MasterCard New Zealand manager Peter Chisnall said the strong Kiwi dollar meant New Zealanders were feeling more able to scratch that intrepid itch. Photo / Thinkstock
Nearly half of New Zealanders travelled abroad last year and they spent more on their holidays than they did in 2012, according to a new survey.
The study, commissioned by credit card company MasterCard, found that 49 per cent of Kiwis travelled overseas last year, up 3 per cent on
2012, and spent an average of 11 per cent more, at $3479.
According to the study, the bulk of the money was spent on getting to the destination (39 per cent) and accommodation there (20 per cent), followed by eating out (13 per cent), shopping (13 per cent), recreational services (9 per cent) and local transport (6 per cent).
Credit cards were the preferred mode of payment to cover flights, accommodation and shopping while cash was more commonly used to pay for meals, recreational services and local transport costs.
While they were away, Kiwis were most likely to stay in mid-range (40 per cent) or economy (15 per cent) hotels, or to grab a spare bed or couch with friends and relatives (35 per cent).
