Flight time.
The journey from Auckland to Thailand typically takes around 11-12 hours, usually involving a stopover. Despite the long travel time, the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes make it worth the trip.
Paradise found, and it tastes like Pad Thai!
Sawasdee! Dreaming of tropical shores, captivating culture, and flavours you'll crave forever? Welcome to Thailand! Imagine yourself strolling on powder-soft sands, diving into crystal-clear waters that stay blissfully warm year-round, and uncovering hidden beaches you'll swear were made just for you.
Every day offers something special here: from tasting tantalising street food bursting with vibrant flavours to melting your worries away with soothing massages or exploring magnificent temples steeped in history and spirituality.
Whether it’s finding your bliss on a secluded island, seeking adventure in bustling Bangkok, or unwinding with the friendliest locals you’ll ever meet, Thailand promises pinch-me moments you'll talk about for years to come.
Excited yet? Chat to one of our Thailand travel specialists and we’ll craft your Best. Holiday. Ever!
Best time to go.
The ideal time to visit Thailand is from November to February, when the weather is cool and dry. This period is perfect for exploring temples, beaches, and bustling markets without the intense heat.
Time difference.
Thailand is 5 hours behind New Zealand. Be prepared for a time shift that will take a bit of adjustment.
Our favourite things to do in Thailand
Island hop through Thailand
This is what Thailand is known for - its dramatic, emerald dotted islands.
Experience local life
Dare yourself and jump on a Tuk Tuk (motorised rickshaw) and zoom through the lively streets of Bangkok! While a cab might cost the same (or even be cheaper), the nimble tuk tuk gets you there faster, zipping through the hustle and bustle.
Thai cooking class
Fancy yourself as a chef?
Make your way Bangkok temples
A great day trip from Bangkok.
Your zen zone in Thailand
Massage and medicine is synonymous with Thai culture.
Family fun in the wild
If you're traveling with kids, Elephant Hills in Khao Sok National Park is a must-visit!
Treat yourself with a traditional Thai massage
Beach masseuses can usually be found frequenting the beaches between November and April, especially on Patong Beach.
Stay in a luxury Thai treehouse
Coax out your inner child at Tree House Villas, a luxury adults-only hideout on Thailand’s stunning Koh Yao Noi island.
BREAKFAST DAILY
INCLUDES 1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Mode Sathorn
Bangkok
Mode Sathorn
4 Nights
Transfers
Breakfast
from
$
399
per person share twin. Flights are additional
BREAKFAST DAILY
SAVE $696 PER COUPLE
Explore Beyond Resort Kata
Thailand
Beyond Resort Kata
Return flights
8 Nights
Transfers
Breakfast
from
$
2689
per person share twin
Flying with
Malaysia Airlines
ADULTS ONLY
SAVE $752 PER COUPLE
Explore Beyond Resort Karon
Thailand
Beyond Resort Karon
Return flights
8 Nights
Transfers
Breakfast
from
$
2769
per person share twin
Flying with
Malaysia Airlines
ALL INCLUSIVE
Explore Club Med Endless Summer Sale 2026
Asia
Club Med Endless Summer Sale 2026
3 nights accommodation
All meals and drinks
Kids club
for travel dates between 30 May-26 November 26
Explore Essential Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
Thailand
Essential Bangkok – Chiang Rai – Chiang Mai
7 Nights
Transfers
Meals
from
$
955
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Krabi Beach Break
Thailand
Krabi Beach Break
3 Nights
Transfers
Meals
from
$
469
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore River Kwai Jungle Rafts 2 night experience
Thailand
River Kwai Jungle Rafts 2 night experience
2 Nights
Transfers
Meals as specified (drinks are not included)
from
$
1155
per adult share twin. Flights are additional
Explore River Kwai Jungle Rafts 1 night experience
Thailand
River Kwai Jungle Rafts 1 night experience
1 Night
Transfers
Meals as specified (drinks are not included)
from
$
735
per adult share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Yoga, Nature & Wellbeing Retreat at Khanom
Thailand
Yoga, Nature & Wellbeing Retreat at Khanom
5 Nights
Transfers
Meals as specified (drinks are not included)
from
$
1955
per adult share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Phi Phi Beach Break (From Phuket)
Thailand
Phi Phi Beach Break (From Phuket)
3 Nights
Transfers
Breakfast daily
from
$
1385
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Essential Chiang Mai
Thailand
Essential Chiang Mai
2 Nights
Transfers
Meals as specified (drinks are not included)
from
$
279
per adult share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Central & Northern Thailand Foodie Tour
Thailand
Central & Northern Thailand Foodie Tour
9 Nights
Transfers
Breakfast
from
$
4115
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Mae Kampong Homestay - 1 night experience
Thailand
Mae Kampong Homestay - 1 night experience
1 Night
Breakfast
from
$
565
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Luxury Float House Experience
Thailand
Luxury Float House Experience
2 Nights
Transfers
Meals
from
$
1579
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Explore Moken homestay experience at Koh Surin Island
Thailand
Moken homestay experience at Koh Surin Island
2 Nights
Transfers
Breakfast
from
$
1685
per person share twin. Flights are additional
Our Thailand travel blogs
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"Great to deal with, passionate about her work , and always gets back in contact with us when she says she will."
Steve"Change off plan a number of times & still found another option"
Andrew"Holly was a pleasure to deal with, and her experience really showed as she danced around the computer keyboard looking for flight details. I fel she very quickly understood my specific travel needs."
Malcolm
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
Jazmin Pudney
House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing
Travel creates happiness and I love to make people happy! I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly making life long memories.
I pride myself on my organization skills and I have extensive knowledge of travel world. I love creating clients special holidays and will always ensure they have everything they need to have the best holiday!
Jazmin
Bridget Hanrahan
House of Travel Prestons
Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 19 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!
Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime.
"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry".
When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family.
Years in the industry: 19+
No. of countries visited: 25
Favourite place to visit: Africa
"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous
Why I love travel:
For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding.
My travel tips:
- Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short.
- If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else.
- Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you.
My top 5 destinations:
- Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
- Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing.
- Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
- Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe.
- Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do.
What's in my suitcase?
- Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
- Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel.
- A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone.
Bridget
Danny Hooper
House of Travel Johnsonville
I have been in the travel Industry for 20 years and am convinced that it
is the most exciting industry to be a part of.
I still get excited about all things travel and love exploring new and exciting
destinations or passing on the knowledge and ideas to customers to ensure they
have the most amazing experience on holiday.
Danny
Best. Holidays. Ever!
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Thailand?
Phuket is November to March - pleasant weather with lower humidity, ideal for exploring beaches, cities, and cultural sites. But if you want to get better value for money, then travel between May – October.
However, if it’s Koh Samui you’re interested in, you can travel year around, but a Top Tip -if you aren’t a fan of the crowds avoid October- November as it’s the raining season and try to avoid local holidays like Songkran (water festival) where there is a lot of local / domestic travel.
When you should go really depends on your preference and plans. The cooler season is the most popular, the hot season is the hottest and most festive, and the rainy season is the wettest and therefore tends to be the least crowded. Talk to one of our consultants and we can create you a trip that is perfect for what you need
Where to go on holiday in Thailand?
Thailand has something for everyone, from cities to islands, from temples to skyscrapers, from festivals to nature. Visit Bangkok for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks, Chiang Mai for its temples and mountain scenery, and Phuket or Krabi for beautiful beaches and island hopping. Don't miss the historical sites in Ayutthaya and Sukhothai. If you're planning a holiday in Thailand, explore our Thailand travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time on your holiday.
How to find the best holiday package to Thailand?
Speak to one of our House of Travel Asia experts. Or visit our Asia deals section on our website or sign up for our newsletter to get the latest holiday deals sent straight to your email.
Where to stay in Thailand?
If you are looking for a tropical haven with stunning beaches, clear water, and a variety of sea life you will want to visit Thailand’s top islands of Phuket, Krabi, and Koh Samu. In Bangkok, stay in the central areas of Sukhumvit or Silom. In Chiang Mai, the Old City is perfect for cultural experiences and Hill Tribe Treks
What is there to do in Thailand?
Thailand has something for everyone! Chill on beautiful beaches, savor amazing Thai food, visit temples, and dive into the vibrant culture and fascinating history. It’s the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure! If you are into diving, head to Koh Tao to experience the wonders of the deep blue sea.
What should I pack for my trip to Thailand?
Pack light, breathable clothing for warm weather, swimwear, sunscreen, insect repellent a hat, and sunglasses. Include comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing for temple visits. If visiting during the rainy season, pack a poncho or umbrella.
Do I need travel insurance for Thailand?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to Thailand. We offer a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to Thailand. Find more information on our website.
Can I use New Zealand dollars in Thailand?
No, you will need to exchange your New Zealand dollars (NZD) for Thai baht (THB). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas.
What are some of the best street foods to try in Thailand?
Thailand is famous for its street food culture, where you can find a variety of mouth-watering dishes at cheap prices.
Some of the most popular, must try street foods are pad thai (stir-fried noodles), som tam (spicy green papaya salad), khao niao mamuang (sticky rice with mango), tom yum (hot and sour soup).
What are some of the cultural dos and don'ts in Thailand?
Thailand is a country with a rich and diverse culture, and it is important to respect its traditions and customs. Some of the dos and don'ts are:
- do greet people with a wai (a slight bow with palms pressed together),
- do dress modestly and cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples,
- do remove your shoes before entering a house or a temple,
- don't touch a child’s head.
What are some family-friendly activities in Thailand?
Depending on where you are heading there is a huge variety of activities to keep everyone entertained. Visit the water parks, kayaking in the ocean or hire a long tail boat to a private island. Or for something special, we recommend the Elephant Hills rainforest camp in Khao Sok National Park. Stay in luxury tented accommodation and enjoy activities like jungle treks, canoeing, and ethical elephant encounters.
