Summer Holidays Are Non-Negotiable: New Zealanders Refuse to Give Up Travel Despite Rising Costs and Uncertainty

Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index 2026 reveals travellers across New Zealand and Australia are cutting back spending, but not cutting out holidays as 64% of Kiwis and 58% of Australians plan summer getaways in 2026

AUCKLAND, New Zealand , Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Summer holidays remain non-negotiable for New Zealand travellers in 2026. New research from the Allianz Partners Global Travel Confidence Index, conducted by Ipsos across five global markets, finds that 64% of New Zealanders intend to travel this summer, even as more than 80% express concern about rising costs.

While a strong majority of New Zealanders express concern about rising travel costs - 82%, most still intend to travel highlighting the enduring value of holidays as an important source of rest, relaxation, and wellbeing.

Key Facts at a Glance

• 64% of New Zealanders plan to travel this summer
• 82% of New Zealand travellers are concerned about rising travel costs but are adapting plans, not cancelling.
• Average anticipated spend per person is $4,565 NZD (New Zealand).
• 59% of New Zealanders have already purchased or plan to purchase travel insurance.
• 39% of New Zealanders prefer domestic holidays closer to home, potentially due to rising costs.
• ~70% of New Zealand travellers purchase travel insurance at or shortly after booking.

How Are Rising Costs Affecting Summer Travel Plans?

New Zealanders are proving that holidays are a necessity, not a luxury. 71% of New Zealanders planning to travel are reducing non-essential spending to afford their trips, while 57% are scaling back their plans but still intend to travel.

82% of New Zealanders planning to travel affirm that taking an annual holiday remains equally important to their wellbeing, and 76% of Kiwi travellers say they are in "desperate need of a holiday".

New Zealanders anticipate spending an average of $4,565 NZD per person on their summer holidays, likely reflecting the higher costs associated with long-haul travel from the Southern Hemisphere. Despite this significant investment, 73% of New Zealander travellers do not intend to invest in luxury travel experiences, signalling a clear preference for value over extravagance.

"What we're seeing across New Zealand, and indeed Australia, is a clear message: holidays are not a luxury, they're a necessity. Even as the cost of living continues to put pressure on household budgets, travellers are finding creative ways to make their trips happen. They're trimming everyday expenses, adjusting their plans, and choosing value over extravagance, but they're not giving up on travel. It reinforces just how important travel has become, not only as a break from everyday life, but as an investment in personal wellbeing and quality time with family and friends." 
— David Wallace, Sales Director, Allianz Partners New Zealand

Are Travellers Choosing to Holiday Closer to Home?

Rising travel costs may be driving greater interest in domestic destinations among intended travellers, with New Zealand leading other markets in its preference for local travel. 39% of Kiwis prefer to holiday domestically due to rising costs, compared with 32% of Australians. This stronger preference for staying local reflects not only the appeal of New Zealand's own backyard, but potentially the practical reality of tighter budgets.

What Risks Are Shaping Travel Decisions in 2026?

Climate-related uncertainty is actively shaping travel decisions. Environmental risks, including extreme weather events are a significant concern for travellers, cited by 56% in New Zealand. Furthermore, 67% of Kiwis actively factor environmental risks into their choice of holiday destination.

Safety and security concerns, including crime, terrorism, theft, or scams, are top of mind for many travellers. 65% of Australian travellers are concerned about safety and security, while only 52% of New Zealander travellers share the same concern, making Kiwis among the least likely globally to express concern about these issues. This stark contrast underscores a clear divide in travel risk perception between the two countries, likely driven by different destination profiles, travel corridors, and varying levels of exposure to global security threats. It also signals that safety concerns cannot be addressed with a one-size-fits-all approach across the Tasman.

Are Travellers Buying Travel Insurance in 2026?

Travel insurance is an important consideration for many New Zealand travellers, with 59% reporting they have already purchased or plan to purchase cover for an upcoming trip. Among those likely to purchase travel insurance, motivations are consistent across markets, with most citing:

• Peace of mind: 89% of New Zealanders
• Protection against unforeseen disruptions: 90% of New Zealanders

As travellers adapt their holidays rather than give them up, many are building protection into their plans from the outset. Approximately 70% of New Zealand travellers purchase travel insurance when they book or soon after, making protection against the unexpected an important part of the modern travel journey.

"With rising costs, extreme weather events, and global uncertainty all playing on travellers' minds, it's encouraging to see that protection is becoming a natural part of the booking process. Nearly 70% of New Zealand travellers are purchasing insurance at or shortly after booking, which tells us people understand the value of safeguarding their investment. Whether it's a domestic road trip or an overseas adventure, having the right cover in place means travellers can focus on enjoying the journey rather than worrying about what could go wrong." 
— David Wallace, Sales Director, Allianz Partners New Zealand

Do Travellers Need Travel Insurance for Domestic or Trans-Tasman Trips?

Almost 30% of New Zealanders and just over 20% of Australians plan to travel without travel insurance, likely due to domestic travel or destinations with reciprocal healthcare agreements, such as those between Australia and New Zealand. However, destination is only one factor to consider when assessing travel risk. Travel insurance can provide protection for a range of unexpected events that occur before departure, including illness, injury, or other circumstances that force travellers to cancel their plans.

In fact, according to Allianz Partners claims data, around one-third of all travel insurance claims are made before a traveller even leaves home. In one recent case, a New Zealand man suffered a fractured sternum while exercising at the gym before a planned trip to Australia. Deemed medically unfit to travel, he was forced to cancel his holiday, resulting in a loss of approximately $48,000 NZD, including non-refundable flights, accommodation, prepaid deposits, and cancellation costs. The claim highlights how unexpected events can disrupt travel plans well before a holiday begins, and why travel insurance remains essential regardless of destination.

About the Study

These are the findings of an Ipsos survey conducted on behalf of Allianz Partners, fielded between 25 September and 9 October 2026. Wave 2 comprises a total of 6,005 adults aged 18 and over participated in the survey conducted by Ipsos on its Global Advisor online platform. The sample includes Australia (n=1,001), Brazil (n=1,001), Canada (n=1,001), Japan (n=2,001) and New Zealand (n=1,001). Quotas and weighting were used to ensure the sample's composition reflects that of the population according to census parameters. 

About Allianz Partners

Allianz Partners is a world leader in B2B2C insurance and assistance, offering global solutions that span international health, travel insurance and assistance. Customer driven, our innovative experts are redefining insurance services by delivering future-ready, high-tech high-touch products and solutions that go beyond traditional insurance. Our products are embedded seamlessly into our partners' businesses, sold through intermediary channels or directly to customers through the Allianz brand. Present in over 73 markets, our 22,200 employees speak 70 languages, handle over 89.7 million cases each year, and are motivated to go the extra mile to offer 24/7 assistance to our customers around the world.

www.allianz-partners.com/en_NZ

SOURCE Allianz Partners