Flight time.
The Gold Coast is only a 3.5-hour flight from Auckland, so you can be enjoying the sun and surf in no time.
Sun, surf, and fun.
G'DAY! and welcome to Kiwis’ favourite holiday destination for sun, surf, and fun. We all know and love this vibrant city for its world-class beaches, thrilling theme parks, and the iconic Surfers Paradise skyline. What makes the Gold Coast special is you can be whale watching or diving in the morning and then come the afternoon, you could be encountering glistening waterfalls like Curtis Falls in the hinterland and dining at one of the city’s whopping 23 “hatted” restaurants. With over 160 experiences within a 30-minute radius, the Gold Coast really does have it all.
Planning a Gold Coast holiday? Come and talk to our Gold Coast travel specialists today.
Best time to go.
The best time to visit the Gold Coast is from September to November and March to May, when the weather is comfortable for both beach days and theme park adventures.
Time difference.
The Gold Coast is 2 hours behind New Zealand. This small time difference is easy to adjust to, making for a seamless transition.
Our favourite things to do in the Gold Coast
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.
Go beyond the beaches
Trade in the surf for serene trails and mountain air – nature’s calling.
Surf, stroll, and soak up the views
Experience the wild beauty of a natural headland in the heart of the Gold Coast.
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.
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!
Soar high at the epic Pacific Air Show!
Get ready for the ultimate family adventure!
Captain your own adventure
Grab your crew, pack the snacks, and let the good times roll on the open water!
Best. Food. Ever!
Sip on cocktails, feast on the catch, and soak in the vibes!
Taste the world in the Gold Coast
From Bangkok to Barcelona, your flavour journey starts here!
More than a 'surfers' paradise!
Pop on your Captain's Hat, pack the picnic.
Our Gold Coast travel blogs
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"I missed my flight out of Auckland due to major issues moving out of my flat. Megan got my flight changed to the next day and done on top of a very busy day for her and at a cost the was well well below what I thought it was going to cost me"
Duncan"Carly is a very pleasant lady. Nothing is a problem for her to look into the best deals for us. Carly is always very prompt in getting back to us. I wouldn’t hesitate to call Carly in the future."
Kelvin"He was very committed to Finding a solution to a problem Looking at different options Thinking outside the box Empathising cost challenges Being friendly"
Liz
Penni McDonald
House of Travel Auckland City
As the stores resident cruise specialist without a doubt my favorite way to travel is by ship.
11 cruises so far & inspections of a further 20+ ships.
River cruises on the Nile, Danube & Rhone.
Ocean cruises in the South Pacific, Caribbean & NZ.
Penni
Silvana Rooney
House of Travel Auckland City
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I was born in Brazil, moved to New Zealand in 2004 and have worked in the travel industry since 1999. I enjoy turning holiday dreams into reality assisting my clients to create their perfect holiday. My goal is to exceed customer expectations every time. Silvana |
Vanessa Davidson
House of Travel Hornby
I am a new travel specialist this year and am motivated to help you with all your Island and Australian adventures.
I have always had a passion for travel, and now can transfer that passion into helping you with your unique holiday experience.
Come in and see myself and the team at House of Travel Hornby.
Vanessa
Wendy Harrison
House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing
I am an adventure seeker with a passion for exploring the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences and have a particular love for small group tours and adventures. Whether it's cruising in the Galapagos Islands or exploring new cities, I love the intimacy and camaraderie that comes with traveling in small groups.
When I'm not adventuring, you can often find me at live sports and events, cheering on my favourite teams and soaking up the excitement of the crowd. Or I'm equally at home soaking up the sun during a beautiful island beach holiday.
I also have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore new destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, and cruising across the Tasman. All while enjoying the comforts and amenities of life on the water.
One of my favourite pastimes is people watching whether it's from a cafe in Paris or on the streets of New York. For me, there is nothing more fascinating than observing the unique and diverse cultures of the world and the interactions of the people within them. I'm always seeking out new experiences and adventures, driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding.
Wendy
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.
