of fats and oils, such as butter, due to perceived

In 2025, dairy products and alternatives in New Zealand recorded steady value growth, largely driven by significant price inflation. Rising production and supply chain costs, alongside broader economic pressures, contributed to sustained increases in dairy prices. Additionally, strong global demand for New Zealand dairy exports further exacerbated price hikes for local consumers.

Value sales of plant-based dairy increased in 2025, continuing a steady upward trajectory despite some deceleration in recent years. The adoption of plant-based lifestyles is becoming increasingly prevalent in New Zealand, with consumers reducing their dairy intake for a combination of health and environmental reasons.

Volume sales of cigarettes in New Zealand contracted at double-digit rates in 2024. The category has been in decline since 2020, when respiratory concerns were at the forefront during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and trading restrictions and supply chain disruptions affected consumers' ability to make purchases. Volume decline was largely attributable to the cost-of-living pressures, with high interest rates and a weak economy significantly hampering discretionary spending levels. As cig

Amid New Zealand’s strategy to achieve a smoke-free nation by 2025, the smoking rate in the country has continued to decline. Public health campaigns, higher tobacco taxes, and smoking bans in public places have contributed to this. Smoking has a more negative image, especially among younger generations, who are increasingly health conscious. This trend has prompted many tobacco companies to pivot towards alternative products, such as heated tobacco and e-cigarettes, to capture a share of non-co

Volume sales of cigars, cigarillos and smoking tobacco fell in 2024. Cigars and cigarillos are not typically used habitually like cigarettes and have not seen as much cannibalisation from vaping. Rather, the decline in volume sales for the category can be attributed to broader health and wellness preferences among local consumers, as well as cost-of-living pressures that have led to a contraction in discretionary spending. Whereas in the past, the rising price of cigarettes would see smokers tra

Current value and volume sales of e-vapour products increased in New Zealand in 2024. Health and wellness trends continued to be the main driver of growth in the category, with government health initiatives focused on utilising smokeless tobacco products to help people quit tobacco. That being said, the category is not without some controversy, particularly given the proliferation of vape stores across the country, and the rise in not only youths using vaping products, but also non-smokers, as w

Respect for the rule of law has enhanced economic freedom, whilst trust in governance is high. However, transparency is being eroded by corruption and public finances have worsened. Controlled inflation has enabled interest rates to be lowered, but economic activity remains a challenge and exports could weaken. Relatively high income inequality and a large gender gap characterise the social landscape. Internet use is high, as are mobile subscriptions, but innovation capacity could improve.

New Zealand’s sugar confectionery category has returned to positive growth in retail volume terms in 2025 following a modest decline in the previous year. Despite signs of economic recovery in 2025, consumer spending remained cautious due to persistent cost-of-living pressures. However, sugar confectionery has continued to perform well as an affordable indulgence that consumers are still willing to prioritise on within their discretionary budgets. In addition, its broad appeal across age groups

In 2025, sales of chocolate confectionery have continued to be shaped by persistent global supply chain pressures, most notably the cocoa crisis, which has driven up input costs and led to widespread retail price increases. As a result, value growth has largely been price-led, with volume sales remaining stable as consumers have continued to indulge, albeit more consciously, in the context of ongoing cost-of-living constraints. To mitigate cost pressures manufacturers adopted a multi-pronged app

Retail value sales of gum in New Zealand have seen stable growth in 2025, underpinned by price normalisation after the previous year’s inflationary peak. Market growth reflects a return to pre-pandemic behavioural patterns, with consumer demand stabilising as daily routines involving oral care and social engagement resume. In particular, the revival of face-to-face interactions, such as office attendance, socialising, and domestic travel, has prompted a growing number of consumers to incorporate

New Zealand’s sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks category is experiencing a more favourable trading climate in 2025 compared to the review period, supported by improved supply chain efficiencies and a marked decline in key commodity costs. These developments have alleviated some cost pressures across manufacturing and logistics, allowing brands to stabilise pricing and reallocate resources toward commercial strategies. However, macroeconomic recovery remains fragile, with elevated livin

New Zealand’s savoury snacks category has seen stable growth in 2025 with sales normalising as production efficiencies improve and consumers adapt to higher living costs. As macroeconomic conditions gradually recover, impulse and indulgence-driven purchases are beginning to rebound, supporting steady retail demand. Snacking frequency remains elevated, driven by boredom, convenience, and on-the-go consumption. In response, brands continue to innovate with better-for-you savoury snacks, offering l