Golf tournament brings in the big bucks
New Zealand Open generated $23 million in direct economic impact for Queenstown Lakes this year.
The 2025 tournament saw a 48% growth in attendance figures with 34,199 fans turning out at Millbrook Resort in late February and early March, delivering over 45,000 bed nights for the Queenstown region.
A record global television audience tuned in to watch the mix of professional and amateur golfers from 23 countries, with at least 7.4 million viewers to over 90 countries, as well as 130 million social media impressions. The biggest viewership was in China, India, North America and Australia.
John Hart, Chairman of the New Zealand Open, said the tournament’s ability to attract both passionate spectators and affluent international guests is key to its long-term success.
"We’re proud to have built an event that is driving growth on multiple fronts - raising the bar for sporting events in New Zealand and attracting high-value visitors to our country.
"The support from our international players and partners alongside the engagement from kiwi spectators has been phenomenal.”
The tournament generated $12.3m in net economic impact for New Zealand, once grants were accounted for.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the Government is "proud to support world-class sporting events like this through the Major Events Fund".
"As well as contributing to the local and national economy, major events attract international visitors and strengthen our reputation on the world stage,” the Minister says.
Officials from both the Asian Tour and Challenger PGA Tour of Australasia praised the tournament, saying it's raising the benchmark for Pro-Am tournaments globally.
And Brian Howie, Director of Operations at Millbrook Resort, says the NZ Open will continue on at course until at least 2032.
"This long-term commitment reflects our belief in the value that the New Zealand Open brings to Queenstown and New Zealand as a whole.”
The 105th New Zealand Open will be played at Millbrook Resort in Queenstown between 26 February and 1 March 2026. For more information, please visit nzopen.com.
Key Statistics from the 104th New Zealand Open (as measured by YouGov)
- $12.36 million in economic impact for New Zealand
- $23.34 million in economic impact for Queenstown
- The total number of spectators across the four days of the New Zealand Open increased by 48% to 34,199 total attendees
- 74% of attendees came from outside the Queenstown Lakes District area
- The New Zealand Open attracted 1,114 international attendees in 2025
- Over 45,000 bed nights were generated in the Queenstown region as a result of the New Zealand Open
- The 2025 New Zealand Open received a +72 net promoter score from attendees
- At least 7.4 million viewers from over 90 countries tuned in to witness history unfold and the latest champion of the New Zealand Open to be crowned
- In 2025, the New Zealand Open gained elevated global significance with the champion (or leading non-exempt player) earning direct qualification into the 2025 Open Championship at Royal Portrush
- Over 50,000 plastic bottles saved from landfill through removal of plastic water bottles on-site
- 13.7T of waste diverted from landfill through waste stream sorting and management on-site in 2025.
- A total of 523 volunteers played their part in the success of the New Zealand Open in 2025 and over 75% of these have indicated they will volunteer for the 2026 tournament.
- The 2025 New Zealand Open reached over 111 million social accounts and gained over 130 million social media impression
