3. CUBA
Why: Plenty of travellers vowed to avoid the place once the doors opened to Americans a couple of years ago. We say the influx of visitors might have improved the food, so now's the time to go.
Word to the wise: Stay in a casa particular, local accommodation. "It's essentially the socialist Airbnb," says Rough Guide.
For more: cubaccommodation.com
4. WIMBLEDON
Why: The All England Lawn Tennis Club championships take place amid much munching of stawberries and scones, quaffing of Pimm's, queuing for toilets and generally bumbling Englishness from July 2-18. It's spectacular and, let's be honest, the weather can't be worse than the storms that hit Auckland's tennis tournament last week.
Word to the wise: Getting a seat at Centre Court can be an expensive, stressful bunfight.
Better to mooch around the 17 other courts, where you'll be up close to the players ... and the Pimm's.
For more: wimbledon.com
5. MALTA
Why: The stunning citadel of Valletta is one of the European Capitals of Culture 2018—its cobbled streets and historic venues will be packed with live arts, entertainment and events throughout the year.
Word to the wise: Arts and culture is all good, but with its unique mix of Italian, French, British and Arabic influences, it's Malta's food that you will be raving about.
For more: valletta2018.org
6. RWANDA
Why: You can now fly direct from London to Kigali, making it possible to add an African gorilla encounter to your next European holiday. But there's more to this English-speaking nation than just apes: Luxury hotels are opening alongside smart adventure tourism operators.
Word to the wise: Put aside a couple of days to explore cosmopolitan Kigali.
For more:rwandatourism.com
7. THE VOLGA
Why: "River cruising is a major growth area," says Flight Centre's Sean Berenson. Once you've ticked off the European classics, here's a great way to see Mother Russia. A cruise of the Volga will connect travellers with Moscow at one end and St Petersburg at the other.
Word to the wise: Allow plenty of time to get your Russian visa.
For more: Most major river cruising companies offer Volga voyages.
8. MAURITIUS
Why: Kiwis familiar with our Pacific Island neighbours will find something new in the Indian Ocean. Hunt around and you'll be able to get good rates on accommodation.
Word to the wise: Try to get a spot on the west coast, where the beaches are sandier and the coral reefs more accessible for swimmers.
For more: tourism-mauritius.mu
9. IRAN
Why: Okay, so maybe you'll want to wait a couple of months to make sure this current kerfuffle blows over, but the heart of Persia has been coming up on our travel radar for some time now. This feels like the year to reach out.
Word to the wise: Definitely wait until the current kerfuffle blows over.
For more: travelandtour.co.nz
10. SRI LANKA
Why: Elephants in the bush and kabbadi on the beach.
Anyone who has stared in confusion and wonder at kabaddi on New Zealand television will be fascinated to see this part-bullrush, part-tiggy, part-mayhem sport played in pick-up games at the beach.
Word to the wise: If you want a quiet break, go north to get away from the crowds.
For more: srilanka.travel
11. JAPAN
Why: The land of the rising sun has been, er, a rising star for Kiwi travellers in recent years, and with the global tournament of our nation's oval-ball obsession heading there in 2019, expect to see Japan heavily promoted over the next 12 months.
Word to the wise: Get out of the capital and head for Sapporo, picked by Booking.com as a top destination for 2018: "This city isagreat base for exploring the mountains and hot springs of Hokkaido and offers great restaurants, being known best for its variety of seafood."
For more: jnto.go.jp/eng
13. SYDNEY
Why: They sometimes make us roll our eyes, but our Transtasman cousins know how to do a big city well. This year, Sydney hosts events as diverse as a Biennale (March 16-June 11) and the crucial second State of Origin (June 24).
Word to the wise: Sydney Airport's duty-free set-up is one of the biggest in the world, but you'll get cheaper spirits flying out of Auckland.
For more:
biennaleofsydney.com.au
tickets.nrl.com/origin
14. GOLD COAST
Why: It's a familiar spot for Kiwi holidaymakers and this year the Gold Coast hosts the Commonwealth Games. But the best time to visit could be just after the Games finish on April 15 — there will be good deals to be had on accommodation, family activities and restaurants.
Word to the wise: At the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, you can take a cooling break from your beach holiday to see Aussie wildlife at its best.
For more: queensland.com
15. ATIU
Why: You've already seen — and loved—Rarotonga, and you've snorkelled in the paradise of Aitutaki, so this year challenge yourself by heading for the more adventurous edges of the Cook Islands.
Word to the wise: "Birdman" George Mateariki works in conservation — trapping rats and caring for the birds — and can show you the best of the island's amazing avian life.
For more: atiu.info
16. VITI LEVU
Why: You're a long way from Denerau now ... well, not really. In the interior of Viti Levu, a short hop from the resort-studded coastline, you'll see a surprising new side of Fiji where rivers meander through mountain valleys and waterfalls cascade into canyons.
Word to the wise: In some of the highland villages, visitors are expected to drink kava with the chief upon arrival.
For more: fiji.travel
17. HANMER SPRINGS
Why: The quakes that have struck Canterbury and Kaikoura since 2010 have left the deepest and still most visible scars on our communities.
You can help by spending a little of your holiday money down there onaroadtrip, taking in the Christchurch CBD, Kaikoura and Hanmer Springs.
Word to the wise: Take the inland route through SH70, while the repairs are still going on along SH1.
For more: hanmersprings.co.nz; kaikoura.co.nz
18. NEW PLYMOUTH
Why: Forget about Taranaki getting a shout out in the Lonely Planet lottery (second best region in the world to visit in 2017). Makeadate for the Womad Festival (March 16-18), where Kiwi artists like Aldous Harding will be rubbing shoulders with global stars like Kamasi Washington.
Word to the wise: Best photo ops can be had on Paritutu Rock, between Ngamotu Beach and Back Beach.
For more: womad.co.nz
