Kiwis already cashing in on Brexit

Kiwis are already cashing in on Brexit, with a currency exchange chain reporting record high numbers of people through their doors today, and travel agents seeing an increase in queries into holidays to the UK and Europe.

With the drop of the pound creating a favourable exchange rate for those travelling to the United Kingdom, Travel Money NZ nation leader Scott McCullough said the company's stores were swamped with New Zealanders wanting to buy pounds.

"Any Kiwis due to be travelling to the UK in the coming months might like to consider locking in the rate on a prepaid travel money card," Mr McCullough said.

And Flight Centre New Zealand managing director David Coombes said the UK was one of the most popular destinations for Kiwi travellers.

"And with their dollar going so much further and record low airfares, it's going to really stimulate travel to this part of the world."

He said Flight Centre had a good number of enquiries coming through today at our stores around the country for the UK and Europe.

"Kiwis are really making the most of now being a great time to be travelling."

Last night, House of Travel commercial director Brent Thomas said he expected a spike in bookings to Britain and Europe next week.

"They are great [exchange] rates and that will entice people."

When asked what advice would be given to New Zealanders living in the UK or Europe, particularly those holding EU or British passports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said there was no concern at this stage relating to immigration rules.

"The UK remains a member of the EU for the moment and it will take some time to negotiate the terms of their exit. Until decisions are taken, the current rules will continue to apply to Kiwis in the UK and the EU."

The kiwi dollar fell to US69.84c at 5pm yesterday, from as high as US73c when Brexit voting closed at 9am yesterday NZ time and down from US71.80c late on Thursday

The local dollar surged as high as 52.88 British pence, the highest in almost three years, from 48.55p on Thursday.