Christchurch named among world’s top 10 trending travel destinations for 2027

What happened

Christchurch has been named among the world's top 10 trending travel destinations for 2027 in Booking.com's latest Travel Predictions report, the only city in Australasia to achieve the ranking. The Garden City appears alongside international destinations including Monterey in California, Sendai in Japan, Reims in France, Rosario in Argentina, Puri in India and Pescara in Italy. The report highlights Christchurch's post-earthquake transformation since 2010 and 2011, its regenerated city centre, the Ōtākaro Avon River, Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, and the newly opened One New Zealand Stadium as major attractions. The city's creative scene, food offerings, cultural attractions and proximity to outdoor adventures in the Southern Alps, Port Hills and nearby beaches are also cited as drawcards. The ranking was based on research involving 28,230 travellers across 32 countries and territories, including 1008 New Zealanders. Booking.com's regional manager for Oceania and Korea said Christchurch had reinvented itself over 15 years, evolving beyond its traditional role as a gateway to the South Island.

Key facts

• Only Australasian city on Booking.com's top 10 trending destinations for 2027
• Research included 28,230 travellers from 32 countries and territories
• One New Zealand Stadium opened this year
• Canterbury earthquakes occurred in 2010 and 2011

Primary source: Booking.com Travel Predictions report

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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

Where the outlets differ

The Herald emphasises travel trends among New Zealand respondents (73% choosing destinations by how they want to feel, 72% seeking out-of-character experiences, 56% interested in paranormal travel). The Otago Daily Times prioritises Booking.com's description of Christchurch's recovery narrative and architectural rebirth, quotes the report's direct language about the city's transformation, and includes detail about specific accommodation (Addington SoHo Townhouse). Both name the same comparable destinations and attractions but frame the story's significance differently.

What outlets are saying