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New Zealand has recorded its strongest result yet in the 2026 Booking.com Traveller Review Awards, with more properties recognised than ever before for delivering outstanding visitor experiences.
Now in their 14th year, the awards are based on more than 370 million verified guest reviews worldwide and recognise excellence across accommodation, transport and attractions. New Zealand increased its number of award recipients by 16 per cent year-on-year, with 10,871 awards allocated nationally across all categories.
Booking.com says the results highlight the strength of hospitality across both urban and regional destinations, with smaller centres performing particularly strongly.
Among international destinations, the 2026 Most Welcoming Cities on Earth list includes Montepulciano in Italy, Harrogate in the United Kingdom, Takayama in Japan, Noosa Heads in Australia and Magong in Taiwan.
Closer to home, Havelock North was named New Zealand’s most welcoming city, with Hawke’s Bay property Te Mata Lodge achieving a 9.2 guest rating. Waikato featured prominently, with Whitianga and Cambridge retaining top-10 positions and Raglan entering the list for the first time. Beach destinations Waihi Beach, Russell, Whanganui and Oneroa also ranked highly, reflecting travellers’ ongoing preference for relaxed coastal locations.
Most welcoming cities in Aotearoa for 2026
- Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
- Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty
- Whitianga, Waikato
- Cambridge, Waikato
- Kerikeri, Northland
- Gisborne, Gisborne
- Russell, Northland
- Raglan, Waikato
- Whanganui, Manawatū
- Oneroa, Auckland
Tasman, Northland, Otago, Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay were named the most welcoming regions nationally.
Area manager for New Zealand Melissa Ellison says the awards recognise the human side of hospitality.
“From hosts who remember the small details to local partners who help travellers feel instantly at home, it’s often these moments that define a great trip,” Melissa says. “The 2026 Traveller Review Awards celebrate Kiwi partners who consistently go above and beyond.”
She says it is encouraging to see regional destinations featuring strongly.
“It reflects the depth of hospitality found across the country and is our way of saying thank you on behalf of Booking.com and the millions of travellers who rely on us.”
Globally, apartments remained the most awarded property type for the ninth consecutive year, followed by holiday homes and hotels. Camping sites and villas recorded the strongest year-on-year growth, each increasing by 15 percent.
In New Zealand, holiday homes remained the most popular accommodation type among reviewers, with awarded partners increasing 33 percent to more than 4,000 properties. Apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts and guest houses followed.
The rental car sector was also recognised, with 30 New Zealand operators receiving awards for being exceptionally welcoming, reinforcing the importance of seamless travel and the enduring appeal of the classic Kiwi road trip.
