Just under 300,000 overseas visitors entered New Zealand last month - creating a new March record.

The Cricket World Cup is being cited as a significant contributor to the increase.

An average of about 10,000 people arrived every day of the month, hiking last year's numbers up by 15%.

The timing of Easter and overseas school holidays also worked in New Zealand's favour to attract more visitors.

Compared to the same time last year, there have been more visitors from Australia, the United States and China.

A noticeable increase in visitors from India is also being hailed as a result of the Cricket World Cup.