Kiwi travelers look further from vacation

Bali reserves increased 32 % last year.
Photo: AFP / Nurphoto / Garry Lotulung

Queensland, Fiji, London, Cook and Sydney Islands are the main destinations that the Kiwis are traveling to their vacation, says House of Travel.

The travel agency said it also noticed a change in the travel itineraries of the New Zealanders, with Hanoi, Tokyo and Bali gaining popularity.

“We have seen a huge increase of 130 % year by year at school holidays to Hanoi,” said David Coombes, chief executive of House of Travel.

“Bali reserves increased 32 % year by year, with Tokyo rising 11 %.

“This growth reflects a change in Kiwi travel appetites, as families grow confident of exploring new destinations, where the New Zealand dollar has strong value on the ground.”

Fiji remained a popular choice, the agency said, offering parents the chance to enjoy a deserved ‘failure and release’ vacation, while their little ones were kept entered in the renowned children’s clubs.

“Almost 230,000 kiwis visited Fiji last year, representing about 25 % of the total arrivals,” said Coombes. “Of these, more than 50 % had visited at least once before and about a third returned to the third visit or more.”

He said many New Zealandes thought Australia was like a home away from home, with Queensland and Sydney proving popular destinations for school holidays.

“Sydney is a city that gives visitors a boost of energy. With a calendar of crowded events and award -winning theater program, it’s a mandatory destination.”

Meanwhile, Queensland offered family attractions, beautiful beaches and easy public transport options, the travel agency said.