Although visitor spending is on the rise, some parts of New Zealand are still doing it tough.

A Government survey's found international visitor spending increased by 10% and contributed more than $12 billion to the economy in the year ending March.

That's 9.2% up on the previous year.

It reflects an increase in international visitors, topping 3.3 million arrivals, up from almost 3.2 million.

Queenstown Mayor Glyn Lewers told Ryan Bridge it's good news, but also highlights the uneven nature of the spend across New Zealand. 

He says there should be more effort to collaborate and spread the love between different regions.

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