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Based on the Mind & Matters Talking Points survey of 1,403 New Zealanders | Oct\u2013Dec 2025<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s that time of year \u2014 the sun’s getting stronger, the office is winding down, and the big question on every Kiwi’s lips is: are we actually going somewhere this summer, or are we staying put?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mind & Matters surveyed 1,403 New Zealanders between October and December 2025 to find out exactly that. Here’s what they found \u2014 and what it says about the state of the Kiwi summer holiday in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Good news for the travel industry: more New Zealanders are locking in summer plans compared to this time last year. In 2025, 37% of those surveyed had confirmed holiday plans before the season even officially started \u2014 up from 33% in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But let’s be honest \u2014 that still means nearly two-thirds of us hadn’t sorted anything yet. A classic Kiwi move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of those who said they had no plans, 36% said they’d actually scheduled something for another time of year \u2014 up sharply from 25% in 2024. And only 3% said they never go away (compared to 11% last year). So it seems like the “I just don’t do holidays” crowd is shrinking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether it’s the spectacular landscapes, the familiar comfort of home turf, or just the cost of flights \u2014 New Zealanders continue to holiday locally in big numbers. Three-quarters (73%) of those with plans are staying within Aotearoa, virtually unchanged from 71% in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are some interesting splits within that, though:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Women vs men: <\/strong>80% of women are staying local, compared to 73% of men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Young vs old: <\/strong>37% of younger Kiwis are heading overseas, vs just 22% of those 65+.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South vs North: <\/strong>South Islanders are even more likely to stay local (83%), while a third of North Islanders (33%) plan an international trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Singles vs families: <\/strong>87% of singles plan to stay in NZ, compared to 79% of those with kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Getting away in our motorhome.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask a Kiwi what they’re most excited about over summer, and the answer is pretty clear: people. Family. Friends. The good stuff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 45% of those surveyed said spending time with family and friends was what they were most looking forward to \u2014 by far the top answer. This was especially true for women, with 52% citing it compared to just 28% of men.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s the full breakdown of what Kiwis are most looking forward to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udde1 45% \u2014 <\/strong>Spending time with family\/friends<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2708\ufe0f 35% \u2014 <\/strong>Travelling NZ\/overseas<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2600\ufe0f 14% \u2014 <\/strong>Beach\/sun\/warm weather<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcbc 14% \u2014 <\/strong>Taking a break from work\/daily routine<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\ude34 11% \u2014 <\/strong>Relaxing\/resting<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfd5\ufe0f 7% \u2014 <\/strong>Camping\/fishing\/hiking<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf89 4% \u2014 <\/strong>Concerts\/festivals\/events<\/p>\n\n\n\n “Visiting with my family \u2014 especially my grandchildren, whom I don’t get to see often.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For domestic travellers, the most popular accommodation choice in 2025 is staying with friends or family \u2014 42% plan to do this, up from 38% last year. Meanwhile, every other accommodation type has trended downward:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcc9 Baches\/Airbnb: <\/strong>Down from 41% to 32%<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcc9 Caravan\/campervan\/camping: <\/strong>Down from 36% to 27%<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcc9 Hotels: <\/strong>Down from 28% to 20%<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cost of living pressures seem to be reshaping how Kiwis holiday at home. Why pay for a bach when your mate has a spare room?<\/p>\n\n\n\n As for activities, rest and relaxation (85%) and connecting with friends and family (69%) top the list for domestic travellers \u2014 both up from 2024. Being active (hiking, biking, snorkelling) sits at 39%, while trying new foods (28%) and experiencing different cultures (18%) are less of a priority for those staying home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For those spreading their wings internationally, Australia remains the undisputed number one destination \u2014 and it’s pulling even further ahead. 46% of overseas-bound Kiwis are heading across the ditch in 2025, up from 36% in 2024.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Australia’s gain appears to be everyone else’s loss. Every other region saw a dip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udde6\ud83c\uddfa Australia: <\/strong>46% (up from 36%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf0f Asia: <\/strong>26% (down from 28%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf0d Europe: <\/strong>9% (down from 14%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf0e North\/South America: <\/strong>9% (down from 12%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf3a Other (incl. Pacific Islands): <\/strong>10% (up slightly from 9%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The report notes this shift may reflect global tensions and disruptions making closer, more familiar destinations feel safer and more appealing. The Pacific Islands \u2014 including Fiji, Rarotonga, and Samoa \u2014 were the most commonly mentioned “other” destinations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “A cruise to the Pacific Islands.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Those heading overseas aren’t just sitting by the pool. While rest and relaxation remains top (72%), there’s been a huge jump in those planning to be physically active \u2014 up from 15% to 32% in a single year. Road cycling through Tuscany, anyone?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Overseas travellers are also much more likely than domestic travellers to prioritise trying new foods (50% vs 28%) and experiencing different cultures (44% vs 18%).<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to international travel, personal safety is the non-negotiable factor \u2014 65% rate it as “very important”. Health risks (40%) and exchange rates (38%) come next, reflecting a savvy, value-conscious traveller. Environmental impact and politics, while considered, are less of a deal-breaker for most.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No surprises here: word of mouth is king. Whether going local or overseas, 51% of New Zealanders turn to friends and family for holiday ideas and recommendations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those heading overseas are heavier researchers, using a much wider range of sources:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf10 Travel websites: <\/strong>48% (vs 23% for domestic travellers)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u25b6\ufe0f YouTube: <\/strong>36% (vs 16%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udcf8 Instagram: <\/strong>34% (vs 16%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udd16 AI tools\/ChatGPT: <\/strong>24% (vs 9%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udfb5 TikTok: <\/strong>29% (vs 12%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2708\ufe0f Travel agents: <\/strong>22% (vs 5%)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Notably, 24% of overseas travellers are now using AI tools to plan their trips \u2014 a sign that technology is becoming a real part of the holiday planning toolkit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of planning depth: 68% of overseas travellers thoroughly plan and research everything, compared to just 49% of domestic travellers, who are more likely to wing it once they arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the 41% who haven’t made summer plans, the number one barrier is money \u2014 38% say it’s simply too expensive. That’s barely changed from 39% in 2024, showing that cost pressures continue to shape (or limit) holiday decisions for a significant chunk of the population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that fewer people are saying “I never go away” (down from 11% to just 3%), suggesting more Kiwis want to travel \u2014 they’re just waiting for the right moment or the right budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 2025 summer holiday picture shows a New Zealand that’s cautiously optimistic. More people are planning than last year. More are heading to Australia. More are staying with friends and family rather than baches or hotels. And the number one motivation \u2014 above travel, beach, or relaxation \u2014 remains simply being with the people who matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whether you’re packing a suitcase or planning a staycation, it sounds like this summer is shaping up to be one worth looking forward to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf0a Happy holidays, Aotearoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n37%<\/strong><\/td> of Kiwis had confirmed summer holiday plans before December \u2014 up 4 points from 2024.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n 36%<\/strong><\/td> of those without plans say they’ve booked something for another time of year \u2014 an 11-point jump from 2024.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Staying Local: Still the Kiwi Default<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What We’re Actually Looking Forward To<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where Are We Staying? Friends and Wh\u0101nau Over Hotels<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The 27% Heading Overseas: Where Are They Going?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Overseas Travellers: More Active, Still Hungry for Rest<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
What Makes Kiwis Choose a Destination?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How Do Kiwis Plan Their Holidays?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Why Some Kiwis Aren’t Travelling: It’s the Cost, Mate<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
38%<\/strong><\/td> say cost is the main barrier to making summer holiday plans \u2014 virtually unchanged from 2024.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n The Big Takeaway<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n