New Zealanders are travelling and spending less on domestic holidays.
New data shows that overnight trips dropped by 7% and day excursions by more than 11%.
By contrast, there has been an increase in New Zealanders holidaying off-shore. This is attributed to the exchange rate.
The amount domestic tourists spent was also down 4.6% in the year to September.
The Ministry of Tourism blames uncertain economic conditions and high fuel prices.
Research Manager Bruce Bassett says that while the overall direction of the survey is not favourable, the domestic tourism industry remains a powerful economic driver for New Zealand.
