For decades, the Overseas Experience (OE) has been a rite of passage for young New Zealanders, but a new report commissioned by Auckland Airport highlights how this tradition is evolving in 2025.
Auckland Airport has released a report on the Great Overseas Experience, shedding light on past trends and how the OE is shifting for future generations. As the country’s primary gateway for international travel since the 1960s, the airport has long been the starting point for intrepid Kiwis seeking adventure abroad.
According to the research, the OE remains deeply ingrained in New Zealand’s travel culture. Half of those surveyed have already embarked on at least one OE, and two in five expressed intentions to do so in the future. Many Kiwis find one overseas adventure isn’t enough—43% have been on two or more, while one in 10 has embarked on four or more OEs.
Auckland Airport’s Chief Customer Officer, Scott Tasker, says the findings reinforce New Zealanders’ adventurous spirit. “We know Kiwis love to explore, and this report confirms that the OE is part of our DNA. Being geographically isolated means we make the most of every international travel opportunity, and increased connectivity through Auckland Airport has opened the door to more destinations over the years” said Scott.
One key finding of the report is the shifting demographics of OE travelers. While it remains a defining experience for young adults—72% were aged 30 or younger when they embarked on an OE—more people are choosing to travel later in life. Over half of those surveyed plan an overseas adventure after the age of 40, and one in five intends to do so in their sixties or beyond.
Shifting Destinations and Shorter Trips
The report also revealed changes in OE destinations. While the UK and Europe have traditionally been the most popular, with four out of ten past OE travelers heading there, younger generations are looking further afield. Destinations such as Bengaluru, Yunnan, and Navsari are emerging as new hotspots. Although London remains a key destination, its appeal has diminished—where 39% of past travelers went to London, only 30% of future OE travelers intend to do the same. Instead, cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver, New York, Tokyo, and California are rising in popularity.
Another noticeable shift is the preference for shorter OEs. The report found that 42% of past OEs lasted three months or less, and 60% of those planning an OE expect to travel for the same duration. Extended trips of over a year, once a hallmark of the OE, have declined from 28% of past travelers to just 10% of those intending to go in the future. Interestingly, many past OE travelers expressed regret about not staying longer—one-third wished they had spent more time abroad, while 30% wished they had visited more destinations.
Auckland Airport’s New Exhibit: A Journey Through Time
To commemorate the OE tradition, Auckland Airport has unveiled an 80-metre outdoor exhibition in the new plaza in front of the international terminal. The exhibit showcases the evolution of the airport alongside six decades of OE adventures, featuring photos and stories from real Kiwi travelers. The display highlights Auckland Airport’s transformation from welcoming 700,000 passengers when it opened in 1966 to accommodating 18.5 million travelers annually today.
Scott says the findings reinforce the OE’s significance in Kiwi culture. “We’re proud to be the gateway for Kiwis exploring the world, with 75% of the country’s international travelers passing through Auckland Airport. Our infrastructure upgrades are about preparing for the future of travel—and ensuring many more OEs to come.”
A Winning OE Story
Among the stories featured in the Auckland Airport exhibit is that of Kay Clarke, the winner of a $10,000 OE competition. Clarke, from Waikato, embarked on her first OE at just 16 years old in 1979, choosing an unconventional path by traveling the west coast of the United States instead of London, where most of her peers went.
“I have such wonderful memories from my OE,” Clarke said. “And now I get to embark on another one—I can’t wait to plan a trip to the UK this time.”
Her winning photo captures her arrival back at Auckland Airport in 1980, laden with oversized luggage, treasured souvenirs, a boxed ten-speed bike, and a freshly permed hairstyle—hallmarks of an unforgettable adventure.
With the Auckland Airport report shedding light on evolving travel trends, it’s clear that while the OE is changing, the spirit of adventure remains alive and well among New Zealanders.
