With summer right around the corner, wanderlusting Kiwis are starting to plan their next holiday. Some are looking at quick trips across the Pacific, while others are planning slower breaks closer to home. Booking.com’s latest search data for the 2025 summer holiday hotspots shows a clear split in travel plans: people are choosing either lively city escapes or calm, nature-led getaways. Whether it’s festivals, food and nightlife, or lakes, mountains and wellness, this summer is about picking the kind of trip that suits your mood.
“Our 2026 Travel Predictions showed that next year travel is set to become a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or bold to explore. They’re embracing a future of tourism that’s partly AI-driven and highly personalised, yet also quieter, slower, and more intentional,” says Melissa Ellison, area manager for New Zealand at Booking.com. “Kiwis appear to be kicking this new era of travel off early, with Booking.com summer search data showing destinations like Wānaka, ideal for stepping into a fantasy world for a trending ‘romantasy retreat’, are up 40%. Further afield, Asia-Pacific stands out with nine of 10 located in the region, including foodie hotspots like Melbourne, Singapore, and Bangkok – ideal for embracing the ’shelf-ie souvenirs’ trend of culinary-inspired keepsakes.”
City Buzz or Nature Calm? Kiwis Are Choosing Both
Overall, these trends suggest that Kiwis are planning a balanced summer. Short-haul international travel continues to lead the way, particularly across the Asia-Pacific. The Gold Coast has claimed the top spot for international searches, while Rarotonga is climbing fast, helped by Air New Zealand’s new direct flight from Christchurch.
City breaks are getting more popular too. Searches for Auckland are up 30%, thanks to a packed summer of events, festivals, and dining. International cities like Tokyo, Sydney, and Melbourne are also drawing attention, offering culture, nightlife, and great food just a short flight away.
The South Island is also attracting plenty of interest. Places like Wānaka, Queenstown, and Christchurch are popular with travellers looking for stunning scenery, more space, and a slower pace. Wānaka is a standout, with searches up 40%, showing that more people want wellness-focused trips and ‘glow-cations.’
Whether travelling within New Zealand or overseas, Kiwis are searching for culture, food, and nature. This summer, it’s all about choosing how much of each they want.
Here’s where Kiwis are looking to travel within New Zealand this summer:
- Auckland, New Zealand (up 30%)
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Christchurch, New Zealand (up 25%)
- Rotorua, New Zealand
- Taupō, New Zealand (+1)
- Wellington, New Zealand
- Dunedin, New Zealand (+4)
- Mount Maunganui, New Zealand
- Wānaka, New Zealand (+5, up 40%)
- Napier, New Zealand
From Auckland’s lively event season to Wānaka’s peaceful mountain setting, the list shows that people want both excitement and relaxation.
New Zealand’s Most Searched International Destinations
When Kiwis travel overseas, they’re picking places that are close by and full of excitement:
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Tokyo, Japan
- Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Sydney, Australia
- Melbourne, Australia
- Singapore, Singapore
- Bangkok, Thailand
- Brisbane, Australia
- Nadi, Fiji
- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Beach getaways, lively cities, and food destinations are all popular, and Tokyo’s mix of culture and energy continues to attract Kiwis.
The Big Picture: Where It All Comes Together
When you look at both domestic and international searches, it’s clear that people want a mix of city excitement and natural beauty:
- Auckland, New Zealand (up 30%)
- Gold Coast, Australia
- Queenstown, New Zealand
- Christchurch, New Zealand (up 25%)
- Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- Sydney, Australia (+2)
- Rotorua, New Zealand
- Tokyo, Japan
- Taupō, New Zealand (+2)
- Melbourne, Australia
This is a snapshot of a summer shaped by choice. Big cities offer nights out and cultural experiences. Nature spots give you a chance to rest, recharge, and enjoy fresh air. There are also plenty of short-haul options, making it easy to do one or both.
This summer, Kiwi travellers aren’t choosing just one way to travel; they’re following their mood, their schedule, and their curiosity. The data shows that this flexibility and personal preference are what’s shaping travel in 2025.
Plan your summer getaway with Booking.com
