Fewer NZers following well-beaten track

Australia and London have long been the first choice of New Zealanders heading on their overseas experience.

But New Zealanders may slowly be starting to change their habits. For some, London is no longer a sufficient challenge. As Kiwis focus on what they do best and become more confident, other regions are gaining popularity.

The number of New Zealanders heading to Australia and the UK has dropped substantially since 2001, while long-term and permanent visitors to the US have almost halved.

Canada, China and France have surged in popularity, while the number going to the United Arab Emirates has grown by almost 50per cent.

Visa requirements play a big part in where Kiwis go: since Canada relaxed its rules it has seen an influx of immigrants.

Wayne Mikkelsen, Europe and Middle East international market manager for NZ Trade and Enterprise, says for entrepreneurs and those looking for something a little bit different, Dubai and Shanghai are definitely the places to be.

Dubai, on the coast of the UAE, has a population of 4 million and is the fastest growing city in the world. The sleeping economic giant, China, has also woken and will remain the world's strongest economy this year.

"You can feel the opportunity dripping out of Dubai and Shanghai," says Mikkelsen. "The amount of money they are pouring into development is phenomenal."

New Zealand's reputation as hard-working, unthreatening and relatively neutral politically, makes it easier for Kiwis to get into China and the East than the other growth areas of Central and Eastern Europe, says Mikkelsen.

For those heading to China, NZTE's market manager, Pat English, warns that the mystical country will get under your skin.

He also says it's wise to learn the language, be careful about contractual agreements - often what you think you are getting changes once you arrive - and prepare for a bit of a bumpy ride.

"New Zealanders are not so hardened . . . People need to go there with their eyes open. But if you do go and do well, it's just so exciting."

- HERALD ON SUNDAY