Aussies get biggest bang for buck in NZ

If you’re looking to book your next holiday, you may want to look across the ditch.

Of Australia’s international favourites, New Zealand is the only destination where travellers will get more bang for their buck than they did a year ago, a new report says.

The Aussie dollar may be struggling against most major currencies, but it’s gained four per cent year-on-year against the kiwi, the Expedia Value Tracker shows.

And while average accommodation prices have risen nine per cent to $180 per night, flight prices have slipped five per cent to an average of $463.

Managing director of Expedia Australia and New Zealand Georg Ruebensal said demand for New Zealand is on the rise, with destinations including Taupo, Fiordland and Napier experiencing double-digit growth.

Other countries where the Aussie has gained ground are Russia (up 31 per cent against the Ruble), Columbia (up 14 per cent on the Peso), Brazil (up 14 per cent on the Real) and Norway (up three per cent against the Krone).

A vacation to the United States will hurt the wallet, with the Aussie falling 21 per cent against the greenback in the last 12 months.

But the American holiday dream may not be over for some, with airfares 11 per cent cheaper than last year, and demand still higher.

“Interest in Hawaii is up more than 25 per cent year-on-year,” Mr Ruebensal said.

“People might choose to stay in a three-star over a four-star (hotel) or stay a few days less, but they are still taking that US holiday.”

A Eurotrip would also be harder on the purse strings given the Aussie has tumbled 12 per cent against the pound, and three per cent against the Euro.

But the average costs of flights are down across the board to Norway, the UK, Italy and France, which may entice jetsetters.

Even cheap local favourites like Thailand and Indonesia are dearer, with the Aussie down nine per cent against the Rupiah and 16 per cent against the Baht.

Hotel rates and flights have bumped up in both these countries as well.

HOW AUSSIE FAVOURITES RANK

New Zealand: $A up 4pct
Europe: $A down 3pct
Fiji: $A down 8pct
Indonesia: $A down 9pct
UK: $A down 12 pct
Singapore: $A down 14pct
Thailand: $A down 16pct
China: $A down 21pct
USA: $A down 21 pct

AVERAGE FLIGHT PRICES

UK down 13pct to $1,804
USA down 11pct to $1,520
France down 10pct to $1,773
New Zealand down 5pct to $463
Fiji down 2pct to $778
China up 1pct to $1,109
Indonesia up 4pct to $532
Singapore up 6pct to $756
Thailand up 13pct to $922

(Source: Expedia Value Tracker)

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