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Philippines

A thousand islands and a million smiles

Ariel view of shoreline on boats

Find your paradise in the Philippines

Many people picture the busy streets of Manila when they think of the Philippines, but this vibrant country is made up of thousands of islands – each with its own magic.

From coral reefs and limestone cliffs to powdery beaches and emerald lagoons, the scenery is next-level stunning. In the Cordillera Highlands, you’ll find the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces, and in Sagada, the mysterious and hauntingly beautiful Hanging Coffins.

Palawan is pure tropical paradise – think towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters and colourful reefs, perfect for kayaking or island-hopping. Wind down at the end of the day with beachfront dining and laid-back bars (Coron is a diver’s dream).

In Cebu, you’ll find a vibrant mix of history, waterfalls and beaches all within easy reach of the city.

But maybe the best thing about the Philippines? The people. Warm, welcoming and always ready with a smile – you’ll never feel like a stranger here.

Ready for your island-hopping escape? Chat to our Philippines specialists and start planning your unforgettable adventure.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to the Philippines takes roughly 14 hours with a stopover. It's not short but the hospitality of the locals will envelope you as soon as you land.

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Best time to go

The Philippines has two seasons: dry (December–May) and rainy (June–November). Sunny dry months are ideal for beach days, but off-peak travel offers lower prices and quieter beaches—albeit with wet patches.

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Time difference

The Philippines are 4–5 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving in NZ. It might take a couple of days to get used to the time difference.

Meet our Philippines specialists

Nicky Aitken

Nicky Aitken

House of Travel Papamoa

I have had a lifelong love affair for exploring the world. Raised in a family that prioritised travel, I inherited a passion for all things travel. I have lived in different countries (London, USA, Argentina) and I am fascinated with the rich tapestry of culture, people, religion and food in new places. 

My love for travel has taken me to some of the world’s most amazing places!

From Mauritius to Bahamas and all in between, I have been privileged to experience the world and being able to speak and understand 5 languages English, Afrikaans, Dutch, German and Greek) certainly comes in helpful.

I have grown up in South Africa, spending most of my adult life there, being able to show my clients what makes this region so unique is a privilege. Africa was my backyard after all and even after living in NZ for almost 12 years, my heart still beats to the African Drum.

For me, choosing a favourite destination is impossible. But .. Bali has literally captivated my heart, and even though I have been there 20+ times, I still always find new things to uncover. As does the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles, these islands just have the “it” factor

I also love ocean cruising, especially Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Cruising offers such a great variety and a chance to see multiple destinations and experiencing iconic landmarks and locations from your hotel on the sea. 

I WOULD SAY MY PASSION IS MAKING MY CLIENTS DREAM HOLIDAYS COME TRUE AND I PRIDE MYSELF ON MY EFFICIENT SERVICE AT ALL TIMES.

Nicky
Leonie Paul

Leonie Paul

House of Travel Merivale

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

Kelsey Mackay

Kelsey Mackay

House of Travel Hamilton East

My favourite thing about this job being able to explore and research lots of cool destinations daily and creating some cool itineraries is really exciting.

I love hearing all about the trip and my client’s experiences when they get home but it’s certainly making my book-it “list” turn into a novel.

My favourite place I have visited is Puerto Rico - from the beautiful white-sand beaches and the best coffee & chocolate I’ve ever had, this country is so rich with culture. It’s sure to be a memorable port stop on your next Caribbean Cruise.

The next place I would love to explore is South America - from Argentina, along the Amazon from Rio, Brazil, Venezuela and Peru!


Kelsey
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

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