Flight time.
Traveling from Auckland to Spain or Portugal takes around 24 hours, typically with a stopover. The journey is long, but the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes make it worth the effort.
Hola! And Ola!
These two euro neighbours will captivate your heart with the romance of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, the friendly, passionate people, the Mediterranean climate, culinary delights, unique history, architecture and landscapes. Stay in a Paradore in Spain and explore the Mediterranean coastline, then head over the Spanish plains to the mountain chains. Discover wonderful Moorish palaces, castles, heritage sites, Roman ruins and national parks. Join one of their many crazy festivals and learn the flamenco. From Spain, travel through Portugal’s charming medieval towns, past too many castles to count, devouring port wine and Pastel de natas on the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Take your pick of sandy beaches, where the sun shines 300 days a year as you wind on down to the exquisite Algarve.
Planning a Spain & Portugal holiday? Connect with one of our Spain & Portugal travel specialists to create your dream holiday today!
Explore Essential Spain & Portugal by Rail
Spain & Portugal
Essential Spain & Portugal by Rail
10 Nights
Rail Travel
Sightseeing
Contact us for the best price available
Explore Classic Spain by Rail
Spain
Classic Spain by Rail
14 Nights
Rail Travel
Sightseeing
Contact us for the best price available
HOT EXCLUSIVE
Explore Douro River Escape
Douro River Escape
Glide through the sun-drenched landscapes of Portugal along the enchanting Douro River, where terraced vineyards, golden hills, and centuries-old villages line the shore. This serene journey blends rich cultural heritage with stunning scenery, offering a taste of traditional wine country and timeless charm. From historic Porto to quaint riverside towns, every moment is steeped in flavour, history, and relaxed elegance.
7 night Flavors of Portugal & Spain - Vega de Terron to Porto
Onboard AmaVida
Based on departure 05 Dec 26
From $5719 share twin Window Stateroom
Click here for 2026 Itinerary, Availability & Price
7 night Enticing Douro - Porto to Porto
Onboard AmaDouro or Ama Sintra
Based on departure 21 Jul 26
From $8599 share twin Window Stateroom
Click here for 2026 Itinerary, Availability & Price
*Other sailing dates available. Contact your consultant for full itinerary details, sailing dates and pricing.
2026 Sailings
from
$
5719
per person share twin Window Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
AmaWaterways
Departs 21 Jul 2026
Explore The Mediterranean with Explora Journeys
The Mediterranean with Explora Journeys
Sailing with Explora Journeys through the Mediterranean blends laid-back luxury with timeless elegance. Glide along sun-drenched coastlines, from charming seaside villages to storied ancient cities, all while enjoying bespoke experiences, world-class cuisine, and curated moments of discovery. With every port, the Mediterranean reveals a new layer of culture, history, and effortless beauty—perfectly complemented by Explora’s signature style and serenity.
View Mediterranean 2026 Mar to Jun Sailings
View Mediterranean 2026 Jul to Nov Sailings
2026 Sailings
All inclusive Ultra Luxury
Flights are Additional
Cruising with
Explora Journeys
Departs 3 May 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Unforgettable Douro
Unforgettable Douro
Portugal’s Douro River winds its way through towns that have stood the test of time, preserving their distinctive culture and way of life, even as the world all around them has changed.
A cruise along the Douro River will transport you to days gone by. You’ll find locals still ply their traditional trades as they have for centuries, regional fare is authentic and honest, and the locals are welcoming and passionate about their heritage. Discover this rich history and culture throughout the Douro Valley, from Vega de Terron, a border town with Spanish influences, to the ancient town of Lamego, the birthplace of port. This famous wine has been cultivated in the same way since the first vines were planted on the terraced banks of the Douro. On this cruise you’ll see all the highlights of the Douro, as well as discover some hidden gems, and relish the ample time for relaxation on board your luxurious Scenic Space-Ship while soaking up breathtaking scenery.
10 night Cruise
Based on departure 16 Aug 26
From $9865 share twin Standard Stateroom
Includes Savings of $1500 per couple*
Ports of Call: Porto → Pinhão → Provesende → Barca d’Alva → Salamanca → Pocinho → Régua → Lamego → Porto
*Other sailing dates available. Contact your consultant for full itinerary details, sailing dates and pricing.
10 Night cruise
from
$
9865
per person share twin Standard Suite
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Scenic River Cruises
Departs 13 Apr 2026
Explore Northern Europe with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Northern Europe with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Discover Northern Europe with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, where majestic fjords, enchanting capitals, and picturesque villages await. Glide past Norway’s towering cliffs, Iceland’s volcanic landscapes, and the lush hills of Scotland, all from the comfort of your luxurious superyacht. Explore centuries-old castles, vibrant harbours, and cobblestone streets, and immerse yourself in the timeless charm, natural wonders, and serene beauty that define this extraordinary region.
2026 Sailings
Dramatic Fjords & Iconic Capitals
Cruising with
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Departs 20 Jun 2026
Explore The Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Discover the timeless charm of the Mediterranean with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Glide past cliff-clinging villages, historic ports, and iconic landmarks, from the blue-domed churches of Santorini to the monumental treasures of Rome and the Vatican. Aboard your luxurious superyacht, unwind as you explore charming harbours, pristine beaches, and centuries-old traditions, all with the signature comfort and service of The Ritz-Carlton experience.
2026 Sailings
Sun-drenched Rivieras
Cruising with
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Departs 23 Apr 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
AVAILABLE IN 2026 & 2027 SAILINGS
Explore Europe with Aurora Expeditions
Europe with Aurora Expeditions
Sail Europe the Aurora way — with curiosity, comfort, and connection at the heart of every journey. Whether tracing Viking routes, exploring remote isles off Scotland, or basking in Mediterranean charm, these expeditions offer rare perspectives of Europe’s coastlines. With small ships and expert guides, you’ll enjoy a relaxed yet enriching voyage where every day feels like a discovery.
Morocco and Spain: Moor Than A Myth
12 Nights Cruise from Marrakech, Morocco, Africa
20 Jun 26 - 02 Jul 26
From $20,245 per person share twin, Aurora Stateroom
From $30,365 per person single, Aurora Stateroom
Save up to 20%*
Ports of Call: Marrakech, Embark Casablanca (Port: Casablanca), Tangier, Seville, Cadiz, Gibraltar, Granada, Cartagena, Valencia, Mallorca, Barcelona
Amsterdam to Lisbon: Coasting the Atlantic
16 Nights Cruise from Amsterdam, Netherlands
21 Sep 27 - 07 Oct 27
From $27,185 per person share twin, Aurora Stateroom
From $40,777 per person single, Aurora Stateroom
Save up to 20%*
Ports of Call: Amsterdam, Oostende, Honfleur, Guernsey, Saint-Malo, Lorient, La Rochelle, San Sebastian, A Coruna, Santiago de Compostela, Porto, Lisbon
Sailing 'The Med': A Mediterranean Feast
15 Nights Cruise from Valletta, Malta
19 May 27 - 05 Jun 27
From $42,519 per person share twin, Aurora Stateroom
From $63,775 per person single, Aurora Stateroom
Save up to 20%*
Ports of Call: Valletta, Syracuse, Messina, Palermo, Cagliari, Olbia, Bonifacio, Mahón, Palma de Mallorca, Barcelona
Aboard Aurora’s small expedition ships, you’ll travel with a team of naturalists, historians, and local experts who bring each destination to life. Enjoy flexible itineraries that adapt to the weather, wildlife, and the unexpected — because true exploration is about following curiosity.
12 to 15 Night Cruises
from
$
20,245
per person share twin Aurora Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Aurora Expeditions
Departs 20 Jun 2026
Explore Cruises from Malta
Cruises from Malta
Sailing from Valletta, Malta’s cultural gem, P&O Cruises UK takes you on an unforgettable Mediterranean journey. Explore the stunning coastlines and vibrant cultures of Italy, Greece, Croatia, France, Spain, and Turkey, where ancient ruins, charming villages, sun-kissed beaches, and delectable cuisine await.
View Cruises from Malta 2026 Sailings
View Cruises from Malta 2027 Sailings
P&O Cruises UK combines British charm with modern cruising comforts. Enjoy elegant dining, West End-style entertainment, and a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the fleet. Whether you’re relaxing poolside, sampling afternoon tea, or catching live music under the stars, every moment at sea feels effortlessly easy and wonderfully familiar.
2026 & 2027 Sailings
Sun, History & Shores
Cruising with
P&O Cruises UK
Departs 7 May 2026
Explore Cruises from Southampton
Cruises from Southampton
Sailing from Southampton, P&O Cruises UK opens the door to a world of discovery. Explore the sun-drenched Canary Islands and Mediterranean, Norway’s stunning fjords, or Europe’s historic coastal cities. With itineraries for every pace — from short escapes to longer adventures — it’s a seamless way to experience incredible destinations.
View Cruises from Southampton
2026 Mar - Jun Sailings
2026 Jun - Dec Sailings
P&O Cruises UK combines British charm with modern cruising comforts. Enjoy elegant dining, West End-style entertainment, and a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the fleet. Whether you’re relaxing poolside, sampling afternoon tea, or catching live music under the stars, every moment at sea feels effortlessly easy and wonderfully familiar.
2026 Sailings
Fjords, Charm & Beaches
Cruising with
P&O Cruises UK
Departs 1 May 2026
LAST MINUTE CRUISES
ALL INCLUSIVE LUXURY
Explore Regent Seven Seas Mediterranean Escape
Regent Seven Seas Mediterranean Escape
Cruises departing from Istanbul, Rome, and Barcelona invite travelers into a rich tapestry of cultures, coastlines, and centuries-old history. From the vibrant bazaars of Istanbul to the timeless beauty of Rome, and the colorful rhythm of Barcelona, each port offers a unique gateway to unforgettable Mediterranean journeys. Whether you're drawn to ancient ruins, sun-drenched beaches, or world-renowned cuisine, these voyages offer the perfect blend of relaxation and exploration across Southern Europe's most iconic destinations.
Captivating Canary Islands - 10 Night Onboard Seven Seas Voyager®
Lisbon – Malaga
23 Mar – 02 Apr 26
From $27, 715 per person share twin Voyager Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Passage to History - 14 Night Onboard Seven Seas Splendor®
Lisbon – Barcelona
27 Mar – 10 Apr 26
From $17,929 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Pesto, Paella & Paradise - 9 Night Onboard Seven Seas Voyager®
Rome (Civitavecchia) – Barcelona (Tarragona)
17 Apr – 27 Apr 26
From $13,825 per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
Journey to the Golden Horn - 14 Night Onboard Seven Seas Grandeur®
Barcelona –Istanbul
21 Apr – 05 May 26
From $15,895 per person share twin Serenity Suite
Click here to view full itinerary and pricing details
9 to 14 Night Luxury Cruise
from
$
13,825
per person share twin Deluxe Veranda Suite
Flights additional
Flights additional
Cruising with
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Departs 17 Apr 2026
Explore Europe with Virgin Voyages
Europe with Virgin Voyages
Wander your way through Europe with Virgin Voyages, where every port tells a different story. From the sun-soaked coastlines of Greece and Croatia to the cobbled streets of Belgium and the cultural gems of Spain, this is a continent made for slow mornings and late-night strolls. Cruise past Norway’s dramatic fjords, sip sangria in Valencia, or lose yourself in the art and architecture of Florence. With stops that span seaside villages, iconic capitals, and off-the-map treasures, these sailings serve up Europe’s greatest hits—with a few unexpected tracks along the way.
View Europe 2026 May to Oct Sailings
Step aboard Virgin Voyages and discover a cruise experience that’s refreshingly different. With over 20+ eateries included, Michelin-inspired menus, boundary-pushing entertainment, and adults-only spaces throughout, life on board is anything but ordinary. Expect elevated design, wellness at your pace, and a cheeky dose of fun from a crew that knows how to keep things light and lively.
2026 Sailings
Onboard Scarlet Lady or Resilient Lady
Wander the Wonders of Europe
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Virgin Voyages
Departs 10 May 2026
AVAILABLE IN 2025
ENJOY 80% OFF
Explore Virgin Voyages Europe Sailings for 2025
Virgin Voyages Europe Sailings for 2025
Virgin Voyages offers escape at sea, designed exclusively for adults looking to relax, rejuvenate, and explore in style.
Embark on a Mediterranean adventure from vibrant homeports in Barcelona, Spain, and Piraeus (Athens), Greece. Set sail between the iconic islands of Santorini and Mykonos, uncover the beauty of Croatia’s breathtaking coastline, or enjoy a glass of Chianti as you wander through the charming cobbled streets of Italy.
Scarlet Lady, 30 August 2025, 6 Nights, A Taste of Spain & Bordeaux, roundtrip from the UK
Portsmouth, La Coruna, Bilbao, La Verdon (Bordeaux), Portsmouth
FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From $1960 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Scarlet Lady, 18 May 2025, 7 Nights, Palma & Ibiza
Barcelona, Cannes, Ajaccio (Corsica), Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza (overnight), Barcelona
80% Off your 2nd sailor plus FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From NZ$2543 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Resilient Lady, 27 July 2025, 7 Nights Greece, Croatia & Montenegro
Athens, Kotor (Montenegro), Dubrovnik, Corfu, Mykonos, Athens
80% Off your 2nd sailor plus FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From NZ$2542 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Resilient Lady, 08 June 2025, 7 Nights, Greek Islands and Turkiye
Athens, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum, Mykonos (overnight), Athens
80% Off your 2nd sailor & FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$200 PER ROOM
From NZ$3052 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Scarlet Lady, 12 September 2025, 13 Nights, Spain, Portugal & Morocco
Portsmouth, La Coruna Lisbon (overnight), Casablanca, Malaga, Ibiza (overnight), Barcelona
80% Off your 2nd sailor plus FREE BAR TAB WORTH US$300 PER ROOM
From NZ$2860 per person share twin
Click here for full itinerary and pricing details
Sailing across Europe
from
$
1960
Cruising with
Virgin Voyages
Departs
Melissa Topp
House of Travel Christchurch City
Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.
Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.
Years in the Industry: over 20
No. of countries visited: 50+
Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no
maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….
Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld
· “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo
Why I love travel?
Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.
My travel tips:
- Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is
much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be
another one.. ATM out of
money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and
explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just
take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
- Focus on value over
deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising
your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at
your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really
going to cost you once you are there.
- Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Rio
De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a
local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all
together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to
everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing
the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to
watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and
Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
- Europe
River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location,
right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return
when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and
drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have
under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and
more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less
visited towns.
- Rocky
Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the
Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few
minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey
is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the
Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the
mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass
roof of the train.
- Borneo
– Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to
the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into
the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in
their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with
many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
- East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.
What’s in my suitcase?
- A
dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in
tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul
flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where
your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to
curl up in.
- A
dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to
take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when
home.
- Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.
Melissa
David Williams
House of Travel Christchurch City
In the 28 years of owning House of Travel Christchurch City, I have successfully developed a passionate and award-winning team of travel specialists. Our holiday specialists can take you to the destinations that you have dreamed of and let you know inside information that will enrich your travel experience. The highly experienced business travel division will exceed your expectations leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless travel experience every time. We also have a fantastic HOT Events team that can take care of your conference, team building or any event requirement you might have from a planned dinner event to incentive or recognition programme.
From my beginnings in customer sales and service, travelling to over 60 countries, my primary focus is overseeing all divisions, and growing our every popular Sporting Events Programmes. A highlight is delivering a highly successful games campaigns with our New Zealand Olympic Travel team. This includes all New Zealand Team Athlete Travel to providing a family and friends programme as well as a world class corporate offering for sponsors.
I am however most proud of the team for us being awarded three top awards at the National Travel Industry Awards - Best Retail Travel Agency in New Zealand, Best Travel Consultant in New Zealand, Best Groups Team in New Zealand.
Great holidays are made better together with the House of Travel Christchurch City team.
David
Lisa Crawford
House of Travel Lower Hutt
My love of languages and exploring the world has naturally evolved into
a career in travel. I enjoy discovering what motivates your travels and
tailoring your trip to suit your own style and interests.
I have travelled extensively across Europe and lived abroad both in the UK and
Paraguay. Recent travel highlights include cruising Hawaii’s Islands and
experiencing the best of Washington DC.
My special interest is in cruising, from the world’s largest floating resorts
to casually cruising Europe’s rivers or the more adventurous Expedition ships
to the Antarctic. There is a cruise possibility for every personality and
preference!
I look forward to getting to know you and helping you to get the most out of
your next adventure.
Lisa
Brigitta Moore
House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)
Nice to meet you! I love traveling with my husband, whether it's hiking the Camino de Santiago, biking through Latvia, or relaxing on beach holidays in places like Greece and Fiji. Recent highlights include cruising Norway and exploring Puglia, Italy—though I’m always guilty of overpacking!
Brigitta
DID YOU KNOW?
Best time to go.
The best times to visit Spain and Portugal are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons provide mild weather, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside.
Time difference.
Spain and Portugal are 10 hours behind New Zealand, so plan for a noticeable time difference.
Our favourite things to do in Spain & Portugal
Step into Gaudi’s world in Barcelona
Wander through the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter early morning before the crowds.
Paella cooking class
Return from Spain with the know-how to whip up a mean Paella.
Tapas like a local
We recommend doing a tapas/pintxos tour as soon as you get to Spain, this will teach you how to eat tapas like a local.
Sail through Portugal’s hidden gem
For a distinctly unique experience cruise the Douro Valley in Portugal.
Take a day trip from Lisbon
Visit the whimsical Pena Palace in Sintra ,Portugal.
Flamenco in Spain or Fado in Portugal
Experience local music and dance!
Walk the Camino
A bucket-list adventure!
Stay in Castles and Palaces
Imagine sleeping in a palace, castle, or a historical monument – that’s what staying at a Parador in Spain or a Pousada in Portugal feels like!
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"Prompt service, sound advice, efficient"
Simon"Good communication skills, quick replies, lots of different options"
Naeve Eilish"Kim, very friendly and listened to our holiday requirements, good communication liaising with holiday resort regarding dietary requirements."
SusanOur Spain & Portgual travel blogs
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