Summer is over and new travel data makes it clear: Auckland was the most popular destination for travelling Kiwis during the warmer months.
Statistics released by Booking.com showed that Auckland was the most sought-after destination for New Zealanders planning trips from December 2023 through to the end of February 2024. It was followed by Wellington, Queenstown, and Christchurch, respectively.
Rotorua completed the top five destinations, while Sydney secured the sixth spot as the first overseas destination. Of the international destinations, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Brisbane all enjoyed the largest increases in popularity for Kiwi travellers compared to the 2022/2023 summer, each jumping 10 or more spots higher up their lists.
Meanwhile, when it came to car rentals in Aotearoa made on the reservation website over the past year, more were booked by New Zealanders compared to any other nationality, with Australians, Americans, Brits and Japanese rounding out the top five.
More and more travellers are also keen on sustainable travel, too, with an increased desire for hiring EVs and staying at environmentally friendly accommodation.
"In line with current consumer patterns, we are steadily increasing the number of green car rental options available on Booking.com and are committed to providing sustainable travel options to travellers across the entire trip planning process," said Todd Lacey, Booking.com's Oceania regional manager.
"Development in the travel and EV sector needs to be collaborative and transparent with industry and government to ensure infrastructure such as charging stations are available in order to increase traveller adoption.
"Our data supports this, as travellers are becoming more responsible consumers amid rising climate anxiety by increasingly adopting a regenerative mindset to travel. Our most recent Booking.com Travel Sustainable report highlighted almost half (43 percent) want to filter their car rentals options for those with a sustainable certification next time they book.
"Travellers can also now filter accommodations on Booking.com that include EV charging stations, including over 400 in New Zealand further removing barriers to the next great Kiwi road-trip."
More of Booking'com's New Zealand summer 2023-2024 data is listed below.
Most Searched Domestic Destinations:
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Queenstown
- Christchurch
- Rotorua (+ 1)
- Taupō
- Tauranga
- Paihia
- Dunedin
- Napier.
Most Searched International Destinations:
- Sydney (+2)
- Gold Coast (+5)
- Melbourne
- Tokyo (+11)
- Rarotonga
- Singapore
- Brisbane (+10)
- Nadi (+5)
- Hong Kong (+17)
- London (+6).
Most Searched International + Domestic:
- Auckland
- Wellington
- Queenstown
- Christchurch
- Rotorua
- Sydney
- Taupō
- Gold Coast
- Melbourne
- Tauranga.
