NZ the top summer destination for South Aussies

Posted 6 November, 2017 Lauren Reid

New Zealand is our favourite overseas summer holiday destination, according to RAA Travel, and its popularity is set to soar thanks to the recent launch of Air New Zealand’s Dreamliner.

RAA Travel bookings show New Zealand is already the most popular overseas destination in December and January and second to international cruises from Australian ports in February.

Air New Zealand is the first airline to bring Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights in and out of Adelaide Airport, and this new service will increase the airport’s capacity for direct flights to Auckland by 23 per cent during the October to Mark peak season.

The Dreamliner will also enable passengers to fly premium economy and business class during the non-stop service between Adelaide and Auckland for the first time, RAA Travel Product Manager Anthony Hunter said.

It will also make a seamless class experience between Adelaide and Air New Zealand’s destinations in north and South America, he said.

“New Zealand is popular because it is not only close to home but also a safe destination,’’ Mr Hunter said.

“It offers amazing scenery at destinations such as Bay of Islands, Milford Sound and Queenstown. The country also has plenty of travelling options, including coach tours, motor home and car hire, adventure expeditions and cruises across a range of budgets.’’

International travel continues to be popular, with the number of South Australians holidaying overseas growing by 8% annually since 2005–06, a report commissioned by RAA Travel shows. In fact, in 2015–16, and we made 440,000 international trips.

Travellers aged 55 and over accounted for almost half of all the trips taken by South Australians, the Travel Sector Review by Deloittes found.

South Aussies spent slightly less per night on average while holidaying overseas ($307) than the national average ($320).

Of all South Australian overseas travellers, those aged 45-49 spent the most per night ($525) compared to 20-24 year olds who spent the least ($147).

Mr Hunter said competitive airfares and increasing destinations were driving the growth in international travel.

“Airfare costs today can be as cheap as 20 years ago,’’ he said.