Skyscanner New Zealand has crunched the figures to discover what were the most popular international destinations for Kiwis in 2018. And here are the top 10 places that Kiwis keep visiting.
10. Seoul, South Korea
Seoul is famous for being one of the world’s largest and liveliest cities. It’s also close to the North Korean border. A trip to Panmunjom, in the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), offers the surreal experience of seeing soldiers from both sides engaged in a standoff.
Kiwis love Seoul so much because it’s relatively inexpensive, the sushi is good, and there’s a fascinating mix of historic and modern buildings, including ancient Buddhist temples and glitzy skyscrapers.
One of the best kept secrets about Seoul is that this mega-city is surrounded by high mountains criss-crossed with walking tracks. From the top of Bukhansan mountain there are spectacular views of Seoul.
You should visit Seoul because people are much more relaxed now that tensions have eased with North Korea
9. Nadi, Fiji
Nadi is famous for being Fiji’s main transportation hub and the site of a large Hindu temple.
Kiwis love Nadi so much because shopping for sarongs and nicknacks can be good, and it’s close to Denarau Island, where there are many large resort hotels on the beach. These include the Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, the Sheraton Fiji Resort, and the Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa.
One of the best kept secrets about Nadi is that ferries leave from Denarau Port and stop off at several smaller islands, many with their own hotels on the sand. This means you could stay in a few places on an island-hopping tropical adventure.
You should visit Nadi because visiting the colourful Sri Siva Subramanija Swami Temple is a cultural experience worth doing.
8. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is famous because of the sultry nightlife, golden pagodas and temples, the spiced-up cuisine, and the markets and street stalls selling everything from fish to knock off watches.
Kiwis love Bangkok so much because it’s exotic, and Thai massages are cheap.
One of thebest kept secrets about Bangkok is a restaurant called Baan Somtum Sathorn. It’s cheap,it serves food from the northeast of Thailand, and the green papaya salad packsa powerful chilli punch.
You should visit Bangkok because it offers some unique experiences, like zipping between local restaurants on a Midnight Food Tour by Tuk Tuk, run by Bangkok Food Tours.
7. New Delhi, India
New Delhi isfamous because it’s thecapital of India and its home to the massive sandstone Red Fort, which was oncethe centrepiece of the Mughal Empire.
Kiwis love New Delhi so much because of the sights, sounds and spicy smells of the city’s bazaars, and some of India’s best hot and tangy street food.
One of thebest kept secrets about New Delhi is a former refugee camp for Tibetans in the north ofthe city. ‘Little Tibet’ as it’s called is packed with Tibetan restaurants,cafes, guest houses and antique shops.
You should visit New Delhi because it offers a fascinating mix of modern architecture and sophisticated lifestyle with a healthy dose of old-world chaos and charming historic gems.
6. Gold Coast, Australia
Gold Coast is famous because of the high rises of Surfers Paradise, the nightlife, theme parks and beautiful mountain hinterland. Don’t miss a stroll in the subtropical rainforest of Lamington National Park, and the O’Reilly’s Tree Top Walk.
Kiwis love Gold Coast so much because of Sea World, Dreamworld, Wet’n’Wild, Paradise Country, Warner Bros. Movie World, and the Australian Outback Spectacular.
One of the best kept secrets about Gold Coast is the emerald green mouth of Currumbin Creek, where dolphins frolic at the entrance to the ocean among occasional kayakers and paddle boarders.
You should visit Gold Coast because it will bring out the child in you if you opt for a theme park holiday.
5. Brisbane, Australia
You should visit Brisbane because you should experience this lovable before everyone else discovers it.
Brisbane is famous because of the exceptional climate and the warm welcome.
Kiwis love Brisbane so much because it has a small city feel, with nice city parks and great nightlife along Brunswick Street and in Fortitude Valley.
One of thebest kept secrets about Brisbane is MountCoot-tha. From the summit you can see the whole of Brisbane and, on a clearday, you can look across the sea to Moreton Island.
4. Bali, Indonesia
Bali isfamous because of sun and sand, the exotic Balinese culture, the beaches and ricepaddies, the surfing, the sarongs – and the holiday vibe.
Kiwis love Bali so much because it’s on Australia’s doorstep, and it’s foreign without being confronting.
One of thebest kept secrets about Bali is that there is life beyond Kuta and Ubud. Head to thenorth coast for black sand beaches, or to the island of Nusa Penida for fishingvillages, vacant sand, and authentic culture.
You should visit Bali because just about everyone else has, so it must have a lot going for it.
3. Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne isfamous because of its foodie scene, laneway art,shopping, trams, and a compact European-style centre that is perfect forexploring on foot.
Kiwis love Melbourne so much because of trendy hidden bars like Eau De Vie, the Croft Institute, and the Berlin Bar. Then there’s the live music scene, and fabulous eateries like Attica and Chin Chin.
One of the best kept secrets about Melbourne is The Break Room, in Collingwood, where you dress up in safety gear and take out your frustrations on a whole lot of crockery with a baseball bat.
You should visit Melbourne because it’s closer than Vienna.
2. Sydney, Australia
You should visit Sydney because life is too short not to visit the Harbour City.
Sydney isfamous because of the bridge, the Opera House,the harbour and the beaches amongst other things. But, less well known, aresome of the walks with dramatic ocean views, like the stroll around thepeninsula at Cronulla, and the Manly to Spit Bridge Walk.
Kiwis love Sydney so much because of the harbour and all that it offers, including the New Year’s Eve fireworks display. It’s one of the best in the world.
One of the best kept secrets about Sydney is the Royal National Park, with its gorgeous green lagoon at Wattamolla, the cliff top track from Bundeena to Otford, and the views of migrating humpback whales.
1. London, UK
London is famous because of red double decker buses, atmospheric pubs, and massive attractions like Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the Houses of Parliament.
Kiwis love London so much because there is just so much to see and do. One of the most popular experiences is a boat trip down the River Thames. You get to see many of the star attractions, and the boat passes underneath the famous Tower Bridge.
One of the best kept secrets about London is there are lots of ‘greasy spoon’ cafes around. These traditional British cafes serve mugs of strong tea alongside full English breakfast fry ups to both cockneys and visitors.
You should visit London because of the many layers of history: from the Romans and Normans, through medieval times, and to World War Two and beyond.
According to the millions of flight searches done on Skyscanner New Zealand in 2018, London is the number one international holiday destination for Kiwis.
