More than 300,000 New Zealanders are searching for a lengthy 28-day holiday this Christmas with 45 per cent headed to Asia, according to figures from Cheapflights.co.nz.
Six of the top 10 destinations this period are in the Asia-Pacific region, including Bali, Delhi, Manila, Bangkok, Nadi and Mumbai.
Regional sales manager at Cheapflights Australia-NZ, Nathan Graham, said Asia was a clear winner for Kiwis.
"The number of searches to the region this December is up more than six per cent on the same time last year. Just a short and affordable flight away, it offers flexibility to make travel our own; either indulging in festivities or taking a welcome break from the extended family."
This bucks the trend of last year, when almost one in five travellers chose to take off to Europe to experience a traditional white Christmas, compared to 14 per cent in 2016.
London is the fourth most desired destination this festive season.
The lure of North America remains solid, with searches up 2 per cent this year and Los Angeles among the top picks for holiday destinations this December (ranking10th).
In the past month Cheapflights.co.nz recorded more than 50,000 searches to destinations across Australia, while the top domestic hot spots are Christchurch (21 per cent), Auckland and Queenstown (both 18 per cent).
The research also shows that the week leading into Christmas (December 19) is the most popular time to fly out.