New Zealand Leads Active Wellness Tourism Trend Attracting Australian Visitors in 2026

In 2026, New Zealand is solidifying its position as a premier destination, drawing significant interest from Australian tourists by championing a trend that merges physical activity, adventure, and meaningful travel experiences. This shift aligns with a global movement where travelers increasingly prioritize restorative and physically enhancing journeys; the Global Wellness Institute (GWI) had previously forecast the wellness tourism sector would surpass $1 trillion in spending by the end of 2024.

Tourism New Zealand has launched the 'Active Escapes' campaign to promote these offerings. Research indicates substantial interest among travelers considering New Zealand: 13.2 million express interest in walks, 12.4 million in hiking, and 12.6 million in cycling. The nation's concentrated and diverse geography facilitates seamless transitions between coastal, alpine, and forest environments, allowing visitors to maximize time spent on physical pursuits. This geographical efficiency is a key advantage for Australian travelers seeking active holidays.

The 'Active Escapes' strategy balances rigorous physical engagement with restorative elements, such as geothermal hot springs bathing and quiet contemplation, supporting holistic wellbeing. This approach reflects broader market sentiment, with a 2024 Virtuoso Luxe Report indicating that 94% of travelers now integrate physical activity and wellness into their trips.

Infrastructure development is supporting this focus, notably through the expansion of Ngā Haerenga, New Zealand's national cycle network, an initiative by the New Zealand Government. A significant project, the Kawarau Gorge Trail, is slated for an early 2026 opening, potentially by the end of the first quarter. This 32-kilometer route will connect the Queenstown Trails Network with the Lake Dunstan Trail at Bannockburn, completing an interconnected cycling network exceeding 530 kilometers across the Otago region. The trail's construction involved significant engineering, including two new suspension bridges over the Kawarau River and cantilevered 'bluff bridges' built near steep cliffs. Southern Lakes Trails, the managing entity, anticipates the route could surpass the 80,000 annual cyclists recorded by the Lake Dunstan Trail in its first year.

The New Zealand Government has also announced a $70 million investment package to stimulate tourism and events, with $10 million specifically allocated for Tourism Infrastructure Upgrades, aimed at enhancing competitiveness, particularly against Australia. Tourism New Zealand is concurrently equipping travel agents with training through the 'Active Escapes' course in the 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme to market itineraries combining adventure and recovery. The government's objective is to return international visitor numbers to 2019 levels and double tourism export value by 2034, with an estimated 3.89 million international arrivals projected for 2026.

Furthermore, scheduled fitness events reinforce the active tourism push. The ASICS Runaway Hawke's Bay Marathon is set to take place on May 16, 2026, offering participants a route that incorporates local cycle trails and country roads before concluding at Elephant Hill Estate & Winery.