Kiwis are increasingly seeking an intrepid adventure holiday, with Iran and Kenya among rising destinations.
This year a number of intrepid destinations have taken off including in the Middle East and Africa, according to Flight Centre.
Figures released by the travel agency showed the number of Kiwis travelling to Iran has increased 26 per cent since 2016, while there has been an almost 70 per cent rise in the number heading to Kenya.
Compared to 2016, travel to Cuba has increased almost 40 per cent, Peru almost 20 per cent and Japan 25 per cent.
The travel agency was unable to provide traveller numbers, which it said was company sensitive information.
Flight Centre New Zealand general manager of product Sean Berenson said although destinations including Australia, the South Pacific and the UK were still popular, Kiwis were travelling further afield or looking for places that were off the beaten track but close to home.
"Travel is booming right now, more Kiwis than ever are vacationing overseas and as travel becomes more accessible and affordable the way New Zealanders are travelling is changing," he said.
"A cruise to Antarctica is no longer out of the question, neither is a holiday in South America, a tour through Iran, a rafting adventure in Fiji, or an expedition through the Amazon." With more carriers, routes and affordable flights available to New Zealanders, Berenson said there were no longer many destinations that were out of reach.
Intrepid Travel's regional director for Asia Pacific Brett Mitchell said there was definitely a feeling that Kiwis wanted to be intrepid and to try new things before anyone else.
Kiwis can travel from Auckland to Kenya from about $1649 return, flying Qatar Airways. Some return airfares to Iran started at $1579, also flying Qatar Airways.
Those wanting to fly to Cuba would be looking to spend at least $1550 via United Airlines.
It's not all about intrepid destinations. Many Kiwis were keen to try new experiences in some well-loved destinations.
Berenson said that might be exploring the Hinterlands in Queensland, instead of going to the beach, discovering Hawaii's outer islands or visiting less explored islands in the South Pacific such as Samoa, Tonga and Niue.
"The last few years has seen an explosion in 'experiential travel' as holiday makers look for unique experiences," said Berenson.
"Many want to now actually do something on vacation, not just relax on a beach.
"That has fuelled a rise in active travel, expedition cruising, culinary travel, wildlife travel and more."
• Explore the Herald's interactive, to find out Kiwi's top holiday spots.