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.
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!
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.
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.
Thailand is 5 hours behind New Zealand. Be prepared for a time shift that will take a bit of adjustment.
As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.
I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!
Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must!
Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips
in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich
history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.
Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.
Since 2016, I’ve been
helping travellers like you design unforgettable journeys – backed by my own
travel experiences across Europe, Southeast Asia, the USA, the Pacific Islands,
and Australia. I’m not just passionate about travel – I live it, and I bring
that energy to every itinerary I create!
With a calm approach under pressure and a sharp eye for detail, I make sure no
moment of your trip is left to chance. But most importantly, I take the time to
truly connect with you, so every adventure feels personalised, seamless, and
stress-free.
Let’s plan something incredible together.
Shaunice
For me, travel has been more than just a series of destinations, it has been a transformative journey that has sculpted my character and contributed to my personal evolution.
My travel experiences are not merely about ticking off destinations from a bucket list, but about immersing myself in the heart and soul of each place I’ve visited visit.
My early travels began with frequent road trips around my home country of Canada and the USA, and I am fortunate enough to have now been to six of the seven continents.
Exploring the world through various modes of transportation has been a thrilling adventure for me, from cruise ships, to trains, to rickshaws, and I have an appreciation for the experiences that local transport offers. I am comfortable with sleeping in a hammock in the rainforest, an overwater bungalow in the South Pacific, and everything in between.
My experiences have taught me to adapt to different situations and understand diverse perspectives, and my background in customer service and sales has equipped me with valuable skills that I believe make me well-suited for various client needs. I believe this makes me well-suited to meet your needs as a client.
Whether it's finding solutions to problems or anticipating your preferences, I strive to provide an exceptional service tailored to you. My aim is to not just meet but exceed your expectations by drawing on my varied background.
My enthusiasm for travel is infectious, and it is my goal to inspire others to embark on their own adventures and discover the beauty of our planet.
Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.
My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.
It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.
Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you.
Petra
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.
Sign up below and be the first to hear about out hottest holiday deals, flights steals, and essential travel hints and tips from out team of travel specialists.
By signing up, you have read or have an opportunity to read the Privacy Policy, and you agree to the provisions of the Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up, we’ll be in touch soon!
Hold on a sec, adventurer! We didn't quite catch your email. Sign up again to unlock your travel dreams!
Sign up below and be the first to hear about our hottest holiday deals, flight steals, cruise deals and essential travel hints and tips from our team of travel specialists.
By signing up, you have read or have an opportunity to read the Privacy Policy, and you agree to the provisions of the Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up, we’ll be in touch soon!
Hold on a sec, adventurer! We didn't quite catch your email. Sign up again to unlock your travel dreams!