There's optimism newly introduced visa-free travel for Chinese and Pacific tourists will prove successful long-term. 

The trial allows visitors to enter New Zealand for up to three months on a valid Australian visa. 

The Government says arrivals have almost tripled since December, reaching 36,800 visits. 

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge the scheme will be reviewed around the 12-month mark to assess its success and any risks. 

She says there's little to no risk, as we're essentially piggybacking off Australia's robust system. 

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