New Zealand’s Love Affair With Asia Deepens As Bali, Tokyo And Hanoi Replace Queensland And London In Traveler Preferences - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

New Zealand travelers are shifting their holiday preferences in 2025, turning away from traditional favorites like Queensland, Fiji, and London in favor of exciting Asian destinations such as Bali, Tokyo, and Hanoi. Leading the surge is Bali, which has been crowned Asia’s most beautiful island in multiple global awards, capturing the hearts of Kiwi holidaymakers with its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and tropical charm. With Bali surpassing pre-pandemic visitor numbers and aiming for 6.5 million international tourists this year, the island’s growing appeal marks a clear transformation in how New Zealanders choose to explore the world.

New Zealand’s largest travel provider, House of Travel, has unveiled a major shift in overseas holiday trends, revealing that Kiwi travelers are increasingly favoring destinations across Asia, with Indonesia’s Bali, Japan’s Tokyo, and Vietnam’s Hanoi surging in popularity. Bali in particular has captivated travelers from New Zealand, drawing widespread acclaim not only for its tropical beauty and cultural richness but also for its growing global prestige. Once overshadowed by traditional holiday hotspots such as Queensland, Fiji, London, the Cook Islands, and Sydney, these emerging Asian gems are now rising swiftly to the top of many travelers’ bucket lists.

Bali’s appeal has been significantly boosted by international recognition. In a prestigious accolade, the Indonesian island was named Asia’s most beautiful island at the annual Reader’s Choice Awards hosted by DestinAsian magazine. This recognition followed a similar honor received in October of the previous year, when readers of Condé Nast Traveler also voted Bali as the most beautiful island in the region. These repeated accolades have helped elevate the island’s profile among global travelers, especially those from Australasia.

According to House of Travel, Kiwi travelers are increasingly seeking destinations that offer a blend of adventure, affordability, natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences—and Bali fits the bill perfectly. The island offers a diverse landscape of lush jungles, pristine beaches, vibrant temples, and luxurious resorts, making it an ideal escape for all kinds of travelers, from families and couples to solo adventurers.

Bali’s tourism sector has rebounded strongly post-pandemic. In 2024, the island welcomed an impressive 6.3 million international tourists, officially surpassing its pre-COVID visitor numbers. With momentum continuing to build, Bali aims to attract at least 6.5 million foreign visitors in 2025. This goal is supported by enhanced tourism infrastructure, more international flight connections, and a renewed global interest in Southeast Asia as a travel destination.

New Zealand travelers are increasingly drawn to Asia, with Bali, Tokyo, and Hanoi emerging as top picks for 2025 holidays. Bali leads the trend, celebrated globally as Asia’s most beautiful island and attracting record-breaking visitor numbers.

Meanwhile, Tokyo and Hanoi are also capturing the imagination of New Zealanders. Tokyo, with its futuristic skyline, culinary wonders, and unique fusion of tradition and technology, offers an unforgettable urban escape. Hanoi, on the other hand, enchants visitors with its historic architecture, street food culture, and charming Old Quarter. Together with Bali, these cities represent a new era of travel for Kiwis, one that looks beyond the familiar and embraces the extraordinary.

As travel confidence returns and demand for unique, meaningful experiences continues to rise, destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Hanoi are poised to redefine how and where New Zealanders choose to holiday in the coming years.