15 Fun Facts about Kiwis and Holidays

Whether it’s a fly and flop break at a beach resort or a full on family adventure on the other side of the world, there’s plenty of different ways to have a holiday. Expedia’s State of the Nation report asked 1,000 Kiwis about the way they travel and the results will surprise you. Here’s our top 15 fun facts about how Kiwis travel.

1. Kiwis are travelling younger and further afield

By the time they are 10, almost half of all Kiwi kids have their first passport. That’s a big shift from their parents, who received their first passport aged 17.

2. Babies on planes

Don’t worry, you won’t be alone if you’re taking your baby on board. Almost a quarter of 0-23 month old babies already own a passport.

3. Beach is best

Families with babies and toddlers prefer beach holidays. Families with older kids are looking for adventure and big city holidays.

4. North Island wins

Rotorua, Taupo and Auckland are the favourite destinations for families with kids 12 and under.

5. Out and about

Kiwis love the great outdoors, and getting out there on a holiday is important. Adventure and unique animal experiences are top priorities on holiday.

6. Shopaholics

Regional-based Kiwis are more likely than city-based Kiwis to pay extra baggage fees due to excessive shopping

7. Disconnecting

The need to feel refreshed and disconnect from everyday life has the biggest impact on Kiwis and where they travel. That’s followed by visiting family and friends.

8. Going the distance

Almost three quarters of Kiwis who holiday overseas include an overnight stopover during a long haul flight. Sensible. Very sensible.

9. On the bucket list

Kiwis have been busy ticking travel-related items off their bucket lists. They’ve seen snow at Christmas (24%) and visited the iconic buildings like the Empire State Building and Eiffel Tower. On their bucket lists are luxury cruises, VIP travel and driving around NZ in a motorhome.

10. New Zealand vs Australia

No, we’re not talking about the football. Kiwis have travelled overseas more in the past two years than their Aussie counterparts.

11. Battle of the sexes

Men care more about major sporting events than women when choosing a destination, but women still spend longer choosing a destination than men.

12. What would you give up?

It’s a tough one. Only 15% of Kiwis are prepared to give up the Internet for 3 months rather than their holiday. 30% of Kiwis would give up sex for 3 months to save their holiday. Alcohol and chocolate are things Kiwis are most keen to give up. There are some things you just can’t live without….

13. Shopaholics

Half of Kiwis have had to buy another bag to carry their holiday shopping in. 28% have had to pay extra baggage fees when they overfilled their luggage on holiday.

14. Social butterflies

City slickers are more likely to be influenced by social media when planning their next holiday than their regional counterparts

15. Keeping up with the Joneses

In typical JAFA style, Aucklanders are the most likely to try and outdo their family and friends when planning a holiday.