Figures released from Statistics NZ to the Otago Daily Times show that, as of the end of September, almost 1 million New Zealanders have left on short-term holidays this year.
September also emerged as the busiest ever month, more than 210,000 New Zealanders having departed on short-term overseas trips.
While the number of New Zealanders holidaying overseas declined from 1.9 million in 2008 to 1.1 million last year, numbers were well up this year, travel experts say.
This year, New Zealanders have continued their love affair with Australia.
July boasted the best figures for several years: more than 39,000 people crossed the Tasman.
The United Kingdom, China, the United States, India, Fiji, Samoa, Thailand and the Cook Islands were the next most popular destinations.
House of Travel spokesman Brent Thomas said while the global recession resulted in 2009 being a difficult year for the tourism industry, "2010 has seen a bounce back".
Holidaymakers were less inclined to travel to long-haul destinations during periods of economic uncertainty, instead opting for short-haul destinations such as Australia, Fiji, Samoa and the Cook Islands, he said.
Long-haul destinations were again on people's radars, traditional favourites the United Kingdom and the US proving popular this year.
"But the big story is China."
China had emerged as New Zealanders' third-most-popular holidaying destination so far this year, just ahead of the US.
Interest in China as a holiday destination had grown on the back of expanding business interests, those involved in the import and export of goods now taking their families to explore the country, Mr Thomas said.
Increasing competition from airlines would help boost numbers further, he said.
Flight Centre spokeswoman Marie Pilkington said concern about job security resulted in fewer people travelling last year, and accruing more annual leave entitlements had encouraged those in the business sectors to take more holidays.
The global recession also meant people were travelling closer to home, often opting for inclusive deals, which were easier to budget for, she said.
Statistics NZ figures also show most New Zealand holidaymakers are departing from Auckland International Airport, followed by Christchurch, Wellington, Dunedin and Hamilton.
