Airbnb has released its travel predictions for 2024, with Lower Hutt hitting the charts as one of Kiwis' top trending destinations for next year.
The Wellington city rockets into the top 10 list of searches by users living in New Zealand from January 1, 2023 to September 30, 2023, looking for future travel in New Zealand for the 2024 year.
According to the Airbnb search data, Lower Hutt ranked among the likes of Mt Cook, Wanaka, Twizel and Lake Tekapo.
Mayor of the city Campbell Barry said it would come as no surprise to Lower Hutt locals.
"We here in Lower Hutt know just how great our city is and it’s exciting that Kiwis are thinking about coming to see what we have to offer," Barry told 1News.
"We have beaches on our doorstep, one of the best mountain bike parks, tracks and reserves to spend a day exploring, and a wide range of cafes and restaurants to keep you going.
"Major events like Juicy Fest coming to town in January demonstrate that the Hutt is the place to be!"
Airbnb data also revealed where Kiwis are hoping to travel overseas during the upcoming holiday period, with Japan overwhelmingly leading the charge.
World-famous ski resorts in Furano and Kutchan – both in Hokkaido – are flanked in the top 10 list by Shinjuku, Shibuya and Taito – all in Tokyo.
Interestingly, Sydney's Olympic Park is the top trending destination for Kiwis, coinciding with major international concerts such as Taylor Swift's Era Tour in February.
For travellers from around the world, Japan is also hugely popular, as is Paris, which is hosting the Olympic Games in July and August. Italy and Brazil also feature prominently in the global list.
Airbnb's trending Kiwi destinations for 2024:
- Lower Hutt, Wellington
- Aoraki/Mt Cook, Canterbury
- Thames, Waikato
- Ohaupo, Waikato
- Mosgiel, Otago
- Omarama, Canterbury
- Karitane, Otago
- Wanaka, Otago
- Twizel, Canterbury
- Lake Tekapo, Canterbury.
Airbnb's trending overseas destinations for Kiwis this summer:
- Sydney Olympic Park, Australia
- Furano, Japan
- Shinjuku City, Tokyo, Japan
- Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan
- Taito City, Tokyo, Japan
- Kutchan, Japan
- Les Allues, France
- Austin, USA
- Canberra, Australia
- Krabi, Thailand.
SHARE ME