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. 

LISTEN ABOVE 

There's optimism newly introduced visa-free travel for Chinese and Pacific tourists will prove successful long-term.&nbsp;
The trial allows visitors to enter New Zealand for up to three months on a valid Australian visa.&nbsp;
The Government says arrivals have almost tripled since December, reaching 36,800 visits.&nbsp;
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford told Ryan Bridge the scheme will be reviewed around the 12-month mark to assess its success and any risks.&nbsp;
She says there's little to no risk, as we're essentially piggybacking off Australia's robust system.&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE&nbsp;

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

Early Edition with Ryan Bridge

Erica Stanford: Immigration Minister on the visa pathway for Pacific and Chinese travellers

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/6efb34f2-a12e-4857-8125-b3f6016c9ad2/transcript