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Gold Coast

Go the Goldie!


Sun, surf, and fun

From golden sands and epic surf at world-famous beaches, to the thrills and spills of top-notch theme parks and the glittering skyline of Surfers Paradise, this vibrant city is the ultimate playground.

But there’s even more magic beyond the beach.,Imagine yourself exploring lush hinterland trails, diving into mouthwatering culinary delights, or getting your heart racing with a rollercoaster ride . And with over 160 amazing experiences - from vibrant markets and whale-watching cruises to rainforest adventures - all within 30 minutes, the Gold Coast truly offers something for everyone.

Planning a Gold Coast holiday? Come and talk to our Gold Coast travel specialists today.

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Flight time.

The Gold Coast is only a 3.5 - 4hour flight from New Zealand, so you can be enjoying the sun and surf in no time.

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Best time to go.

The best time to visit the Gold Coast is from May to October, when the weather is comfortable for both beach days and theme park adventures.

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Time difference.

The Gold Coast is 2 hours behind New Zealand (or 3 hours during daylight saving). This small time difference is easy to adjust to, making for a seamless transition.

Our favourite things to do in the Gold Coast

Koala sleeping in the tree

Looking for a wild day out?

Located in Currumbin, just 20 kms south of Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers interactive experiences with Australian wildlife.

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River Valley

Go beyond the beaches

Trade in the surf for serene trails and mountain air – nature’s calling.

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Whale breaching from water

Surf, stroll, and soak up the views

Experience the wild beauty of a natural headland in the heart of the Gold Coast.

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Food and drink with beach view

Food glorious food

Grab your appetite and spend a weekend eating your way along the Scenic Rim food trail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

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People clinking wine glasses

Sip your way through the valley vineyards

Don’t sleep on the Gold Coast wine region—it’s a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!

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Soar high at the epic Pacific Air Show!

Get ready for the ultimate family adventure!

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Sunset on the river

Captain your own adventure

Grab your crew, pack the snacks, and let the good times roll on the open water!

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People eating seafood and drinking wine with a beach background

Best. Food. Ever!

Sip on cocktails, feast on the catch, and soak in the vibes!

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Miami Marketta

Taste the world in the Gold Coast

From Bangkok to Barcelona, your flavour journey starts here!

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Duffy Boat

More than a 'surfers' paradise!

Pop on your Captain's Hat, pack the picnic.

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93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"She was very responsive and happy to help us explore our options."

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"She answered our queries politely and offered suggestion’s"

Susan

"Always goes above and beyond to accomodate our wishes when we are booking our yearly overseas travel.Nothing is ever a problem"

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Meet our Gold Coast specialists

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Olivia Whiteside Jenkins

Olivia Whiteside Jenkins

House of Travel Riccarton

For as long as I can remember, travel has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up travelling multiple times a year, so it's no surprise I chose a career in the travel industry to carry this on in my adult life! 

My love of travelling and experiencing different cultures is what drives me to create bespoke travel itineraries for all of my clients. I truly believe that travel sparks our imagination, feeds our curiosity, and reminds us how much we all have in common.

I have explored various parts of the world along with our own backyard and will continue to do this to not only fulfil my desire to travel more but also to advance my knowledge of locations that may be of interest to my clients. 

Excelling your needs, wants and expectations before, during and after travel is my main priority. I would love to create a truly amazing trip and memories that will last you a lifetime!  

Olivia

Alison Jenkins

Alison Jenkins

House of Travel Hamilton East

Having a love of travel, I completed a Bachelor of International Tourism Management in 2013.

After a 6 month stint working at Walt Disney World in Florida I returned to NZ and started my career in the travel industry.

After three years I was feeling the itch to travel again so I decided to embark on my second OE and moved to the UK. Living and working there allowed me to travel Europe extensively and my favourite country to date would be Poland. I returned to NZ in 2020.

Alison
Gemma Pearce

Gemma Pearce

House of Travel Barrington

I love turning people's dreams into reality and enjoy sharing my travel experiences.

Travel is my passion and I feel it’s the only thing you can buy that makes you richer!

Gemma

Jared Wilson

Jared Wilson

House of Travel Christchurch City


No. of countries visited: 40+ 

Favourite place to visit: Anywhere in South America

Next place on the list to visit: Kenya


Quote: “Never pass up a bathroom”

About me: With over 2 years of solo travel across 40+ countries, I am passionate about immersing myself in new cultures and uncovering the unique experiences each destination has to offer. Fluent in Spanish, Latin America is my particular area of experience and expertise. Whether you're after an exciting adventure or a peaceful getaway, I’m committed to designing a memorable and seamless trip tailored specifically to you. 

Why I love travel: It allows me to escape the sometimes repetitive nature of daily life. I enjoy experiencing new places or returning to ones that I love. I like making connections with people from places around the world and having experiences that can’t be replicated.

My travel tips:

  • Meet the locals Almost all of my favourite and most cherished travel experiences have involved meeting and making friends with the local people. It is a sure-fire way to have a more unique and intimate holiday experience.
  • When in Rome A cliché but one to that will enrich your travel, observe how the locals live and learn from it. Try the local brew or dish, join in on the fun. Also respect local customs and traditions, this will allow a richer and safer experience.
  • Expect the unexpected- Be ready for unforeseen circumstances that will inevitably occur at some point during a trip. If you are expectant and prepared for troublesome scenarios you can save yourself a lot of grief. After all, you want to make your break from reality as stress free as possible.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

  • Colombia- An up and coming travel destination, a country cursed with the reputation earned from its past. It is extremely geographically diverse and amazing bang for your buck. I still haven’t found a country with warmer and friendlier people.
  • Spain- A country full of amazing destinations to discover, with a rich history and a world class gastronomical scene. The fun loving people, the nightlife and the picturesque towns with uniquely their Spanish architecture are a must experience.
  • Mexico- Mexico is a country which is truly fascinating, an amazing place to get to know. It’s a big country with lots to explore - like the US it is made up of states (32), the more you see the more you’ll want to see. It is full of the most beautiful places you’ve never heard of. The locals are extremely friendly and of course the cuisine one of the best and most famous on the globe.

What’s in my suitcase:

  • Spare phone, cables and a travel adaptor- Fact is electronics are a very important travel tool and to be prepared is important so you don’t have to go in the dark.
  • A Journal- A great way to record all the little details and memorable moments. When moving fast and or experiencing a lot we naturally forget things. Writing it down will help to recall in future and also to have what you’ve written forever is something special.
  • Travel cubes- Will help you to keep your suitcase nice and organised for easy packing and ultimately will save you time making things easier to find.

My most memorable travel stories:

  • Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain together with part of the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Porto – totalling 1200kms. My hiking shoes broke so I did the last 1000kms in Sandals.
  • Doing a 32 day Top Deck bus tour around Europe. Easily one of the best months of my life full of laughs and all round good times. I made some strong friendships and saw a lot in such a short space of time.


Jared

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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FAQS

What is the best time of year for Kiwis to visit the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is a fantastic destination year- round, with nearly 300 days of sunshine each year! We recommend visiting during the months May-October when the weather is warm, sunny, dry and more calm making it ideal to escape the winter in New Zealand and enjoy beach and water activities. We’d recommend avoiding the summer months December-February when there’s high humidity, rainfall & short tropical storms that occur, and during November over the course of three weeks when the city experiences ‘Schoolies’ with crowds of school graduates.

Where to go on holiday in the Gold Coast?
If you're planning a holiday in the Gold Coast, explore our Gold Coast travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time on your beach holiday.

How to find the best holiday package to Gold Coast?
We've got that covered for you! Visit our Gold Coast deals section on website or sign up to get the hottest deals sent straight to your emails here.

Where to stay in the Gold Coast? 
Choosing where to stay on the Gold Coast can be tough, with so many great options that are all close to beautiful beaches! Surfers Paradise offers high rises, shopping, restaurants and a bustling nightlife. Broadbeach oozes a modern and sophisticated style, with a wide range of accommodation, endless restaurant choices & stylish shopping precincts. Burleigh is a favourite with locals and has a thriving restaurant scene, cool vibe and the lush Burleigh National Park to explore, Coolangatta for relaxed beach vibes and for nature lovers Currumbin is perfect.

What should I pack for my trip to the Gold Coast?
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. If visiting during winter (June to August), we recommend including a light jacket for cooler evenings.

Do I need travel insurance for Gold Coast?
Absolutely, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your travel, we provide a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to Gold Coast. 

Can I use New Zealand dollars on the Gold Coast?
No, while New Zealand is a popular destination for kiwis, you will need to exchange your New Zealand dollars (NZD) for Australian dollars (AUD). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus. All credit cards & debit cards are accepted.

How can I get around the Gold Coast without a car?
The Gold Coast has an efficient public transport system, including buses, trams (G-link), and the Airtrain from Brisbane Airport. You can also use rideshare services like Uber and taxis. For longer stays, make sure you get a go card as that can be used for buses, trams, and trains. 

What is there to do on the Gold Coast?
As kiwis favourite holiday spot, you’ll find there are many things to do on the Gold Coast. Whether you love beaches and sunbathing, thrill-seeking activities or shopping and dining, the Gold Coast has something for everyone. Go kayaking down the pristine waterways, visit a theme park, explore the lush Hinterland or simply just relax on the sand - the choice is yours! You can even enjoy a few sporting events if you time your holiday right!

What are some family-friendly activities on the Gold Coast?
The Gold Coast is the ultimate family holiday destination, and whilst its five theme parks offer all the thrill rides, stunt shows and favourite character encounters you could wish for, there’s plenty more on offer. Get to know the locals at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, hit the broadwater for Jet Boating fun, explore Thunderbird Park in the Tamborine Mountain for high ropes courses for all ages, take in a dinner show at the Outback Spectacular or just enjoy the beaches at Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach.

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