The tourism industry lobby wants Prime Minister John Key to challenge a 17% rise in departure taxes in Australia.

Pair say move will give $23 billion sector a stronger voice in lobbying government.

Tourism Industry Association New Zealand chief executive Tim Cossar will leave the role early next year.

Christchurch is the number one destination for kiwis wanting to take an autumn break this year, a survey released today shows.

The Mood of the New Zealand Traveller survey by Fly Buys/Colmar Brunton, found 79% of New Zealanders took an overnight trip in the last six months and 71% were planning to take an average 2.2 overnights trips in the next six months.

The Tourism Industry Association, which released the second quarterly survey today, said one in three New Zealanders were planning an Easter break in the country.

Proposes ACC levy increases will put a significant strain on an already challenged industry, the Tourism Industry Association says.

Chief executive Tim Cossar said under the proposed changes, operators would face increases of up to 100% or more – compounding the challenges many tourism businesses still faced as a result of the global economic downturn.

A ski company employing more than 100 staff would face a $300,000 annual increase, he said.