New Zealand overtakes Bali as Australia’s most-popular international destination

New Zealand has overtaken Bali as the top international holiday destination for Australian travellers, according to new research.

Data released this week by the Tourism and Transport Forum Australia shows 75 per cent of Australians plan to go on holiday this summer.

Of this, 14 percent will go abroad, compared to 6.5 percent last year, with one in five crossing the ditch to New Zealand.

Europe was the second most popular destination, followed by Japan, Thailand and Singapore.

Indonesia, and especially Bali, plays host to thousands of Australians every year, but the survey found it was only the seventh most popular international destination among the 2,000 participants.

Indonesia was allied with the US, Canada, China and Vietnam.

Interstate travel is also increasing, with 26 percent planning to visit another state this summer, up from 18 percent last year.

More than a third of Australians choose to stay closer to home by holidaying in their own state.

TTF Australia CEO Margy Osmond applauded Australians for saving for well-deserved holidays amid the cost of living crisis and rising interest rates.

More than half of respondents said the increase in the cost of living has affected their vacation plans.

“Australians ranked travel and holidays as their top priority when it comes to non-essential spending, showing how important it is to enjoy a getaway with friends or family,” Ms Osmond said.

The Gold Coast was ranked as the top domestic holiday destination for Aussies.

The shocking decline in Bali's popularity comes just months after the Indonesian government announced a crackdown on misbehaving tourists.

The new restrictions include a specialist tourism 'task force', an official list of do's and don'ts for tourists and a hotline to report visitors breaking the rules.