Best Places to Travel in 2026: 6 Top Trending Destinations for Kiwi Travellers

According to the House of Travel’s latest Kiwi Bucket List Survey, travellers are shifting toward “High-Impact Travel” - journeys that deliver unforgettable natural spectacles, immersive culture, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Kiwi travellers are chasing more than just places; they’re chasing moments. While classic favourite destinations like Japan, Italy, and Greece remain popular with New Zealanders, 2026 is all about going deeper and further. Northern Lights dreams dominated the experience list, alongside Antarctic expeditions and lavender summers in Provence. Big landscapes, ancient cultures, and nature at its most dramatic are in front of mind. It’s travel with impact, meaning, and stories you’ll tell for years.

Where are Kiwis looking to travel in 2026?

Based on our survey data of Kiwi travel preferences and insights from House of Travel specialists, the top trending destinations for 2026 are Colombia, Malta, Taiwan, Sardinia, Provence, and Egypt. These destinations strike the perfect balance between trending and timeless — offering big landscapes, ancient cultures, and stories you’ll be telling for years.

Our House of Travel specialists have cross-referenced your survey favourites with the hidden gems currently buzzing in our HOT offices. If you’re looking for that perfect blend of "trending" and "timeless," these are the six destinations our experts say you need to book for 2026.

Top Trending Travel Destinations for 2026

1. Colombia: A Journey Through Colour and Culture

Travel to Colombia in 2026, a top-trending destination offering vibrant cities, lush mountain landscapes, and the warmth of the Caribbean coast. Adventure seekers will

find endless variety, from rugged Andean trails and wildlife-filled jungles to ancient ruins and coral reefs.

● Why we love it: Extraordinarily diverse—from the energetic city life of Bogotá and Medellín to the tranquility of Caribbean beaches. Don’t leave without trying Ajiaco, Bogotá’s signature chicken and potato soup.

● Must do: Explore the UNESCO-listed walled city of Cartagena, trek the jungle trails in Tayrona National Park, and snorkel the Islas del Rosario.

● HOT tip: Head for the Rosario Islands by small boat to find hidden coves and a slower side of the Caribbean. Ask a local for their favorite arepa stand—they are a Colombian icon!

Travel to Columbia in 2026? Speak to our HOT travel specialists and start your journey today. Discover Colombia hidden gems, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable experiences.

Recommended by Antony Boomer, House of Travel Dunedin

2. Malta: History, Sunshine and Mediterranean Charm

Perched in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta packs over 7,000 years of history into one sunshine-kissed island nation. With 300 days of sun and temples that predate the pyramids, it is a compact paradise for history lovers and divers alike.

● Why we love it: A seamless blend of past and present. Fortified cities and prehistoric temples sit right next to seaside tavernas serving freshly caught seafood.

● Must do: Visit the idyllic island of Gozo for a truffle hunt or salt-pan visit. For a truly immersive stay, we can arrange a local farmhouse-style guesthouse.

● HOT tip: Explore the Blue Grotto by a traditional luzzu (vibrantly coloured fishing boat). These sea caves are an incredible natural wonder; we suggest pre-booking to avoid the queues!

Recommended by Jason Kroupa, Sunshine and Mediterranean Charm

3. Taiwan: Tradition, Flavour and Modern Discovery

Taipei is the gateway to an island that feels both timeless and thrillingly modern. From the neon-lit night markets of the capital to the jade-green forests and river-carved gorges beyond, Taiwan is a destination of beautiful contrasts.

● Why we love it: It’s friendly, compact, and endlessly rewarding. You can move from a futuristic skyscraper like Taipei 101 to misty tea-covered mountains in just a few hours.

● Must do: Head into the misty highlands to pick tea leaves on a mountain plantation. Learn to hand-roll them with local farmers and enjoy a brew with crispy spring onion pancakes.

● HOT tip: For an authentic experience, extend your trip with a stay in a mountain village guesthouse to connect with locals and enjoy a slower pace of life.

Recommended by Darryl Sandri, House of Travel Discovery

4. Sardinia: Where Nature and Italian Tradition Meet

Sardinia offers a coastline that rivals the Caribbean but with a distinctly Italian soul. It’s a 2026 favourite for those seeking the "slow travel" trend, combining pristine white-sand beaches with ancient ruins and dramatic mountain landscapes.

● Why we love it: It offers the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and authentic culture. The food is famous for bold flavours, handmade pasta, and distinctive local wines.

● Must do: Drive the Costa Smeralda. Wander the luxury harbours of Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo, then stop at Cala di Volpe for a swim where the locals go.

● HOT tip: Seek out Cala Goloritze, a small cove accessible only by boat or a 2-hour hike. Go early to beat the crowds and enjoy the unique natural stone arch in peace.

Recommended by Mike (Buzz) Thomson, House of Travel Hobsonville

5. Provence: Lavender Fields and Storybook French Villages

Provence appeared in our survey as both a top region and a top experience. This corner of the South of France is famous for its "lavender dreaming" and timeless villages that inspired artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne.

● Why we love it: Market mornings, rosé vineyards, and landscapes that shift with the seasons. Provence makes even simple moments feel special and effortless.

● Must do: Visit the medieval village of Les Baux and the Carrières de Lumières—a vast quarry transformed into an immersive, floor-to-ceiling art gallery.

● HOT tip: Take a kayak beneath the arches of the Pont du Gard. It’s a scenic paddle and a unique way to see Roman engineering that has stood for 2,000 years.

Recommended by Amanda Radovanovich, House of Travel Richmond

6. Egypt: Temples, Tombs and the Grand Egyptian Museum

Egypt remains the ultimate "pinch-me" destination for 2026. With the long-awaited opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, there has never been a better time to stand before the pyramids or drift along the Nile.

● Why we love it: It’s a land that inspires awe. Whether it’s hot air ballooning over Luxor or walking through the Valley of the Kings, it offers truly once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

● Must do: Explore the new Grand Egyptian Museum, home to the complete Tutankhamun collection. We recommend a private guided tour to navigate its massive scale.

● HOT tip: Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo at sunrise. The soft light on the Nile makes it a magical experience, and you’ll beat the midday crowds.

Recommended by Jo Coolen, House of Travel Kapiti Coast