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Maldives

The atolls dreams are made of

Ariel view of overwater bungalows

Paradise, perfected

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.

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Flight time

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.

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Best time to go

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.

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Time difference

Maldives is 8 hours behind New Zealand, depending on Daylight Saving here so there's a bit of an adjustment to be made.

Meet our Maldives specialists

Rachel Molloy

Rachel Molloy

House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)

Having been in the travel industry for 14 years, it's safe to say travel is my biggest passion. I love turning up somewhere not knowing what to expect and being delighted by both the differences in culture, cuisine and customs.

Part way through my career I took a year off and spent this travelling extensively through central America, Asia and Europe. I'm now fortunate enough to be able to pass on the knowledge I've gained over the years and work with my clients to bring their travel dreams to fruition. 

Rachel

Shelley Rich

Shelley Rich

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

I have been a part of the travel industry for over 30 years and still love it!

I love to travel and I often joke with my clients that I live vicariously through them.

Planning the perfect holiday for my clients fills me with joy. I take pride in what I do and love sharing my passion of travel.

Many of my clients have become life long friends. 

Shelley

Hannah Smaha

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

Leonie Paul

Leonie Paul

House of Travel Blenheim

With nearly two decades at House of Travel, I’m always dreaming of the next adventure. The more I explore, the longer my bucket list grows! The thrill of planning a new journey and learning from each experience excites me.

Discussing travel daily is my passion, I love helping clients realize their travel dreams and living vicariously through their experiences.

Getting to know my clients and understanding what matters most to them is something I truly enjoy. This insight allows me to craft itineraries that are as unique and special as the travelers themselves.

There's nothing more satisfying than a client returning with tales of their adventures. I love hearing their stories, as each journey is different—there's no one-size-fits-all approach to travel.

For me, travel offers the opportunity to learn more about the world around us. With every journey, I find new perspectives, cultures, and places to love.

Travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it's about the growth we experience along the way.

Leonie

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