Auckland International Airport has marked record international travel for the week ended January 8, with over 170,000 international arrivals or departures, beating the travel records during the final stages of the Rugby World Cup 2011.

The year's first week figure is higher than any other recorded week at New Zealand's main international gateway.

Judy Nicholl, general manager of the airport's aeronautical operation said in a statement the peak periods experienced during the final stages of the Rugby World Cup 2011 was not able to make such a record.

"This result indicates that despite some challenging economic conditions, more people than ever are willing and able to travel internationally to and from New Zealand," she said.

The record travel bodes well for the year, as national carrier Air New Zealand reported a downturn of 5% in international travellers in December, with only 173,000 long-haul passengers in the month of December, down from 182,000 a year earlier.

Shares in Auckland International Airport are currently trading at $2.53.

TVNZ reported new direct services to Asia were introduced at Auckland late last year by offshore airlines. This may have contributed to the increase in travelers on the first week of the year.