Flight time.
A 4-hour flight from Auckland will land you in Melbourne, one of Australia’s most vibrant cities.
Got a passion? Melbourne’s got a match!
Melbourne's got bustling thoroughfares and charming lanes, with more amazing arcades to explore than any Aussie city. Be ready for a jam-packed itinerary. Dive into Melbourne’s vibrant lifestyle with foodie finds, wine bar wonders, sporty fun, shopping sprees, and artsy adventures. Explore neighbourhoods like Lygon Street for a taste of Italy, Fitzroy for its eclectic vibe, and St Kilda for seaside fun. From the heart of the city to its buzzing neighbourhood hubs, Melbourne is your gateway to Victoria’s vine-tastic wineries, natural springs, stunning coastlines, and cool alpine villages. Get ready to have a ‘Mel’ of a time!
Chat to our Melbourne travel specilaists today to create your perfect holiday.
Best time to go.
The best times to visit Melbourne are during the shoulder seasons of March to May and September to November. These months offer mild temperatures, ideal for exploring the city’s diverse neighborhoods and cultural attractions.
Time difference.
Melbourne is 2 hours behind New Zealand, so you’ll need to set your watch back slightly.
Our favourite things to do in Melbourne
Wander through Melbourne's hidden laneways
Melbourne's lively laneways have an Alice in Wonderland feel - you never know what lies around the next corner.
Cruise the famous Great Ocean Road
Hire a car, grab some snacks and cue up Spotify for what might be most staggeringly beautiful drive you’ll make.
Do a classic “dine and dance” evening onboard a steam train
Get date night back on track when you step into the romance of train travel onboard Puffing Billy.
Feast in Little Italy
If you want real parmesan, cut from the block, grated over your pasta with a twist of style, Lygon Street is the place ot go.
Shop 'til you drop!
The shopping and fashion culture of Melbourne is one that is almost impossible to keep up with, but it is so fun to try!
Game, set, match
Love Tennis? There's no better time to visit than mid-to-late January when the Australian Open takes over for two weeks.
Go behind the scenes at Melbourne’s sporting venues
Take an unforgettable guided tour of the MCG and visit the National Sports Museum to discover what makes Australia such a great sporting country.
Take a day trip to Yarra Valley
Did you even go to Melbourne if you didn’t make the 1-hour trip to Yarra Valley?
Our Aussie 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
Monica Nichol
House of Travel The Square
I grew up dreaming about traveling the world and was fortunate to make some of those dreams come true!
Traveling gets me super excited, so if you are wanting to make your travel dreams become a reality, what are you waiting for?
Come in and see me!
Monica
Chelsea Rowe
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
Why a customer would choose me:
I'm honestly in my dream job - I get to combine my passion for travel with my love of organisation and planning. Travel has changed so much over the last few years and continues to do so, which means there are more details to consider than ever before.
It's so much fun getting to know my clients and helping them come up with the perfect itinerary. I can research to my heart's content and get into the nitty gritty to make sure your trip flows smoothly.
You just bring me your dream and we can build it together. Then leave me to focus on the details, so that you can relax and have your best adventure yet!
Meet Me:
I moved home to NZ in 2017 after living on the Sunshine Coast in Australia for ten years during my 20's (yes, I'd love to help you plan your next trip over there).
In the weekends I'm either reading a good book at home cuddled up with my rescue cats, or traipsing through the local forests - I'm not much of a city dweller if I can help it.
When it comes to travel, my attitude leans more towards 'go big or go home'. If I'm flying halfway around the world, you can bet that I'm going to make the most of it. I will bargain hunt my heart out so that I can fit in more days, more locations and more fun.
I mean, is there any better feeling in the world than standing somewhere you've never been before, experiencing new things, tasting new foods, meeting new people and just having the time of your life?
Chelsea
Petra Otte
House of Travel Wellington CBD
Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.
My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.
It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.
Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you.
Petra
Sarah Martelli
House of Travel Rotorua
Leaving home at 19 with a one way ticket to London to start my OE, it's fair to say I've had the travel bug for years!
Living overseas for 8 years, and in London for four years, I travelled extensively around Europe. Barcelona is my favourite city!
Then living in Melbourne for four years after that, this is where I started my career in travel in 2004. It was my dream job all those years ago and I still smile every day when I come to work now, I LOVE this job!
Nothing brings me more joy then hearing of clients travel plans, putting together itineraries and making their travel experience run as smooth as possible from start to finish.
I like to think I am a friendly, bubbly personality, a good listener and I will take on board your needs while also guiding you with helpful advice and suggestions when needed. I live on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and three young children, I understand the #mum-life juggle and the need to get away and escape for a holiday sometimes! Having travelled to nearly 40 countries, I have lots of experience that I cant wait to share it with you. Looking forward to meeting you soon.
Sarah
Best. Holidays. Ever!
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FAQS
What is the best time of year to visit Melbourne?
If you want to experience Melbourne's culture and cuisine, nightlife and arts then, travel between March and May or September and November, when the weather is mild and the city is full of life. Enjoy the spring and autumn colours in Melbourne's parks and gardens, and explore its diverse neighbourhoods. Don't forget to check out Federation Square, St Kilda Beach, the Melbourne Zoo, and the Queen Victoria Market.
Where are the things to do in Melbourne?
Name your passion and Melbourne can match it. Explore Melbourne’s eclectic precincts and fringe suburbs and dive in to uncover quirky restaurants for cheap, filling lunches; coffee worth boasting about; underground art; hidden dens and rooftop bars; green spaces; fancy places; and some good yarns along the way.
Melbourne is the gateway to Victoria’s world-class wineries, natural springs, peninsulas, spectacular coastline and alpine villages. Don't miss a visit to St Kilda Beach, the Melbourne Zoo, and the historic Queen Victoria Market. There is no shortage of things to do in Melbourne, with so much to offer right on your doorstep. If you're planning a holiday in Sydney & NSW, explore our Melbourne travel guide crafted with help from our Melbourne experts to make the most of your trip.
How to find the best holiday package to Melbourne?
Visit our Melbourne deals section on our website or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest holiday package deals sent straight to your email.
Where to stay in Melbourne?
Melbourne offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget. The CBD is perfect for those who want to be close to major attractions and public transport. For a more bohemian vibe, consider staying in Fitzroy or Carlton. Southbank and Docklands offer modern hotels with stunning city views.
What should I pack for my trip to Melbourne?
Melbourne's weather can be unpredictable, so pack layers. Include comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, and an umbrella. In the summer months bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. In the winter (June to August), pack warmer clothing and a coat.
Do I need travel insurance for Melbourne?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to Melbourne. We offer a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to Australia. Find more information on our website.
Can I use New Zealand dollars in Melbourne?
No, 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. Most credit and debit cards are widely accepted.
Do I need to hire a car to get around in Melbourne?
Hiring a car is not essential in Melbourne as it has extensive public transport system, which includes trams, trains, and buses. The free City Circle Tram is great for getting around the CBD. However, we recommend renting a car if you plan to explore the beautiful regional Victoria.
Where is the best place for shopping in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a shopper's paradise with a variety of options. Visit Bourke Street Mall for high-street fashion, Chadstone Shopping Centre for luxury brands, and Queen Victoria Market for fresh produce and unique souvenirs. Explore the laneways and arcades in the CBD for boutique shopping and quirky finds.
How can I get around Melbourne without a car?
Melbourne has an efficient public transport system. Use trams, trains, and buses to get around the city. The Myki card is a convenient way to pay for all public transport. For shorter trips, consider rideshare services like Uber and taxis.
Where are the best places in Melbourne for food and drink?
Melbourne is Australia's culinary capital so whether you're craving Italian, Asian, or something else, Melbourne has you covered. You'll find mouth-watering restaurants and cafes all over the city, but here are some of our favourites. For a taste of Italy, head to Lygon Street in Carlton and enjoy pizza, pasta, and gelato. For a variety of Asian flavours, check out Chinatown in the CBD and sample dumplings, noodles, and more. For the best brunch in town, don't miss Fitzroy and Collingwood, where you'll find hip cafes and cool bars. Make sure you try the best coffee and bagels in Melbourne at Manchester Press café in a converted warehouse in Rankins Lane - it's usually packed, so get there early.
What are some family-friendly activities in Melbourne?
Melbourne is a great destination for families. There's plenty of things to do for the whole family in Melbourne from interactive museums and kids' festivals to zoos and wildlife parks. You can enjoy the natural beauty of the Royal Botanic Gardens, explore the interactive exhibits at Scienceworks and the Melbourne Museum. If you are looking for some fun and excitement, take a trip to Luna Park in St Kilda for amusement rides and games.
