We’ve all seen the pictures – powder-white sand, overwater villas and iridescent waters that look almost too perfect to be real. The Maldives is the kind of place you dream about – and once you’re there, it’s even better.
But this island nation isn’t just about perfecting your tan on a lounger. Divers and snorkellers will love Raa and Baa Atoll, home to vibrant marine life and the UNESCO-listed Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve, where manta rays glide through the turquoise.
Culture seekers can visit local islands like Maafushi for a glimpse into daily Maldivian life, while food lovers will be fascinated by a cuisine that blends local tropical ingredients with Indian and Sri Lankan influence.
The Fari Islands offer sleek luxury with minimalist overwater villas and an art-focused vibe, while Laamu Atoll is all about seclusion – lush, untouched landscapes and boutique resorts designed for nature lovers and marine adventurers.
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s an atoll in the Maldives waiting to make your dream holiday come true.
Chat to our Maldives specialists and start planning the trip of a lifetime.
There are no direct flights to Malé, so the journey usually involves a 16 to 22-hour transit via hubs like Singapore or Dubai. The real adventure begins at Velana International Airport, where your "taxi" is often a seaplane or a speedboat. Depending on how remote your resort is, you’ll finish your journey with a low-altitude flight over turquoise atolls or a salt-sprayed ride directly to your overwater villa’s jetty.
The best times to visit the Maldives are during the dry season (November to April). This period brings sunny skies, low humidity, and calm seas, perfect for beach stays, snorkelling, diving, and luxury resort travel.
Maldives is 8 hours behind New Zealand, depending on Daylight Saving here so there's a bit of an adjustment to be made.
What is the best time to visit the Maldives?
The Maldives is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is generally during the dry season from November to April. During these months, you'll typically enjoy sunny days, calm seas, and ideal conditions for snorkelling, diving and relaxing on the beach.
The wet season from May to October can bring short tropical showers and higher humidity, but it often comes with fewer crowds and attractive resort offers.
How long should I spend in the Maldives?
Most New Zealand travellers spend 5 to 7 nights in the Maldives as part of a beach holiday or stopover.
If you're combining the Maldives with destinations like Sri Lanka, Dubai, Singapore or Europe, a week is usually enough time to unwind and enjoy the resort experience. For honeymooners or those looking for complete relaxation, 7 to 10 nights is ideal.
Where should I stay in the Maldives?
The Maldives is made up of nearly 1,200 islands, with most visitors staying on a private resort island. North Malé Atoll is ideal for easy access from the airport, South Malé Atoll is perfect for luxury resorts and diving, Ari Atoll is popular for whale shark encounters and snorkelling and Baa Atoll is renowned for its marine life and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve experiences.
The best island for you will depend on your budget, travel style and the type of experience you're looking for.
Is the Maldives a good holiday destination for New Zealanders?
Absolutely. The Maldives is one of the world's most sought-after tropical escapes, offering crystal-clear lagoons, white-sand beaches, luxury resorts and incredible marine life.
It's particularly popular for honeymoons, anniversaries, romantic getaways and travellers looking to completely switch off and relax.
Do I need a visa for the Maldives from New Zealand?
New Zealand passport holders generally receive a tourist visa on arrival for short stays in the Maldives.
Entry requirements can change, so it's always worth checking the latest official travel advice on Safe Travel before departure.
How do I find the best Maldives holiday package?
Popular Maldives holiday packages often include flights, accommodation, meals and transfers by speedboat or seaplane.
Booking early can help secure better pricing, especially during peak travel periods. Many travellers also combine the Maldives with Sri Lanka, Dubai, Singapore or Europe as part of a multi-city itinerary.
Is the Maldives expensive to visit?
The Maldives is known as a luxury destination, but there are options available across a range of budgets.
While overwater villas and premium resorts can be a significant investment, there are also more affordable beach villas, guesthouses on local islands and package deals that offer excellent value.
How much does a Maldives holiday cost from NZ?
The cost of a Maldives holiday varies depending on the resort, room type and meal plan.
Many travellers choose all-inclusive packages, which can offer good value by including meals, drinks and selected activities. Overwater villas and seaplane transfers generally add to the overall cost.
What should I pack for the Maldives?
The Maldives is all about relaxed island living, so there's no need to overpack.
We recommend bringing:
Most resorts have a very casual dress code, so formal clothing is rarely needed.
Do I need travel insurance for the Maldives?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended.
Given the remote island locations and the need for speedboat or seaplane transfers, having comprehensive cover for medical expenses, travel delays and cancellations is important.
What currency is used in the Maldives?
The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR), although many resorts operate almost entirely in US Dollars (USD).
Credit cards are widely accepted at resorts, making payments easy for international visitors.
Can I use New Zealand dollars in the Maldives?
No, New Zealand dollars are not accepted for everyday transactions.
Most travellers use credit cards or exchange money into US Dollars before travelling.
Is the Maldives safe for travellers?
Yes, the Maldives is considered a very safe destination for visitors.
Resort islands are well managed and secure, making them particularly appealing for couples, honeymooners and families. As with any overseas destination, sensible precautions around valuables and water activities are always recommended.
Can you drink tap water in the Maldives?
Drinking water standards vary between islands and resorts.
Most visitors drink bottled or filtered water provided by their resort rather than tap water.
How do I get around the Maldives?
The Maldives is unique because travel between islands often involves boats or aircraft.
Depending on where you're staying, transfers could look like a scenic speedboat ride, a domestic flight or a seaplane.
These transfers are usually arranged by your resort or travel specialist prior to arrival.
Do I need to island hop in the Maldives?
Not necessarily. Many visitors spend their entire stay on one island resort enjoying the facilities and activities available.
However, if you'd like to experience more of the Maldives, some resorts offer island-hopping excursions to local islands, sandbanks and snorkelling spots.
What are the best things to do in the Maldives?
While relaxation is a highlight, there's plenty to enjoy beyond the beach.
Snorkel with tropical fish and sea turtles, dive among vibrant coral reefs, spot gentle whale sharks and manta rays, stay in an overwater villa, take a sunset cruise, enjoy a well-deserved spa treatment, dine on a private sandbank or watch dolphins prance at sunset.
Is the Maldives good for snorkelling and diving?
Yes, the Maldives is considered one of the world's best destinations for both snorkelling and diving.
Many resorts have house reefs accessible directly from the beach, while boat excursions can take you to spectacular coral gardens, manta ray cleaning stations and whale shark hotspots.
Is the Maldives only for honeymooners?
Not at all. While it's famous for romantic holidays, the Maldives is also a popular choice for family holidays, solo travel adventures, divers and wellness seekers.
Many resorts offer family villas, kids' clubs and activities suitable for all ages.
What cultural etiquette should I know before visiting the Maldives?
The Maldives is a Muslim country, and while resort islands are generally relaxed, it's important to respect local customs when visiting inhabited islands.
Covering your shoulders and knees when visiting local communities is recommended, and respectful behaviour towards local traditions is always appreciated.
Do I need cash or can I use cards in the Maldives?
Most travellers rely almost entirely on credit or debit cards while staying at resorts.
If you're visiting local islands or smaller shops, carrying a small amount of cash can be useful, but cards are accepted at most tourism-focused businesses.
What apps should I download before travelling to the Maldives?
These apps can make your holiday easier:
Downloading entertainment and offline content before arrival can also be useful, particularly if you're planning lots of relaxing beach time.
From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!
I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!
I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!
I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.
I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.
I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.
I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.
My Travel Tips
The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.
Maree
Having spent the last 30
years in the Travel Industry I can safely say "I love my job" !!
Getting to put together dream holidays is very rewarding and it's great to see
so many more Kiwis getting out to see this amazing world of ours...
I love to tailor holidays that are uniquely personal to you. Every person has
different needs, wants and "must do's" for their holiday. Nothing is
cookie cutter in the world of travel so being able to put together an itinerary
that is bespoke and personal is rewarding for myself and for you, the
traveller.
My favourite destinations would be Europe (especially France and Italy), South
East Asia (especially Vietnam and Thailand) and of course our Island
neighbours. I have been to Fiji numerous times and every time I just love it.
But there are so many places I have yet to travel to and I look forward to
sharing my travel stories along the way.
I look forward to working with you..
Nicky
Hi, I'm Katy Devia. My love affair with travel started young, but it truly came alive during 3.5 years of living out of a backpack across Canada, the US, Europe, and the UK. I spent my winters chasing snow—working two snowboard seasons in Whistler, Canada, and two in the French Alps. My summers were just as unforgettable, backpacking through Europe, working on luxury power boats in the South of France, and even selling surf and snowboard gear in the UK. Those years taught me resilience, flexibility, and the pure magic of stepping into the unknown. I then headed back to the United States, where I lived and worked in Berkeley, California, for a year.
Later, love took me further south. Marrying a South American man opened my eyes to the vibrant, untamed beauty of Colombia. Over the years, I've soaked up the sun in the Pacific Islands, explored the streets of Hong Kong and Singapore, visited Bali, and even adventured deep into a gold mine in Borneo.
So, why did I become a travel agent? Honestly? Because I can't stop talking about it. After 15 years away from the industry raising my kids here in Nelson, I realised that my greatest joy is still helping others find that same spark I felt on my very first big adventure. I became a consultant not just to book trips, but to help people discover their perfect version of travel, whether that's heart-pumping adventure or total relaxation. My 'why' is simple: I want your memories to be as vivid as mine.
Katy
“I haven’t been everywhere but it’s on my list” has pretty much been my life motto since I was 14. I sold a motorbike I’d outgrown and used the money to book myself, as an unaccompanied minor, on a flight to Australia to visit family, and I’ve never really stopped travelling since.
In my early 20s I did the classic European OE, and what I love most is how my travel style has evolved with each stage of life. I’ve backpacked, joined coach tours, sailed on luxury cruises and stayed in five star chateaus with two Michelin star restaurants. Now, with two young children, I’m genuinely excited about the next chapter: beach resorts with brilliant kids clubs, multi generational escapes and, of course, the Disneyland years.
I’ve travelled extensively through the South Pacific, Europe and Asia, and I’ve spent 17 years in the travel industry, most of that time working in product. That behind the scenes experience means I know how to sort the genuinely great options from the glossy brochure fluff, and how to build itineraries that flow well in real life, not just on paper.
As a consultant, I am especially passionate about the South Pacific, road trips and multi generational travel. I love finding those little “in between” moments that become the stories you tell for years, like taking the slow roads instead of highways or exploring a new neighbourhood while the washing is spinning at a local laundromat. My goal is to design journeys that feel personal, well considered and fun, with a little bit of something for everyone who is coming along.
If you are looking for someone who understands how travel changes as life does, from solo adventures to family holidays and everything in between, I would love to help you plan your next chapter.
Shane
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