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Sri Lanka

Island magic, ancient treasures and golden beaches


Beaches, rich history... and ELEPHANTS!

Sri Lanka is a captivating island that packs a serious punch – rich in history, surrounded by golden beaches, teeming with wildlife and full of flavour.

Explore bustling Colombo, climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, or wander the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura. Kandy’s misty hills offer serene beauty and cultural depth, while Trincomalee is all about laid-back beach days and snorkelling in clear blue water.

Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss Minneriya National Park during “The Gathering,” when hundreds of elephants congregate in one of nature’s greatest shows.

Take a tea plantation tour, sample fragrant curries and dive into delicious street food like kottu roti and egg hoppers. Whether you’re hiking lush mountain trails, lazing on a quiet beach, or tucking into spicy sambols with the locals – Sri Lanka is an adventure of colour, warmth and unforgettable moments.

Let our Sri Lanka specialists help you plan your perfect island escape.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to Sri Lanka takes roughly 20 hours with a stopover, but you'll feel totally alive once you get off the plane into this riot of colour and warmth.

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Best time to go

September to October and April are the best times for exploring the whole country and avoiding the monsoon season, but Sri Lanka is a nice warm destination all year.

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Time difference

Sri Lanka is 6.5–7.5 hours behind New Zealand due to daylight saving in NZ. Yes that half hour is correct!

Meet our Sri Lanka experts

Carly Dorrington

Carly Dorrington

House of Travel Papamoa

As a passionate globetrotter, I've explored the corners of the world with my three adventurous children and alongside friends and family, indulging in everything from backpacking escapades to luxurious resort retreats and exhilarating cruises.

My journey through the tapestry of travel experiences has been enriched by my upbringing in England and my time spent living amidst the captivating landscapes of Western Australia. It's these diverse backgrounds that have instilled in me a profound love for travel and a deep understanding of the intricacies of exploring different cultures and landscapes.

My journey through countless destinations has ignited a fervent dedication to curating unforgettable travel experiences, not just for myself, but for fellow wanderlust souls seeking to fulfil their travel dreams. Whether you're yearning for the rugged thrill of backpacking, the tranquil family getaways, the opulence of fancy resorts, or the serene luxury of cruising, I'm here to weave together the perfect itinerary tailored to your desires.

I want to take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the excitement of your trip. I am highly organised and like to ensure everything has been thought of and accounted for. Communicating clearly along the way with you so you feel confident and reassured. 

I would love to help you with your next journey....wherever it may be!


Carly 
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
Cherone Wilson

Cherone Wilson

House of Travel Howick

Travel has been a constant in my life since my OE started with a classic Contiki trip through Europe, followed by working in London and traveling through the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. I also spent a year working in Iceland—a now trendy travel hotspot—before returning to New Zealand.

In 2000, my family moved to the middle east living in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which provided an exciting base for exploring nearby destinations. We had unforgettable holidays in Austria, France, the UK, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Returning to New Zealand marked a new chapter of travel, this time without children. Recent adventures have included Vietnam, India, China, Peru, and Cambodia.

My travel career started with Singapore Airlines and since 2019 I’ve been consulting at House of Travel in Howick.  I love talking and connecting with clients, listening to their travel dreams and turning them into memorable experiences.  

Whether you're looking for an island getaway, relaxing cruise or an exciting adventure, I’m here to help you plan the perfect trip.

Travel is an adventure that brings the world to life. 

Cherone

Rachel Molloy

Rachel Molloy

House of Travel Hamilton East

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

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