Interest in island escapes rises 66% on average as Kiwis prioritise value, shorter travel times and easy-to-plan getaways 

22 July 2026, AUCKLAND – Expedia® today released its 2026 Island Hot List, revealing the close-to-home island destinations New Zealand travellers are favouring, with searches for island escapes rising an average of 66% year over year¹, alongside social media mentions up 20%². 

Based on Expedia’s search data, the Island Hot List highlights 10 islands within easy reach of New Zealand that offer a compelling mix of natural beauty, culture, relaxation and adventure. As travellers look to maximise their holiday time, destinations that deliver escapism without the long-haul journey are continuing to gain momentum. 

Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List for New Zealand travellers ¹ 

1. New Caledonia (+225%) 

2. Vanuatu (+90%) 

3. Penang, Malaysia (+75%) 

4. Whitsundays, Australia (+70%) 

5. Bora Bora, French Polynesia (+65%) 

6. Jeju Island, South Korea (+55%) 

7. Okinawa, Japan (+50%) 

8. Fiji (+15%) 

9. Koh Samui, Thailand (+10%) 

10. Cook Islands (+5%) 

“New Zealand travellers are showing strong interest in island holidays that feel both accessible and rewarding, with nearby favourites like New Caledonia and Vanuatu seeing standout growth” says Haley Purdon, Expedia Travel Expert.  

“For value-seeking travellers looking at ways to stretch their holiday budget further, Penang, Okinawa and Jeju Island stand out as affordable island destinations with average accommodation rates under $250 per night.³” 

Expedia’s top tips for Island Travel 

• Travel off-season for better value: Island escapes can be significantly cheaper outside peak periods and school holidays. Shoulder and off-season travel often deliver lower prices on flights and hotels, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed experience.  

• Choose close-to-home islands to maximise holiday time: Shorter travel times mean more island time. Destinations such as New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Cook Islands can be reachable within four-hours and often a direct flight away. 

• You can Bundle and Save: Travellers can unlock significant savings by bundling flights, hotels, car hire and activities on Expedia while simplifying planning⁴. 

• Use Price Tracking: Price Tracking can help Members identify the best time to book their flights, especially useful for long-haul island trips. 

• Book popular island destinations sooner rather than later: High-demand islands fill up fast, especially the likes of Fiji during peak holiday periods. Booking early helps secure the great rates and availability. 

Save more on your next island escape by booking flights, accommodation and activities together with Expedia on expedia.co.nz/deals/bundle-for-less⁴. 

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New Caledonia 

• Travel Interest: +225% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Double Tree By Hilton Noumea Ilot Maitre Resort 

• Why It’s Trending: Travellers are drawn to New Caledonia’s crystal-clear lagoon, affordable luxury resorts and touch of France without the long-haul flight. The return of direct Auckland flights is helping drive renewed interest in this unique French-Pacific escape 

Vanuatu  

• Travel Interest: +90% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Iririki Island Resort & Spa 

• Why It’s Trending: Easily accessible from New Zealand, Vanuatu continues to gain popularity for its authentic cultural experiences, volcanic landscapes and laid-back island lifestyle, making it perfect for both families and couples. 

Penang, Malaysia 

• Travel Interest: +75% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang 

• Why It’s Trending: Penang offers a compelling mix of renowned food, heritage, coastal access and value, making it attractive to travellers who want more than a fly-and-flop holiday. It stands out as an island destination where culture and relaxation go hand in hand. 

The Whitsundays, Australia 

• Travel Interest: +70% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Whitsunday Apartments, Hamilton Island 

• Why It’s Trending: Offering world-famous beaches and direct access to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays continue to attract travellers seeking a premium island getaway in Australia. Group-friendly holiday homes, an expanding collection of luxury accommodation, and an evolving dining scene are helping to elevate the region’s appeal with new luxury accommodation and an evolving dining scene elevating the region. 

Bora Bora, French Polynesia 

• Travel Interest: +65% YoY  

• Hotel Recommendation: Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts 

• Why It’s Trending: Bora Bora continues to capture the imagination as the ultimate aspirational island escape, famed for its overwater bungalows, turquoise lagoons and once-in-a-lifetime appeal. It’s perfect for travellers seeking bucket-list island fantasy. 

 Jeju Island, South Korea  

• Travel Interest: +55% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Shilla Stay Plus Iho Tewoo Ocean Front 

• Why It’s Trending: Rising interest in Korean travel is putting Jeju in the spotlight, with travellers drawn to its dramatic volcanic landscapes, coastal scenery and unique local culture. A favourable exchange rate with the Korean won is also making the island an attractive-value island 

Okinawa, Japan  

• Travel Interest: +50% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Nikko Alivila  

• Why It’s Trending: As travellers look beyond Japan’s major cities, Okinawa is gaining attention for its subtropical climate, turquoise waters and resort-style holiday experience. Combined with the favourable exchange rate, Okinawa is the ideal retreat after the fast pace of Japan’s mainland. 

Fiji  

• Travel Interest: +15% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Outrigger Fiji Resort  

• Why It’s Trending: A perennial favourite among New Zealanders, Fiji remains popular for its warm hospitality, luxury beachfront resorts and easy accessibility. Beyond its luxury resorts, travellers are also being drawn to authentic cultural experiences, nature-based adventures 

Koh Samui, Thailand 

• Travel Interest: +10% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: Melia Koh Samui 

• Why It’s Trending: Koh Samui continues to gain momentum after its hit tv appearance spotlighting the island’s luxury resorts, wellness experiences and idyllic beaches. Combined with improved air connectivity with new direct flights to Bangkok, it has become one of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after tropical escapes. 

Cook Islands  

• Travel Interest: +5% YoY 

• Hotel Recommendation: The Edgewater Resort & Spa 

• Why It’s Trending: The Cook Islands are popular for their unspoiled natural beauty, crystal-clear lagoons and relaxed atmosphere. Improved air access from Christchurch and a mix of resorts, villas and holiday homes are making this authentic South Pacific island a highlight.

FAQ 

1. What is Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List? 
Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is a data-led ranking of 10 fast-rising island destinations experiencing the strongest growth in New Zealander traveller interest this year. 

2. How did Expedia choose the islands on the list? 
The islands were selected using Expedia’s accommodation search data, identifying destinations that recorded significant growth in traveller demand compared with the previous year. 

3. Is island travel trending in 2026? 

Island travel continues to gain momentum in 2026, with Expedia reporting a 66% year-on-year increase in searches for islands. Travellers are increasingly seeking scenic escapes that combine unique experiences, relaxation, and accessibility. 

4. What are the best islands for a short getaway? 

Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List spotlights to New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Cook Islands as standout closer-to-home options, all reachable in around four hours and often by direct flight, so you can maximise time on the island rather than in transit. 

5. When is the best time to visit islands? 

The best time to visit many island destinations is outside peak periods and school holidays, as travelling in the shoulder or off‑season can mean lower prices on flights and hotels, fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience. 

About the Expedia Island Hot List 

1 The Expedia Island Hot List is based on accommodation searches made on all Expedia.co.nz from 22 September, 2025 to 22 March, 2026, for travel any date in 2026, compared to searches made from 22 September, 2024 to 22 March, 2025 for travel dates in 2025. 

² Based on social mentions for Island Travel between 10 March – 10 June 2026, compared to same period the previous year.  

³  Based on average accommodation rates on Expedia.co.nz for travel between 5 July 2025 – 3 May 2026 

⁴ Savings vary and are not available on all bundles