WELLINGTON, NZ — September 2025 — While New Zealand has long been a dream travel destination for many Americans, a growing number of them are now setting their sights on making it home. Tourism is back in full swing—with 379,000 U.S. visitors arriving between April 2023 and April 2024, a 43 percent increase over the prior year (tourismnewzealand.com)—but another trend is quietly taking hold: American families pursuing long-term residency in pursuit of a more intentional life.

Thanks to policy reforms introduced in April 2025, the Active Investor Plus Visa—New Zealand's residency-by-investment pathway—has seen a remarkable surge. In the three months following the changes, Immigration New Zealand received 189 applications, compared to just 116 in the preceding 2.5 years. Nearly half of applicants were from the U.S., signaling strong interest from American families. The total potential investment exceeds NZ$845 million (approximately US$500 million).

“More Americans are looking beyond passports—they want peace of mind, space, and connection,” explains Mischa Mannix-Opie, Director of Client Experience at Greener Pastures. “It's not just about buying residency. It's about investing in a future where safety, schools, nature, and a more meaningful quality life matter equally to return on investment.”

The revamped visa programme is centered around two tiers: a Growth category requiring NZ$5 million over three years, and a Balanced category at NZ$10 million over five years—without an English language requirement and with dramatically reduced stay obligations (businessinsider.com). This streamlined path is enabling families to weave permanent relocation into their lifestyle planning with minimal disruption.

Meanwhile, New Zealand's tourism rebound underscores its broader appeal. Visitor spending soared in 2024, with international tourists contributing NZ$12.2 billion, including US travelers spending $1.66 billion—a 20.6 percent year-over-year jump (tourismnewzealand.com). This remarkable uptick in awareness and admiration is feeding directly into interest in permanent relocation.

Greener Pastures helps affluent clients walk the path from hopeful visitor to settled resident. The firm combines investment strategy advisory with a full-service concierge model—managing everything from visa applications and legal compliance to school placement, property sourcing, and community integration.

“They've taken tours across the country. Now they're asking, 'Why can't we live here?'” says Mannix‑Opie. “That's when they call us.”

About Greener Pastures
New Zealand's first integrated residency-by-investment and relocation concierge firm, Greener Pastures guides international families through the Active Investor Plus Visa process—from fund selection to landing—ensuring each transition to life in New Zealand is seamless, strategic, and warmly rooted.