This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Whether close to home or looking abroad, Kiwi’s are searching for somewhere to travel this Waitangi weekend.
Booking.com has released research showing where Kiwi’s are looking for last minute destinations for the long weekend.
Close to home, while urban escapades are top of mind as major city centres like Auckland, Queenstown and Christchurch take the top three spots on Kiwi travellers’ destination list, it is worth highlighting that Paihia, home to the historical Waitangi Treaty Grounds, has moved up two places to seventh place compared to last year.
Having recently been named among the ‘Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth’ in Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards, it is no surprise to see tranquil Taupō making the top five destinations of where to enjoy the summer sun this long weekend.
Further abroad, visiting our Aussie neighbours across the ditch is a popular choice as Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne take the top three international spots. Chasing the tropical sun in Nadi, Fiji has also increased in popularity, moving three spots up the ranking from last year.
Waitangi Weekend Search Data
NZ Top 20 International Destinations
Sydney, Australia
Gold Coast, Australia (+1)
Melbourne, Australia
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Brisbane, Australia
Tokyo, Japan (+1)
Nadi, Fiji (+3)
Singapore, Singapore
Perth, Australia
Bangkok, Thailand
Dubai, UAE (+1)
Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia (+1)
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (+3)
Apia, Samoa (+9)
Denarau, Fiji (+10)
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (+3)
Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Seoul, South Korea
Honolulu, Hawaii
Phuket, Thailand (+8)
NZ Top 20 Domestic Destinations
Auckland
Queenstown (+1)
Christchurch
Wellington
Taupō (+1)
Rotorua
Paihia (+2)
Hawke’s Bay (+2)
Dunedin
Tauranga
Mount Maunganui (+2)
Hamilton (+1)
Hanmer Springs (+3)
Wanāka (+1)
New Plymouth
Nelson
Kaikōura (+1)
Palmerston North
Lake Tekapo
Whitianga (+2)
Methodology: this report looks at check-ins from February 5-10, 2025, following a search period from January 19-26, 2025
