Tourism New Zealand says it is "very positive" that June had the highest number of international arrivals for that month in seven years.
International visitor arrival figures confirmed an increase of 5.4% year-on-year, with 2.64 million visitors arriving for the year ended June 2012.
"While June 2011 results were down due to natural disasters, namely the ash cloud from Chile's Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano, it is very positive to see arrivals growing," Tourism New Zealand chief executive Kevin Bowler said in a statement.
Statistics New Zealand's International Travel and Migration figures showed there were 151,000 visitors in June, the highest number for June since the 2005 British Lions' rugby tour.
Mr Bowler said the figures also indicated a strong and early start to the 2012 ski season.
"Looking specifically at Australian arrivals, we see that they accounted for a staggering 48% of total holiday arrivals in June. This clearly shows the importance of this market to New Zealand during what would otherwise be a low season for the industry and confirms that Australians continue to show a preference for choosing a New Zealand holiday."
International arrivals generated a total of 50.9 million stay-days in New Zealand, an increase of 1.4% for the year ended June 2012.
"This month's arrival and stay-day figures clearly show that New Zealand is performing well despite the combination of natural and economic challenges we've been battling over the past few years," Mr Bowler said.
"In order to maintain these figures, it is important we see continued investment in long-haul air capacity from existing and new airlines.
"That is why [the] announcement from Hawaiian airlines is so exciting. The direct Auckland and Honolulu service is a significant step towards improving connectivity between the United States, one of our key markets, and New Zealand."
