It’s that time of year again where Booking.com releases their winners for their Traveller Review Awards in 2026! And New Zealand continues to break its own personal records.
From 370 million verified reviews from international Booking.com travellers, the all-inclusive travel booking platform award partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality across accommodation, transport, and attractions. New Zealand scored a total 10,871 nominations across all three categories, beating it by 16% from last years’ awards.
Powered by more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers across the world, the Awards celebrate the partners who consistently deliver outstanding hospitality across every corner of the globe across accommodation, transportation, and attractions. New Zealand increased its award recipients by 16% from last year, with 10,871 total award nominations across the country across all categories.
2026 List of Most Welcoming Places on Earth
Determined by the share of accommodation partners receiving a Traveller Review Award in 2026, this year’s Most Welcoming Places on Earth highlights destinations where the guest experience feels personal, authentic, and genuinely cared for.
2026’s Most Welcoming Cities on Earth:
- Montepulciano, Italy
- Magong, Taiwan
- San Martín de los Andes, Argentina
- Harrogate, United Kingdom
- Fredericksburg, Texas, United States
- Pirenópolis, Brazil
- Swakopmund, Namibia
- Takayama, Japan
- Noosa Heads, Australia
- Klaipeda, Lithuania
Locally, Havelock North took out the top spot, with the Hawke’s Bay gem Te Mata Lodge standing out with a 9.2 top rating. The mighty Waikato had noticeable representation as a top 10 welcoming region: with Whitianga and Cambridge retaining their spots, and new entrant Raglan making the list. The inclusion of beach towns Waihi Beach, Russell, Whanganui and Oneroa reflected Kiwi’s appreciation for a laid back, relaxed seaside destination.
2026’s Most Welcoming Cities in New Zealand:
- Havelock North, Hawke’s Bay
- Waihi Beach, Bay of Plenty
- Whitianga, Waikato
- Cambridge, Waikato
- Kerikeri, Northland
- Gisborne, Gisborne
- Russell, Northland
- Raglan, Waikato
- Whanganui, Manawatu
- Oneroa, Auckland
2026’s Most Welcoming Regions in New Zealand:
- Tasman
- Northland
- Otago
- Canterbury
- Hawke’s Bay
“From hosts who remember the small details to local partners who help travellers feel instantly at home, it’s often these human moments that define a truly great trip,” said Melissa Ellison, Area Manager, New Zealand for Booking.com. “The 2026 Traveller Review Awards celebrate our Kiwi partners who consistently go above and beyond to deliver warm, thoughtful and memorable experiences”.
“We’re especially proud to see so many regional destinations featuring strongly among the top ten local Most Welcoming destinations in New Zealand. It’s a small reflection of the exceptional hospitality found across the country, and our way of saying thank you, from Booking.com and the millions of travellers who trust us to help them experience the world,”
Holiday homes are still the number one favourite among Kiwi travellers
Apartments remain the most awarded property type globally for the ninth consecutive year with 901,481 awards, followed by holiday homes (287,464), and hotels (197,658). Meanwhile, camping and villas saw the highest year-over-year increase in award recipients, each at 15%, followed by ryokans at 13%.
In New Zealand, holiday homes continued to be a favourite for Booking.com reviewers, with awarded partners increasing 33% to over 4,000 awardees, showcasing that travellers continue to prioritise properties with comfortable, functional amenities that complement a unique and memorable stay. Holiday homes were followed by apartments, motels, bed and breakfasts, and finally, guest houses. New Zealand’s accommodations weren’t the only travel sector being awarded; the rental car market also secured 30 awards for being exceptionally welcoming. The recognition of New Zealand’s rental car companies is a further testament to the appeal and desire for seamless connected trips – and the classic Kiwi roadie.
