While local chains report that demand for Europe from Kiwis continues, new data is showing Asia Pacific destinations as dominating winter travel plans for 2026, with destinations such as Vietnam and Fiji surging in popularity.
Booking.com’s search data for the typical Euro Summer travel window, 01 Jun-31 Aug, shows Vietnam among the countries seeing notable increases in searches from New Zealand. Ho Chi Minh City climbed 15 places year-on year in the rankings, now the 22nd most searched destination from New Zealand over this time, while Danang was up 11 places and Hoi An up nine, to 17th and 24th respectively.
Also rising in the ranking was Fiji’s Denarau, climbing 11 spots to sit 10th, and Seoul in Korea, up 10 and now the 28th most searched spot.
Touching on these changes, Booking.com’s regional manager Oceania and Korea Todd Lacey says Kiwi travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer shorter travel times, are more affordable and less crowded, without compromising on experience.
“Since last year, we’ve seen a strong momentum towards Asia Pacific destinations that offer a mix of culture, relaxation, culinary scene and warm climate, all within a relatively shorter journey from New Zealand,” he adds.
. . . Australia
Australia retained the crown overall, with the Gold Coast taking out the top spot, while Sydney was in seventh place and Brisbane eighth. In second was Rarotonga, while London was third, proving Europe is still on Kiwis minds. In fourth was Tokyo, followed by Seminyak and Singapore, while Sanur was ninth.
