2023 – what dre
The world is your oyster again, and the options are better and wider than before the pandemic closed borders all over the globe, clipping so many Kiwis’ wings, writes
Welcome to one of the most exciting years in travel. After years of pandemic restrictions, it looks like 2023 could finally be a year when Covid-19 is an afterthought when jumping on a plane. Let’s hope.
But the road ahead isn’t without uncertainty. With a cost of living crisis, increased mortgage rates, and a slowing economy, Kiwis will be keen to get maximum value when travelling.
That means 2023 could be the year of the bargain hunter when it comes to holidays.
In light of that, here’s where Kiwis can expect the best deals.
Bali
If you want to holiday like royalty for just a few hundred dollars a day, Bali is the closest place to our shores to make it happen.
Adding to the attraction is the resumption of direct flights from Auckland to Denpasar with Air New Zealand, which begin in March.
You will need to get in quick: Air NZ had more than 10,000 people book within two weeks of announcing its return in October.
If you miss out with the national carrier, Jetstar and Qantas also have lots of options to get you there.
Bali has been crowded since its borders reopened, so if you are looking for a little more peace – with great prices – try skipping across on a cheap domestic flight to the neighbouring island of Lombok.
Japan
The sun is finally rising on Japan again since extended Covid-19 restrictions were lifted, later than many other countries.
Air NZ reports it is the most booked point-to-point destination in Asia, and for a good reason.
A trip to Japan uses all your senses: English isn’t widely used, the food isn’t westernised, and the culture and scenery are outstanding. It is travel at its finest.
Japan also has a tropical side, with remote southern islands extending down towards Taiwan.
The most famous is Okinawa, with white-sandy beaches and turquoise waters, much like you would see in Fiji.
On the flip side, the northernmost island of Hokkaido, off the coast of Russia, can have up to 20 metres of snow in certain villages.
No matter which way you head, you are in for the holiday of a lifetime.
Mexico
One of the busiest long-haul destinations out of New Zealand is North America, with Air NZ, Air Canada, American Airlines, Fiji Airways and United Airlines offering services.
With so much capacity – but the United States and Canada being relatively expensive destinations – an increasing number of Kiwis are likely to use those flights to hop to cheaper places such as Mexico.
In Mexico, a typical meal costs less than $15, and $200 a night will get you a nice hotel – something you can’t say for the US.
The Yucata´ n Peninsula is exploding in popularity. Its ancient lowlands were the centre of the Maya civilisation, making it rich in history with incredible food and beautiful beaches.
Fiji stopover
If you fancy a tropical stopover on your way to North America, you are in luck.
Fiji Airways is expanding into North America, with a new service to Vancouver, alongside existing routes to Los Angeles and San Francisco.
The airline is also looking to potentially lease more long-haul aircraft and launch more US routes.
That means you will be able to add a tropical stopover on the way to North America by staying a few nights in Port Denarau.
It has the advantage of being close to the airport, but also offers a great base for a multitude of day trips to tropical islands. What better way to arrive in the US than with a tan?
Air Asia hot spots
As Kiwis look for cheaper airfares, more attention will turn to the ultra-low-cost carrier AirAsia X, which has returned to Auckland.
Kiwis can use the service to fly to Kuala Lumpur, where the airline is headquartered, to jump on
dozens of low-cost flights around Asia. That means affordable fares to Kiwi favourites such as Vietnam and Cambodia, alongside more off-the-beaten-track destinations such as Myanmar and Brunei.
If you haven’t already, this could be your chance to visit Cambodia’s Angkor Archaeological Park, a sprawling Unesco World Heritage-protected site with more than 1000 temples. Almost everyone has heard of Angkor Wat, but the jungle hides hundreds of other spectacular temples that many don’t know exist.
India
India offers exceptional value for money, and Kiwis have an increasing number of ways to get there, especially with Qantas’ new Sydney to Bengaluru (formerly known as Bangalore) route, alongside its Melbourne to Delhi flight that launched in late 2021.
The new Sydney to India service will mean an increasing number of people discover Bengaluru, which is a gentle introduction to the intoxicating chaos of India. The city has an impressive metro system, a great shopping and culinary scene, and plenty to keep you occupied for a few days off the plane.
Then take advantage of Bengaluru’s excellent air links, and head off on your dream Indian adventure, such as a visit to India’s beautiful ‘‘city of lakes and palaces’’, Udaipur.
The best part about a trip to India is the diversity of sights, from snow-peaked mountains to glistening beaches, from ancient temples to opulent palaces – and that is all before we even get to the food.
New York
Air New Zealand has claimed New York as its flagship route, giving Kiwis the opportunity to arrive in the Big Apple on one giant 16-hour flight.
However, the dynamic will change this year, with Qantas directly competing on the Auckland to New York route in June.
There is no shortage of Americans wanting to visit New Zealand, but both airlines will need to encourage Kiwis to fill the seats on the way to New York. That means you can expect some competitive airfares.
Cheaper tickets mean you will have more money to spend on food and entertainment, such as visiting Broadway, eating the best burgers in the world, and heading up the Empire State Building.
Samoa
As Kiwis hunt for holiday bargains, Samoa will no doubt see a resurgence in popularity.
The country has a vibrant ‘‘beach fale’’ scene, where you can sleep on the beach in an open-air hut for about $40 to $120 a night. And it often includes meals.
These beach fales usually have shared facilities, so if you are willing to splash a little more cash, you can get a private hut on the beach with your own bathroom for a little more.
It won’t win any awards for luxury, but you are on the beachfront for less than a price of a hotel in Auckland, so what can you expect?
The country has a vast selection of beach fales on both main islands, although they can be hard to find.
The best directory of them is found at samoa.travel/beach-fales.
Cruising
Cruising was back in force last year as travellers rushed to redeem their credits for cancelled cruises. That meant ships filled up fast.
Now that almost all ships are back sailing and the initial rush of people claiming credits is over, expect cruise companies to start offering some great deals to get cabins filled.
For those yearning for a European adventure, cruising is one of the best ways to enjoy the sights of several countries while only having to unpack once.
If you are looking closer to home, there is also a huge variety of itineraries leaving New Zealand, with trips up into the Pacific or across to Australia.
Alaska is always popular for Kiwis, and now is a great time to book for the Alaskan season, which runs from May through to November.
Backyard roadies
Kiwis became obsessed with seeing their backyard during Covid-19 border closures, and with money tight, some will no doubt continue that trend by hitting the road.
One of the great things about travelling around New Zealand is that the best things to do are often free.
One of the most scenic road trips is from Queenstown to Aoraki/Mt Cook, up through the barren but beautiful Lindis Pass.
Start in Queenstown, before heading up the stunning Crown Range switchbacks and venturing past Cardrona to Wa¯ naka.
From there, make your way through to O¯ marama where you can see the Mars-like Clay Cliffs.
You then make your way to the azure-coloured Lake Pu¯ kaki and finally to Aoraki/Mt Cook – it is the best the Southern Alps has to offer.