Pacific adventures lead Kiwi summer travel plans, new data shows

Summer is officially underway. This year's calendar has something for everyone - from sports, art, music, faith, and food to families and friends enjoying a fun day out and creating lasting memories.

With summer underway, many New Zealanders are already on their holiday or planning their next getaway with the family, according to Booking.com’s Summer Search Data for 2025.

The findings reveal a clear Pacific focus among Kiwi travellers, with short-haul international destinations within easy reach proving particularly popular.

The Gold Coast in Australia ranks top of the international wish list, followed by Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, reflecting strong interest in familiar beach escapes and wider Pacific experiences.

Regional neighbours like Sydney and Melbourne also featured high in search activity, underscoring the ongoing appeal of accessible, well-connected destinations.

Flights between Christchurch and Rarotonga direct with Air New Zealand have helped boost Rarotonga’s visibility this holiday season, making island getaways feel easier and more attainable for Kiwis looking to unwind in the tropics.

Wānaka continues to shine as a summer favourite, with searches up 40 per cent as travellers seek wellness, relaxation, and ‘glow-cation’ experiences in tranquil alpine surroundings. Photo/newzealand.com

Closer to home, New Zealand’s own cities and scenic spots are drawing plenty of attention.

Auckland’s popularity has jumped sharply, with searches up about 30 per cent, driven by a packed summer calendar of festivals, events and food experiences.

Christchurch also saw a big increase in searches of about 25 per cent.

The South Island’s natural jewels remain favourites, with Queenstown, Wānaka, and Taupō all ranking among the most-searched domestic destinations.

The Pacific remains a top international choice for Kiwis, boosted by direct flights and a growing appetite for easy, short-haul tropical escapes in the Pacific. Photo/Facebook/Ottila International

Wānaka stood out with searches up by about 40 per cent, highlighting increased interest in wellness and “glow-cation” experiences in tranquil alpine surroundings.

Booking.com’s data paints a picture of a Kiwi summer shaped by choice: high-energy city breaks that combine culture, food and nightlife, and slower, nature-first escapes that help travellers reconnect with the outdoors.

There’s also strong evidence of continued appetite for Pacific island travel, whether it’s Rarotonga’s calm beaches or Fiji’s Nadi, which also makes the top 10 international list.

Top 10 searched domestic destinations: Auckland (up 30 per cent), Queenstown, Christchurch (up 25 per cent), Rotorua, Taupō (+1), Wellington, Dunedin (+4), Mount Maunganui, Wānaka (+5/up 40 per cent), and Napier.

Top 10 searched international destinations: Gold Coast, Rarotonga, Sydney, Tokyo, Melbourne, Singapore, Bangkok, Brisbane, Nadi (Fiji), and Dubai.

When combining domestic and international searches, Auckland and the Gold Coast top the list, followed by Queenstown, Christchurch, Rarotonga, Sydney, Rotorua, Tokyo, Taupō, and Melbourne.

Melissa Ellison, Area Manager for New Zealand at Booking.com, says the data suggests the way Kiwis travel is evolving.

“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 per cent," she says.

"Further afield, Asia-Pacific stands out with nine of 10 located in the region, including foodie hotspots like Melbourne, Singapore, and Bangkok.”

The message from the data is clear: whether it’s quick Pacific jaunts, buzzing cities, or scenic retreats closer to home, New Zealand travellers are keen to make the most of the summer season.