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
"He can't do enough for us more a friend than a travel agent we book all our travel through Patrick or staff at house of travel ponsonby"
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Lynette"I walked in without an appointment but had an idea what I wanted . Within 45 mins I was booked and paid for all set to go on holiday again"
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Megan Loughridge
House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD
Hello, I'm Megan Loughridge, and I've recently rejoined the Travel Industry with a renewed passion. As someone who adores planning my own adventures almost as much as experiencing them firsthand, I understand the importance of every detail in creating unforgettable journeys. Drawing from my personal enthusiasm and extensive knowledge across various travel destinations and styles, I'm dedicated to infusing your trips with the same excitement and extensive planning that I bring to my own travels.
Megan
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
Hannah Smaha
House of Travel Johnsonville
Creating a holiday to suit your needs and budget is one of my favourite things to do.
Whether it's based on my own experiences or researching an obscure destination that is on your bucket list, I can't wait to help you book your dream holiday.?
Hannah
Leanne Newton
House of Travel Upper Riccarton
Experiencing travel through the eyes of my daughter, has given me a whole new perspective and thirst for travel.
It enables me to slow my pace, look around and just enjoy being in the moment as she interacts with local people.
It brings back that feeling I had when I first travelled overseas, and I feel so grateful to be able to experience something so meaningful and life changing with my daughter.
Leanne
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.
