Ten destinations New Zealanders can’t stop searching for this summer, according to Booking.com data
As summer approaches, Kiwi travellers are already locking in flights, revisiting favourite cities and rethinking what a good holiday actually looks like. Booking.com Kiwi user searches in summer* for 2025 reveal a clear pattern: New Zealanders are gravitating towards destinations that deliver either total immersion or genuine ease. The middle ground is losing appeal.
Across the Asia-Pacific region, short-haul international travel continues to dominate, driven by food, culture and convenience. At the same time, there’s a renewed focus on places that offer rhythm over rush—destinations that allow travellers to move more slowly, eat well and opt out of over-planning. Exactly what our editors are craving at this time of year.
‘Our 2026 Travel Predictions showed that next year travel is set to become a reflection of who people truly are, with journeys built around interests that perhaps in the past felt too niche or bold to explore. They're embracing a future of tourism that’s partly AI-driven and highly personalised, yet also quieter, slower, and more intentional,’ says Melissa Ellison, Area Manager for New Zealand at Booking.com.
‘Kiwis appear to be kicking this new era of travel off early—with Booking.com summer search data showing destinations like Wānaka, ideal for stepping into a fantasy world for a trending ‘romantasy retreat’, are up 40%. Further afield, Asia-Pacific stands out with nine of 10 located in the region, including foodie hotspots like Melbourne, Singapore, and Bangkok—ideal for embracing the ’shelf-ie souvenirs’ trend of culinary-inspired keepsakes.’
Below, the international locations seeing the strongest search momentum right now, followed by the domestic destinations shaping Kiwi summer travel at home.
1. Gold Coast, Australia
The Gold Coast remains the most-searched international destination for New Zealanders, and its appeal lies in how efficiently it delivers a summer reset. It’s familiar without feeling stale, warm without being demanding, and built for travellers who want flexibility—beach days, late nights, theme parks or long lunches, often all in the same trip. Getting there has also recently become easier, with Qantas announcing it is resuming flights from Auckland to the Gold Coast Airport.
Where to travel:
- Surfers Paradise offers classic beachfront energy with easy access to cafes, bars and iconic surf spots.
- Burleigh Heads provides a slower coastal rhythm, with boutique restaurants, walking tracks and quiet beaches.
- Currumbin rewards visitors with peaceful coastal walks, swimming spots and a relaxed, small-town vibe.
2. Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Rarotonga’s rise in search interest reflects a broader shift towards intentional travel—holidays designed around rest, nature and fewer decisions. Direct flights from Christchurch have made the island feel more attainable, reinforcing its reputation as a place where days stretch out and time feels less urgent.
Where to travel:
- Muri Beach is ideal for gentle swims, kayaking and stretching out on soft, white sand.
- Avarua immerses travellers in local culture through markets, artisanal cafés and harbour-side strolls.
- Te Rua Manga, known as The Needle, offers inland hikes and panoramic views for those seeking a scenic adventure.
3. Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s everlasting popularity is tied to its cultural density. It’s a city that supports structured plans and spontaneous detours in equal measure—where galleries, dining and coastal walks exist in close conversation with one another. It’s a city that we love dearly, through the hard times and the good.
Where to travel:
- Surry Hills provides a blend of contemporary galleries, restaurants and boutique shopping.
- The Bondi to Coogee coastal walk delivers dramatic ocean views and a quintessential Sydney experience.
- Barangaroo offers modern waterfront dining and public spaces with a distinct urban edge.
4. Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo continues to attract travellers seeking intensity—visual, cultural and culinary. Searches suggest an appetite for cities that demand attention, where tradition and futurism coexist, and each neighbourhood feels like a self-contained world.
Where to travel:
- Shibuya is a hive of fashion, nightlife and people-watching that never sleeps.
- Asakusa invites slower exploration with historic temples, narrow streets and traditional tea houses.
- Daikanyama rewards those drawn to refined shopping, contemporary cafés and quieter, architecturally striking streets.
5. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne's appeal is rooted in its consistency. The city delivers on food, sport and culture without spectacle, making it a reliable choice for travellers who value quality over novelty.
Where to travel:
- Fitzroy stands out for its gallery scene, vibey bars and independent stores.
- The city’s laneways invite slow exploration, revealing hidden cafés, street art and boutique shops.
- St Kilda provides a coastal escape with beaches, cafés and a slower, relaxed pace.
6. Singapore
Singapore’s popularity reflects a desire for efficiency without compromise. It’s a city reflects a desire for efficiency without compromise. It’s a city that allows travellers to experience multiple cultural layers in a short time frame, supported by one of the world’s most compelling food scenes.
Where to travel:
- Tiong Bahru mixes heritage architecture with contemporary cafés and bookshops.
- Gardens by the Bay offers architectural spectacle and immersive greenery that feels both futuristic and serene.
- Chinatown delivers history and culture through vibrant markets, traditional temples and street food.
7. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok’s draw is unapologetic. It’s fast, layered and deeply sensory—a city that rewards curiosity and resilience in equal measure. Travellers are leaning into destinations that feel alive, unpredictable and emotionally engaging.
Where to travel:
- Thonglor is a hub for cutting-edge dining and nightlife, balancing sophistication and energy.
- The Old Town provides historical depth with riverside temples and quiet alleyways.
- Chatuchak Market remains unmatched for scale, variety and the immersive experience of local life.
8. Brisbane, Australia
Brisbane’s steady rise reflects its repositioning as a cultural city rather than a stopover: a destination on your way to the beach. Warmer, quieter and increasingly coming into its own, it appeals to travellers looking for ease without sacrificing interest.
Where to travel:
- South Bank combines riverside dining, galleries and public space in one accessible precinct.
- New Farm offers leafy parks, boutique cafés and an easygoing, residential feel.
- Fortitude Valley pulses with live music venues and nightlife that is both local and internationally recognised, alongside the James Street precinct, which feels utterly resort-like.
9. Nadi, Fiji
Nadi’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity. For travellers prioritising rest over exploration, it offers a familiar framework for switching off—one that works equally well for families and couples.
Where to travel:
- Denarau Island remains the central hub for resort stays, marinas and easy beach access.
- The Coral Coast provides scenic, spread-out beaches and tranquil spots for swimming and snorkelling.
- Fiji’s outer islands reward those seeking solitude, with remote beaches, hikes and minimal crowds.
10. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai’s presence in the top ten speaks to a taste for scale and contrast. It’s a destination defined by ambition—where luxury, architecture and desert landscapes intersect in ways that feel deliberately oversized.
Where to travel:
- Downtown Dubai centres the experience around iconic architecture, high-end shopping and fine dining.
- Jumeirah offers resort life, private beaches and a more relaxed urban pace.
- Alserkal Avenue introduces a nuanced arts-led perspective, from galleries to experimental cultural spaces.
New Zealand’s most searched domestic destinations
Domestic travel remains shaped by a desire for scenery, wellness and slower movement. South Island destinations, in particular, are gaining momentum as travellers seek nature-first holidays that feel restorative rather than busy.
- Auckland
- Queenstown
- Christchurch
- Rotorua
- Taupō
- Wellington
- Dunedin
- Mount Maunganui
- Wānaka
- Napier
*Search sessions conducted between 1 October and 31 October 2025, with check-in dates from 1 December 2025 to 28 February 2026. Rankings and percentage increases compared with the same period in 2024/25.
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