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New Zealand travellers are increasingly seeking culturally meaningful experiences over the Matariki long weekend, according to new Booking.com search data.
The online travel platform says destinations with strong Māori heritage, dark sky experiences and regional attractions are attracting growing interest, reflecting a broader shift towards more purposeful travel.
Booking.com’s 2026 Travel & Sustainability Report found 34 per cent of Gen Z New Zealand travellers actively prioritise experiences that engage with indigenous cultures.
Regional search rankings showed Kerikeri recorded one of the biggest gains, climbing 32 places compared with the same period last year. Rotorua and Taupō also moved up the rankings, while dark sky destinations including Twizel, Kaikōura and Lake Tekapo attracted increased interest ahead of Matariki.
Booking.com regional manager for Oceania and Korea Todd Lacey says travellers are increasingly looking for destinations that offer a stronger connection to local heritage and community.
“Our search data shows travellers are not just chasing warmer climates or ski fields, but choosing destinations like our dark sky locations that offer a profound sense of connection to local heritage, community, and the cultural enrichment central to this time of year.”
Traditional winter destinations also remained popular, with Queenstown, Hanmer Springs and Ohakune featuring strongly in domestic searches, while Australia and Asia continued to dominate international travel planning. The Gold Coast remained the most searched overseas destination, with Sydney, Rarotonga, Melbourne and Brisbane rounding out the top five.
The rankings are based on Booking.com search sessions between May 1 and June 30 for travel over the July 9–12 Matariki holiday period.
