New Zealand is now sharing its top spot as favored destination for Australians with the United States, after the number of Aussies traveling to its neighboring country fell dramatically post-Christchurch quake last year.

Roy Morgan research found that after the quake struck in February last year, the number of Aussies who said they would visit New Zealand in the next two years fell from from 2.8 million in February 2011 to 2.5 million in the year to December 2011.

The company¡¯s international director of tourism, travel and leisure Jane Ianniello explained the media coverage of the quake has contributed to the region¡¯s declining appeal amongst Aussies.

¡°¡­ both South and North Islands have suffered a decline in the number of Australians who would like to holiday there,¡± Ms Ianniello said.

¡°But many Australians are still interested in taking a holiday in New Zealand, and it is important to understand the demographic, attitudinal and behavioural profile of these people and to tailor an appropriate communication message.¡±

Meanwhile the US has grown in preference with 2.5 million Aussies saying they would travel to America over the next two years in December 2011 compared to 1.8 million in December 2008.