Looking for somewhere to go this summer? Here's where Kiwis actually head on holiday, plus some of our favourite spots closer to home.
Summer's nearly here, and it's prime time to start planning a getaway. Kiwis are travelling more than ever: in the year to July 2026, New Zealanders made a record 3.09 million overseas trips.
But some of the best holidays are right on our doorstep.
While some families prefer to celebrate the summer holiday at home, others love to get out and about. Whether you're heading overseas or exploring your own backyard, here are the most popular places Kiwis go, with a few tips on what they cost.
Where Kiwis go on Holiday at a glance
Australia is by far Kiwis' top overseas destination, followed by Fiji, China, the USA and the UK (Stats NZ, 2025).
For holidays, Australia, Fiji, the Cook Islands and Bali (Indonesia) lead the way.
Close to home, Queenstown, Nelson–Tasman, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay and Fiordland are summer favourites.
Lots of great things to do are free, from walks in our national parks to beaches and lookouts.
Plan the cost before you book. Our holiday budget guide and free printable planner can help.
Where do Kiwis go on holiday?
Here are the top 10 overseas destinations for New Zealanders, based on Stats NZ data for 2025:
Rank
Destination
Trips by NZ residents (2025)
1
Australia
1,297,344
2
Fiji
203,265
3
China
166,980
4
USA
154,602
5
UK
115,857
6
Cook Islands
114,984
7
India
113,802
8
Indonesia
95,394
9
Samoa
70,332
10
Thailand
48,621
Source: Stats NZ, NZ-resident traveller arrivals by main destination, 2025 (via Figure.NZ).
Not every trip is a holiday. A lot of Kiwi travel is about visiting family and friends overseas.
Looking at holidays specifically, Australia and Fiji top the list, followed by the Cook Islands and Indonesia (mostly Bali).
Popular overseas holidays for Kiwis
Australia
The most popular Aussie cities, like Sydney and Melbourne, are close enough for a short trip but exciting enough to feel like you're on an international holiday.
The Gold Coast is a family favourite, with theme parks, surf beaches and plenty of sunshine.
For those wanting to explore their wild side, Australia has tropical rainforests, red deserts and coral reefs, as well as wine regions and shopping galore.
Good to know: about a 3-hour flight from Auckland to Sydney, Brisbane or the Gold Coast. NZ citizens don't need to apply for a visa in advance. Currency: Australian dollar.
Fiji
Fiji is Kiwis' second most popular overseas destination, and it's easy to see why: warm water, island resorts, and a short flight from home. It's a great pick for families, with plenty of resorts that cater to kids, or for a relaxing break on the Coral Coast or out in the islands.
Good to know: about a 3-hour flight from Auckland to Nadi. NZ passport holders get a visitor permit on arrival. Currency: Fijian dollar.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga is an ideal location for a relaxing beach spot where you can spend quality time with your family, and it's one of the most popular holiday destinations for Kiwis.
It has excellent snorkelling, diving spots, and opportunities for fishing and watching the wildlife too. If you're up for a challenge, you could also try traditional spearfishing with the locals. Doesn't that sound like a summer bucket list activity?
Good to know: about a 4-hour flight from Auckland. NZ citizens don't need a visa, and the NZ dollar is used. Kiwis make up the majority of visitors to the Cook Islands.
Bali, Indonesia
Bali is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Kiwis, with beaches, temples, rice terraces and resorts for every budget.
Once you're there, day-to-day costs like food and transport can be lower than at home, which helps your spending money go further.
Good to know: about an 8-hour flight from Auckland. NZ passport holders need a visa on arrival (IDR 500,000, about NZ$50) plus the Bali tourist levy (IDR 150,000, about NZ$15), so budget around NZ$65 per person for entry. Your passport needs at least six months' validity. Currency: Indonesian rupiah.
Japan
Japan's popularity with Kiwis keeps growing, with record numbers of New Zealanders returning from Japan in mid-2026.
It's great for food lovers, city breaks and culture, and our summer is Japan's winter, so it's also popular for skiing.
Good to know: about an 11-hour flight from Auckland to Tokyo. NZ passport holders can visit visa-free for short stays. Currency: Japanese yen.
Great summer holiday spots in New Zealand
The summer holidays in NZ can be a time to explore your own backyard and get adventurous.
Wherever you travel across the country, you'll only be a stone's throw away from a lovely beach to relax on! Here are some of our favourite local destinations, with a few free things to do in each.
Queenstown
Famed for its alpine scenery and Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand, with bungy jumping, jet boating and some of the best hiking around. In summer, the long evenings are perfect for a lakeside dinner.
What it costs: walking the lakefront and the Queenstown Hill track are free. Adventure activities are the big-ticket items, so budget for them separately.
Nelson–Tasman
Known for its high sunshine hours, artisan culture and markets, Nelson–Tasman is also the gateway to Abel Tasman National Park, with golden beaches and clear water.
What it costs: day walks on the Abel Tasman Coast Track are free. Water taxis and kayak hire are extra.
Bay of Islands
Popular for cruises out to the famous Hole in the Rock, beautiful bays and rich heritage, the Bay of Islands is a classic Kiwi summer spot, especially for families.
What it costs: the beaches and the walk from Paihia to Haruru Falls are free. Cruises and boat trips are the main cost.
Although considered one of the best holiday destinations in NZ, Rotorua is one of New Zealand's most overlooked summer spots.
Between bungy jumping, white water rafting and the magical Redwoods Treewalk, you'll be spoiled for choice. Rotorua is also known for its bubbling mud pools, natural hot springs, fascinating Māori culture and breathtaking hikes, so it's the ideal family adventure trip or spot for a romantic summer getaway.
What it costs: Kuirau Park's geothermal pools and the walking and biking trails in the Whakarewarewa Forest (the Redwoods) are free. The Treewalk, rafting and bungy are paid activities.
Napier and Hawke's Bay
Renowned for its Art Deco architecture, coastal views and some of the country's best wineries, Hawke's Bay is great for a relaxed summer break, by bike, on foot or by the beach.
What it costs: a self-guided Art Deco walk around Napier and the drive or walk up Te Mata Peak are free. Wine tours and tastings are extra.
Fiordland and Milford Sound
Fiordland is iconic for its dramatic fiords, waterfalls and world-class multi-day tramping tracks, including the famous Milford Track.
What it costs: the lookouts and short walks along the Milford Road are free. Cruises on Milford Sound are the main cost, and Great Walks like the Milford Track need to be booked well in advance.
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand, but it probably only comes to mind as a winter destination.
If summer hikes and picturesque scenery are for you, then why not make the trip during summer? The Kea Point Track (1–2 hours return) has great views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. The popular Hooker Valley Track currently ends at the Kakīroa/Mount Sefton View Lookout while a new bridge is built, so check DOC before you go.
What it costs: the walks are free.
Cape Reinga
You really haven't seen all of NZ until you head to the northernmost point of the country.
Cape Reinga is at the very tip of the North Island and is most famously home to a picturesque lighthouse, stunning coastal scenery and giant sand dunes. Sandboarding at the giant Te Paki Sand Dunes is one of the most daring activities on offer, so if you're game, grab your boogie board and go!
What it costs: the lighthouse walk and the Te Paki dunes are free to visit. Board hire is available nearby.
Waiheke Island
If your summer holiday is child-free, then Waiheke is a must-visit!
Stay among the vines and enjoy stunning sunsets over Auckland and Rangitoto, as well as great wine and long, lazy lunches. It's also one of the best spots near Auckland to watch the sunset.
What it costs: an adult return ferry with Fullers360 is around $46–$62, depending on the time of day. Off-peak sailings are cheaper.
Cheaper holiday ideas from New Zealand
The cheapest trips are usually the ones closest to home.
Australia, Fiji and Rarotonga are all short flights, which keeps airfares down, and Rarotonga uses the NZ dollar, so there are no exchange costs.
Further afield, places like Bali and Thailand cost more to get to, but day-to-day costs once you're there can be lower.
And never underestimate a Kiwi summer: a road trip, a bach or a campsite can make for a brilliant holiday on a smaller budget.
Short getaways and long weekends
Only got a few days?
Waiheke, Rotorua and Napier are all great for a long weekend from much of the North Island, and Queenstown and Nelson are easy short-break picks in the South.
For families, it's hard to beat the beaches of the Bay of Islands and Abel Tasman, the geothermal wonders of Rotorua, or a resort in Fiji or Rarotonga with a kids' club.
Remember that the school holidays and Christmas are the busiest (and priciest) times to travel, so book early if you can.
Planning an OE?
The UK and Australia are perennial favourites for a Kiwi OE.
For tips on budgeting for the move, including your first few weeks of living costs and visa costs, see our guide to budgeting for your next holiday.
Plan the cost before you book
Wherever you're headed, it pays to work out the full cost before you book: flights, accommodation, food, getting around, activities and a buffer for the unexpected.
If you'd like a hand making it happen, a travel loan from Instant Finance can cover your whole trip or just part of it.
Interest rates range from 9.95% to 29.95% p.a., depending on your circumstances.
Have a play with our loan calculator to see what your repayments could look like.
Just remember your repayments carry on after you're home, so make sure they fit your budget.
We won't let you get in over your head: we'll go through your budget with you first.
Holiday destination FAQs
Where do most New Zealanders go on holiday?
Australia is by far the most popular overseas destination for New Zealanders, with nearly 1.3 million trips in 2025. Fiji, China, the USA and the UK round out the top five. For holidays specifically, Australia and Fiji lead the way, followed by the Cook Islands and Bali.
What are the best holiday destinations from New Zealand?
It depends on what you're after. For a short, easy trip, Australia, Fiji and Rarotonga are all around three to four hours away. Bali is popular for a longer tropical break, and Japan for food, culture and skiing. Closer to home, Queenstown, Nelson–Tasman, the Bay of Islands, Rotorua, Hawke's Bay and Fiordland are summer favourites.
What is the cheapest country to travel to from New Zealand?
The closest destinations are usually the cheapest to get to. Australia, Fiji and Rarotonga are all short flights, and Rarotonga uses the NZ dollar. Places like Bali and Thailand cost more to fly to, but day-to-day costs once you arrive can be lower. Prices vary a lot by season, so compare the full cost of the trip, not just the flights.
What are some good short getaways in New Zealand?
Waiheke Island, Rotorua and Napier are great for a long weekend in the North Island, and Queenstown and Nelson are easy short-break picks in the South. Many of the best things to do are free, like walks in our national parks, beaches and lookouts.
