For decades, the Great Overseas Experience (OE) has been a rite of passage for young Kiwis, but a new report from Auckland Airport shows the traditional OE is evolving.

While London was once the top destination, its appeal is waning, with only 30% of future OE travellers planning a trip there—down from 39% in the past.

The study found that Kiwis are opting for shorter, holiday-style OEs rather than long-term relocations.

In the past, 28% stayed overseas for more than a year, but now only 10% expect to do the same. Instead, 60% of future OE travellers plan to spend less than three months abroad.

Another key shift is the rising number of older Kiwis embarking on an OE.

More than half of those surveyed intend to travel after turning 40, and one in five plans an OE in their 60s or later.

However, the tradition remains strong for younger generations, with 65% of today’s 20-somethings planning an OE before 30.

While the UK and Europe remain popular, new OE destinations are emerging.

Cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver, New York, Tokyo, and regions such as California are gaining interest.

Even more adventurous destinations—such as Bengaluru, Yunnan, and Navsari—are becoming part of the Kiwi travel map.

In conjunction with the report, Auckland Airport has launched an 80-metre outdoor exhibition at its international terminal, showcasing real traveller photos and stories from six decades of Kiwi OEs.

Auckland Airport Chief Customer Officer Scott Tasker highlighted the airport’s role in shaping the OE experience, stating,

“We’re proud to be the gateway for Kiwis to explore the world. Our upgrades are about preparing for the future of travel—and for all those special OE trips to come.”

One standout story in the exhibit belongs to Waikato’s Kay Clarke, who won Auckland Airport’s $10,000 OE competition.

Clarke, who took an unconventional OE to the US West Coast in 1979, is now planning a new adventure to the UK.

The findings from the Auckland Airport report reflect a modernised OE experience—shorter trips, older travellers, and a broader range of destinations—signalling a shift in how Kiwis see the world beyond their shores.

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