Bay on New Caledonia – Image: Sebastien Jermer/Unsplash
New Caledonia has been placed Number 1, and Bora Bora, located in The Islands of Tahiti, has been placed Number 5 on the Expedia 2026 Island Hot List, revealing the close-to-home island destinations New Zealand travellers are favouring. Based on Expedia’s search data, New Caledonia saw a 225% increase in searches while Bora Bora saw a 65% increase in searches.
The Expedia 2026 Island Hot List reveals the close-to-home island destinations New Zealand travellers are favouring, with searches for island escapes rising an average of 66% year over year, alongside social media mentions up 20%.
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.
Bora Bora, Islands of Tahiti – Image: Romeo Sloto/Unsplash
Expedia 2026 Island Hot List for New Zealand travellers:
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.
Expedia 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.
• Bundle and Save: Travellers can unlock significant savings by bundling flights, hotels, car hire and activities on Expedia while simplifying planning.
• 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.
NAN/Expedia 25-07-26
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