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Middle East

Ancient wonders, modern marvels, endless adventures


Discover the magic of the Middle East

Picture yourself wandering the vibrant souks of Marrakech, soaking in the futuristic skyline of dazzling Dubai, or stepping into history among the majestic temples of Petra. The Middle East offers a kaleidoscope of unforgettable experiences, blending rich heritage with contemporary charm at every turn.

From spectacular ancient ruins to ultra-modern cities, desert landscapes to luxurious retreats, this region effortlessly blends tradition with innovation. Whether you're craving culture, relaxation, adventure, or flavours you'll never forget, the Middle East promises pinch-me moments around every corner.

Talk to our Middle East travel specialists and let us craft your perfect dream holiday through this region, today!

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Flight time.

Flying from Auckland to major Middle Eastern destinations is possible with a direct flight to Doha and Dubai with flight times of 17 to 18 hours.

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Best time to go.

For UAE, November to March where temperatures are more pleasant for outdoor activities. For Egypt, October to April, with cooler temperatures making it easier to explore historical sites.

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Time difference.

Middle East spans several time zones, but most countries are around 9 to 10 hours behind New Zealand Standard Time (NZST, GMT +12).

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

"Within 24 hours of submitting a request we had an itinerary for travel to Europe that catered for all our requests as well as useful suggestions."

Angus

"I have known Sarah as my travel agent since 2018 when I retired here in Matamata. In that time I have had 4 out of 5 overseas trips organized by Sarah, who is very calm and a lovely person, a delight to deal with. i"

Mark

"Alicia worked hard to secure the right flights at the best price for us. Her attitude of nothing is a problem is a point of difference."

Craig

Our Middle East specialists

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Nicci Smith

Nicci Smith

House of Travel Ellerslie

I love everything about travel - the exploring new or much loved places, the landscapes, food, drink, history, culture, language, adventure, time with loved ones and the anticipation!

I have travelled a lot of the world and now love to do so with my family.  We return to UK/Europe to visit family but I also love the amazing places we have closer to home - the Pacific Islands, Australia and Asia.  I also love getting into the outdoors you can't beat NZ for that.

Planning holidays is my dream job - and taking the time to listen to your needs, make suggestions where needed and matching it all up with something that suits you and your budget is always my goal.

Having worked in travel for 20 years + in a range of roles including wholesale reservations, corporate travel and retail, you can rest assured you are dealing with experience.  I am friendly, responsive and efficient, and love to find good deals for my clients.

I really look forward to meeting and working with you. 


Nicci

Sarah Martelli

Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

Lovely to meet you! My love for travel began early—at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I’ve never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!)

I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and I knew I’d found my dream job. Even now, I still smile every day coming to work—I truly LOVE what I do.

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialise in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I’m especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, I’m here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.

I’m known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I’ll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.

Now based on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and our three young children, I understand the #mumlife juggle—and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday! Having travelled to over 40 countries, I can’t wait to share my experience with you.


Sarah

Stacey Mullinger

Stacey Mullinger

House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)

With over 30 years of experience in the travel industry, I’ve built a career focused on creating exceptional holidays through expert planning, attention to detail, and in-depth destination knowledge.

Stacey

Charlotte Coles

Charlotte Coles

House of Travel Riccarton

I absolutely love organising travel and turning every trip into a seamless adventure that’s perfectly tailored to you. My passion for travel is all about the details—whether it’s finding the best local spots, securing that perfect beachfront hotel or ensuring you have unforgettable experiences at every turn.

I’m all about creating stress-free, personalised journeys that suit your style, making sure every part of your trip is smooth, fun, and unforgettable. With me on your team, you’re in for a trip that’s as unique as you are!


Charlotte

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