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Top Travel Destinations Where the NZD is Strong Right Now

We list the best travel destinations where the New Zealand Dollar stretches further.
Updated 11 November 2024
Summary:​
  • The costs of airfares to travel anywhere outside New Zealand are not insignificant. Landing in a country and facing headwinds with a weak NZD can make a holiday much more expensive.
  • Our guide lists popular travel destinations where the NZD is strong against the local currency and offers excellent value for money without compromising on quality experiences.

We cover:
​Know This First - We list arguably the most expensive cities for New Zealanders right now, based on the low NZD and the pre-existing high cost of living:
  1. New York City, USA - High costs for accommodation, food, and attractions, all of which adds up, despite the convienince of a direct flight from Auckland.
  2. Los Angeles, USA - High costs for accommodation, food, and attractions such as Disneyland which cost more now than ever before.
  3. San Francisco, USA - High costs for accommodation, food, and attractions. San Francisco has to be one the worst places for value for money, where a coffee and a cake each for two people can easily come to US$50 when you add in a tip.
  4. Sydney and Melbourne, Australia - The flights may be cheap to get there, high accommodation and dining costs.
  5. London, United Kingdom - High costs for everything there while you visit.
  6. Zurich, Switzerland - Expensive hotels, meals, and high cost of living make it incredibly expensive for New Zealanders. 
  7. Dublin, Ireland - High accommodation, attraction and dining costs.
  8. Stockholm, Sweden and Copenhagen, Denmark - High costs for hotels and food.
  9. Vancouver, Canada - High costs for accommodation and dining, along with expensive attractions.
  10. Paris, France - High costs for accommodation and dining.

Important: Do you need Travel Insurance? Too many New Zealanders take the risk and travel without it. Our Compare Travel Insurance guide helps you find affordable coverage from trusted insurers with a history of paying claims. We also compare by country to help you make finding what you need easier: 

​MoneyHub Founder Christopher Walsh shares his recent experiences and why this guide has been published:

"New Zealanders must travel a long way to get anywhere, so airfares are a big investment. When you arrive, time is limited, and you want to maximise your NZD. Annoyingly, many places have become expensive and arguably bad value for money (if their currency is strong or surging against the NZD).

As an example, San Francisco and Los Angeles were the most expensive two weeks ever for me last July. New York and Chicago are cheaper - but not by much, so I am holding off on USA travel until the NZD gets stronger because the prices in the USA won't be coming down any time soon, and the value for money is questionable. 

The good news is that airfares are becoming more competitive, especially with airlines introducing new routes and promoting sales. The return of Chinese airlines has helped long-haul prices drop, and booking early will secure the best prices.

While stopovers were popular when the world was less 'connected', they are making a comeback. Many airlines offer cost-effective stopover packages with cheap hotels - Qatar Airways being one example. You can book your own hotels for stopovers in Hong Kong, Singapore or Dubai if you've got the time and the interest. If you're flying a Chinese airline, New Zealand passport holders can get China's 72-hour transit visa on arrival if they're flying to another country - you can read the details on the Chinese Visa website.

The purpose of this guide is to give ideas for places to visit that offer value for money alongside high-quality experiences. While it's impossible to save too much on flights (unless you book very early), we've shortlisted places to visit that deliver value for those using NZD. Best of all, with the right planning, they won't lead to the creation of debt to deal with once you get home".
Christopher Walsh
MoneyHub Founder

Making Your NZD Go Further - Our Top-Rated Travel Money Card: The Wise Debit Card

Our review of Travel Money Cards concludes that Wise offers the best FX rates, service and functionality. We like the Wise Debit Card because it lets you:
  1. Get the best exchange rates out of any card on the market in New Zealand - every NZ Dollar goes further with Wise
  2. Spend abroad without hidden fees, and track all your spending through their app
  3. Convert and hold 54 currencies (Wise uses the real exchange rate to convert)
  4. Go 'cardless' by connecting your Wise card to Apple Pay and Google Pay
  5. Order the card with a low one-off $14 card issue fee and set it up in minutes via the Wise website or app.
  6. Travel with ease, and not worry about 'locking in rates' unless you want to - it's the most transparent travel money card on offer.

Our view:
  • The Wise Debit Card doesn't have any tricky fees, and it is years ahead of all the other traditional travel money cards.
  • You will convert at the best exchange rates and pay very low fees on each transaction. Best of all, it's easy to use and doesn't confuse you as traditional travel money cards can.
  • There may be fees for anyone who relies on physical cash - you can make two withdraws up to NZ$350/month in total (or the equivalent foreign currency) without any fees. However, after NZ$350, you will pay ATM fees (NZ$1.50/withdrawal) and a 1.75% commission. These fees are not charged when you use the card to pay online or in-store. For most people, physical cash is likely to be less secure, and since COVID card acceptance is near-universal.
  • We don't have much time for the rest of the travel money cards available and can't offer a "runner up", which is unusual in most comparisons on MoneyHub. In this case, the other options don't offer anything as innovative and cost-effective as Wise does.

Travel Destinations Where the NZD Takes You Further

Japan

  • ​Why Visit: Japan is a long-standing favourite among New Zealanders, with a rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and world-class cuisine.
  • ​When to Visit: April (for Sakura), October (for autumn leaves), and January and February (for skiing).
  • Highlights: Tokyo's bustling city life, Kyoto's historical temples, and Hokkaido's natural beauty. Most New Zealanders arrive or leave from Tokyo and Osaka (for Kyoto).
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Tokyo: Air New Zealand is expensive for its direct flights unless they're on sale. Good-value airfares with 1-2 night stopover options include Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong) or Fiji Airways (via Nadi).

Thailand

  • Why Visit: Beautiful beaches, vibrant street markets, and exotic cuisine make Thailand a popular destination for Kiwis.
  • ​When to Visit: November to February (cooler, dry season).
  • Highlights: Bangkok's nightlife, Phuket's beaches, and Chiang Mai's cultural sites.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Bangkok, Phuket or Ko Samui: With no direct flights from New Zealand, options to get to many major areas of Thailand include Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines (with a stopover in Singapore) and Qantas (via Sydney if you want to go to Bangkok).

South Africa

  • ​Why Visit: Wildlife safaris, stunning coastlines, and rich history make South Africa a unique and exciting destination with a very cheap currency - the South African Rand (ZAR).
  • ​When to Visit: May to September (dry season for safaris) and November to February (for summer).
  • Highlights: Kruger National Park, Cape Town and the Garden Route.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Johannesburg or Cape Town: Qantas offers flights via Australia, but Singapore Airlines is often cheapest and offers a connection to Cape Town (without having to change planes in Johanesburg). Singapore can make a be useful for a stopover to break up the trip.

Portugal

  • ​Why Visit: Historic cities, beautiful coastlines, and delicious cuisine make Portugal a great value destination. While Portugal uses the Euro, which remains strong against the NZD, the cost of living here is low which means it offers excellent value.
  • When to Visit: April to June and September to October (pleasant weather and fewer tourists).
  • Highlights: Lisbon's tram rides, Porto's wine cellars, and Algarve's beaches.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Lisbon: Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha offer good deals to Lisbon and avoid the need to fly via the USA or connect in Frankfurt or London-Heathrow, all of which can be a hassle and involve long lines, immigration checks and lots of walking in large airports. ​

Mexico

  • Why Visit: Vibrant culture, historical sites, and stunning beaches draw many Kiwis to Mexico, along with a relatively well valued Mexican Peso (MXN) against the NZD.
  • When to Visit: November to April (dry season). January is arguably one of the nicest months when temperatures are settled and the busy Christmas period has passed.
  • Highlights: Mexico City's food, neighbourhoods and museums, Cancun's beaches and Tulum's Mayan ruins.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Mexico City: United Airlines (via San Francisco), Air New Zealand (via Houston or Los Angeles) and Delta (via Los Angeles) are competitive on prices to Mexico.

Greece

  • Why Visit: Historic ruins, beautiful islands, and Mediterranean cuisine make Greece an appealing destination. While Greece uses the Euro, which remains strong against the NZD, the cost of living in Greece is low which means it offers excellent value all year round.
  • When to Visit: May to October (best weather for exploring and enjoying the beaches).
  • Highlights: Athens' ancient sites, Santorini's sunsets, and Crete's beaches.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Athens: Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha offer good deals to Athens and avoid the need to fly via the USA or connect in Frankfurt or London-Heathrow. Qatar Airways offers European summer routes to a handful of Greek Islands direct from Doha.

Bali

  • Why Visit: Tropical beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse landscapes make Bali a popular and affordable destination.
  • When to Visit: May to September (dry season).
  • Highlights: Bali's beaches, resorts, dining and activities.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Bali: Jetstar offers cheap flights to Bali via Brisbane, which can be 40% less than Air New Zealand's direct flights when booked in advance. 

Taiwan (with a Stopover in Hong Kong)

  • ​Why Visit: Taiwan offers a unique blend of modern cities, traditional temples, and stunning natural landscapes. The vibrant culture, delicious street food, and friendly locals make it a must-visit destination for Kiwis.
  • When to Visit: October to April (cooler, dry season).
  • Highlights: Taipei (bustling capital city, iconic Taipei 101, night markets) and Kaohsiung (vibrant arts scene and beautiful coastal views).
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Taipei (with a Stopover in Hong Kong): Cathay Pacific offers competitive fares to Taipei and Kaohsiung with a stopover in Hong Kong, allowing you to explore another exciting destination en route to Taiwan.​

Turkey

  • Why Visit: Turkey offers a rich tapestry of history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. It's an affordable destination where the New Zealand Dollar stretches far given the collapse of the New Turkish Lira, making it an excellent choice for Kiwis looking for value.
  • When to Visit: April to May and September to November (mild weather and fewer tourists).
  • Highlights: Istanbul's historical sites like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Cappadocia's unique rock formations and hot air balloon rides, and the beautiful beaches of the Turkish Riviera in Antalya.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Istanbul: Emirates via Dubai and Qatar Airways via Doha often provide competitive fares to Istanbul, avoiding the need for multiple connections.

Cook Islands (Which Uses the NZD)

  • ​Why Visit: The Cook Islands offer stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great destination for Kiwis looking for an affordable tropical getaway that isn't too far from home.
  • When to Visit: May to October (dry season).
  • Highlights: Rarotonga’s lagoons and beaches, Aitutaki’s beautiful atoll, and cultural experiences in local villages.
  • Cheapest and Best Way to Rarotonga: Air New Zealand and Jetstar offer direct flights from Auckland, and deals can often be found if booked in advance or during sales. The cost of living and activities in the Cook Islands is generally lower compared to Fiji, Tahiti and Hawaii, making it a budget-friendly option.

Making Your NZD Go Further - Our Top-Rated Travel Money Card: The Wise Debit Card

Our review of Travel Money Cards concludes that Wise offers the best FX rates, service and functionality. We like the Wise Debit Card because it lets you:
  1. Get the best exchange rates out of any card on the market in New Zealand - every NZ Dollar goes further with Wise
  2. Spend abroad without hidden fees, and track all your spending through their app
  3. Convert and hold 54 currencies (Wise uses the real exchange rate to convert)
  4. Go 'cardless' by connecting your Wise card to Apple Pay and Google Pay
  5. Order the card with a low one-off $14 card issue fee and set it up in minutes via the Wise website or app.
  6. Travel with ease, and not worry about 'locking in rates' unless you want to - it's the most transparent travel money card on offer.

Our view:
  • The Wise Debit Card doesn't have any tricky fees, and it is years ahead of all the other traditional travel money cards.
  • You will convert at the best exchange rates and pay very low fees on each transaction. Best of all, it's easy to use and doesn't confuse you as traditional travel money cards can.
  • There may be fees for anyone who relies on physical cash - you can make two withdraws up to NZ$350/month in total (or the equivalent foreign currency) without any fees. However, after NZ$350, you will pay ATM fees (NZ$1.50/withdrawal) and a 1.75% commission. These fees are not charged when you use the card to pay online or in-store. For most people, physical cash is likely to be less secure, and since COVID card acceptance is near-universal.
  • We don't have much time for the rest of the travel money cards available and can't offer a "runner up", which is unusual in most comparisons on MoneyHub. In this case, the other options don't offer anything as innovative and cost-effective as Wise does.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider the exchange rate when choosing a travel destination?

The exchange rate impacts how much your money is worth in another country. A strong NZD means you get more local currency for your dollars, making everything from accommodation to dining more affordable. Conversely, a weak NZD means your trip could be more expensive, impacting how much you spend.

What are some tips for saving money on accommodation?

We suggest booking well in advance and using price comparison websites (such as Booking.com). Airbnbs can be more affordable than hotels if you're a larger group.

Do I pay more for a ticket if I want a stopover?

Usually, no - you will just pay the departure tax for the city you stop in, which will usually be less than NZ$50 (unless it's Australia). By selecting 'multicity' when pricing your airfares, you can enter the stopover you want and see if the pricing is reasonable. Most airlines allow free stopovers in their "fare rules", but you may be limited to a maximum of 7 or 14 days.

Why is it important to plan for potential costs beyond airfare?

While airfare is a significant expense, additional costs such as accommodation, dining, transportation, and attractions can quickly add up. You'll face a tipping culture in the USA that adds 15% to 30% to every dining bill. Planning and budgeting for these expenses ensures that you have a realistic understanding of the total cost of your trip, helping you avoid financial stress.
Related resources:
Important: Do you need Travel Insurance? Too many New Zealanders take the risk and travel without it. Our Compare Travel Insurance guide helps you find affordable coverage from trusted insurers with a history of paying claims. We also compare by country to help you make finding what you need easier: