Flight time.
Brisbane is only a 3 - 4hour flight from New Zealand, so you can be enjoying riverside dining and great shopping, in no time.
Why visit Brisbane? Best things to do and see.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed Brisbane city break, a riverfront escape with friends or using the city as a gateway to Queensland’s top attractions, Brisbane blends laidback charm with vibrant urban energy. As one of Australia’s fastest‑growing cities, Brisbane offers the perfect blend of culture, nature and lifestyle - all set along the winding Brisbane River.
There's a 101 reasons to visit Brisbane, from alfresco dining precincts and buzzing rooftop bars to riverside walks and immersive cultural experiences. Brisbane is a destination where there’s always something to discover - explore local markets, cruise the river at sunset or dine at award‑winning restaurants overlooking the city skyline.
Discover world‑class galleries, iconic attractions and seamless access to nearby islands and hinterland escapes. It’s this effortless mix of experiences that makes Brisbane a must‑visit for Kiwi travellers.
Riverfront living, cultural precincts and outdoor experiences.
Brisbane’s lifestyle is built around its subtropical climate, with year‑round sunshine perfect for getting outdoors. South Bank is the city’s cultural heart, home to Queensland’s best galleries and museums, plus a man‑made lagoon, parklands and a buzzing dining scene. Nearby, the Brisbane River offers scenic cruises, kayaking and riverside cycling paths that showcase the city from a different perspective.
For those who love city experiences with a local feel, neighbourhoods like Fortitude Valley and New Farm deliver boutique shopping, live music and a thriving café culture. Climb the Story Bridge for panoramic views or explore Howard Smith Wharves, where heritage meets modern dining right on the water.
Beyond the city, Brisbane is the ideal base for day trips. Discover Moreton Island’s crystal‑clear waters and sand dunes, explore the Scenic Rim’s lush hinterland or venture north to the Sunshine Coast and south to the Gold Coast - all within easy reach.
Whether you’re looking to explore culture, unwind in the sunshine or experience a little of everything, Brisbane is the ultimate destination that balances city sophistication with Queensland’s signature laidback lifestyle.
Ready to start planning your Brisbane holiday?
Explore our latest Brisbane deals or speak to our knowledgeable Brisbane travel specialists today to start planning your perfect Queensland escape.
Best time to go.
The best time to visit Brisbane is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are warm but comfortable with low rainfall.
Time difference.
Brisbane is 2 hours behind New Zealand (or 3 hours during daylight saving). This small time difference is easy to adjust to, making for a seamless transition.
Our favourite things to do near Brisbane
Looking for a wild day out?
Located in Currumbin, just 20 kms south of Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers interactive experiences with Australian wildlife.
Go beyond the beaches
Trade in the surf for serene trails and mountain air – nature’s calling.
Surf, stroll, and soak up the views
Experience the wild beauty of a natural headland in the heart of the Gold Coast.
Food glorious food
Grab your appetite and spend a weekend eating your way along the Scenic Rim food trail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.
Sip your way through the valley vineyards
Don’t sleep on the Gold Coast wine region—it’s a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!
Soar high at the epic Pacific Air Show!
Get ready for the ultimate family adventure!
Captain your own adventure
Grab your crew, pack the snacks, and let the good times roll on the open water!
Best. Food. Ever!
Sip on cocktails, feast on the catch, and soak in the vibes!
Taste the world in the Gold Coast
From Bangkok to Barcelona, your flavour journey starts here!
More than a 'surfers' paradise!
Pop on your Captain's Hat, pack the picnic.
Explore Swiss Belhotel Woolloongabba, Brisbane
Brisbane
Swiss Belhotel Woolloongabba, Brisbane
Return flights
3 nights
from
$
949
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
BONUS FLIGHT CREDIT
Explore Great Southern Rail Adelaide to Brisbane - Fly FREE
Australia
Great Southern Rail Adelaide to Brisbane - Fly FREE
2 Nights
Rail travel
Sightseeing
from
$
4649
per person share twin. Flights and pre/post accommodation required is additional
BONUS FLIGHT CREDIT
Explore Great Southern Rail Brisbane to Adelaide - Fly FREE
Australia
Great Southern Rail Brisbane to Adelaide - Fly FREE
3 Nights
Rail travel
Sightseeing
from
$
6659
per person share twin. Flights and pre accommodation required is additional
SAVE $1970 PER COUPLE
Explore Great Southern Rail Brisbane to Adelaide Dec 26 & Jan 27 - FREE Cabin Upgrade
Australia
Great Southern Rail Brisbane to Adelaide Dec 26 & Jan 27 - FREE Cabin Upgrade
3 Nights
Rail travel
Sightseeing
from
$
5655
per person share twin. Flights and pre accommodation required is additional
BONUS CABIN UPGRADE
Explore Great Southern Rail Adelaide to Brisbane Dec 26 & Jan 27 - FREE Cabin Upgrade
Australia
Great Southern Rail Adelaide to Brisbane Dec 26 & Jan 27 - FREE Cabin Upgrade
2 Nights
Rail travel
Sightseeing
from
$
3895
per person share twin. Flights and pre/post accommodation required is additional
Explore FV Brisbane by Peppers
Brisbane
FV Brisbane by Peppers
Return flights
3 nights
from
$
979
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore FV Brisbane by Peppers
Brisbane
FV Brisbane by Peppers
Return flights
3 nights
from
$
1109
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore Scenic Rim Trail 4 Day Walk
Queensland
Scenic Rim Trail 4 Day Walk
4 nights
4 Day Walk
from
$
4199
per person share twin
Flights additional
Flights additional
Explore Scenic Rim Trail 2 Day Walk
Queensland
Scenic Rim Trail 2 Day Walk
2 nights
2 Day Walk
from
$
2099
per person share twin
Flights additional
Flights additional
Explore The Docks on Goodwin & Bluey's World
Brisbane
The Docks on Goodwin & Bluey's World
3 Nights
Bluey's World Tickets
from
$
379
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs). Flights additional
Cruising to Brisbane 5
Explore Brisbane, Royal Beach Club Lelepa, & Vanuatu
Brisbane, Royal Beach Club Lelepa, & Vanuatu
A relaxed South Pacific getaway from Brisbane, featuring tropical stops in Luganville and Lelepa Island, with plenty of easy sea days before returning refreshed to Brisbane.
7 Night Onboard Voyager of the Seas:
Departure date: 29 Oct 27
From $1775 per person twin share Interior Stateroom
From $1925 per person twin share Oceanview Stateroom
From $2695 per person twin share Oceanview Balcony Stateroom
2027/ 28 Sailings
from
$
1239
per person share twin Interior Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Royal Caribbean
Departs 29 Oct 2027
LOW DEPOSIT
Explore Tropical Wonders Await
Tropical Wonders Await
Ease into a relaxed Queensland escape round-trip from Brisbane, where sun-soaked days at sea pair perfectly with tropical highlights along Australia’s northeast coast. Take in a unique scenic experience off remote Willis Island, enjoy extra time to explore the Great Barrier Reef gateway of Cairns with an overnight stay, and soak up the chilled, beach-town vibe of Airlie Beach before sailing back to Brisbane – all wrapped up with fun-filled sea days and easy coastal adventures.
Ready to cruise Queensland your way? Talk to your local House of Travel consultant today and let’s get you on board.
8 nights Fly, Stay & Cruise Package
from
$
2599
per person share twin Interior Stateroom
Cruising with
Carnival Cruises
Departs 28 May 2027
ONLY AT HOUSE OF TRAVEL
Explore Queensland Bliss
Queensland Bliss
Warm coastal escapes await on this tropical roundtrip from Brisbane. Sail through the Whitsundays with a call into Airlie Beach, continue on to Cairns for reef‑side wonders, and enjoy tranquil moments as you cruise past remote Willis Island. Sun, sea breezes and laid‑back holiday vibes shape every day of this easy Queensland escape.
Ready to set sail for Queensland’s sunshine and reef? Chat with your local House of Travel consultant to start planning your Queensland cruise.
8 Night Fly, Stay & Cruise Package
from
$
2659
per person share twin Interior Stateroom
Cruising with
Royal Caribbean
Departs 18 Feb 2027
Explore Carnival Queensland Cruises 2026
Carnival Queensland Cruises 2026
Sail to the best of Queensland with flexible departures. Discover Willis Island’s remote beauty, explore reef and rainforest in Cairns, and unwind in Airlie Beach, gateway to the Whitsundays. A perfect mix of nature, adventure, and coastal charm.
4-Night Airlie Beach
Carnival Encounter
Based on departure 15 Nov - 19 Nov 26
From $735 pp share twin Inside Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
6-night Willis Island, Cairns & Airlie Beach
Carnival Encounter
Based on departure 31 Jan - 06 Feb 27
From $1005 pp share twin Interior Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
7-night Willis Island, Airlie Beach & more
Carnival Encounter
Based on departure 26 Sep - 03 Oct 26
From $2649 pp share twin Ocean Suite
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
4-night to 9 -night sailings
Onboard Carnival
from
$
735
per person share twin
Inside Guarantee Stateroom
Flights are additional
Inside Guarantee Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Carnival Cruise Line
Departs 15 Nov 2026
Explore Queensland Coastal Explorer
Queensland Coastal Explorer
Sailing from the vibrant river city of Brisbane, you’ll swap the everyday for a relaxed tropical escape along Queensland’s sun‑drenched coast. Drift into Airlie Beach with its brilliant white sands, discover the lush, tropical beauty of Cairns from Yorkey’s Knob, and soak up the remote charm of Willis Island before cruising back to Brisbane. Along the way you’ll enjoy idyllic beaches, crystal‑clear waters and breathtaking coral reefs – an easy blend of chilled‑out downtime and soft adventure in the tropics.
Ready to set sail for Queensland’s sunshine and reef? Chat with your local House of Travel consultant to start planning your Queensland Coastal Explorer cruise.
7 Night Stay & Cruise Package
from
$
1699
per person share twin Interior Stateroom
Flights additional
Flights additional
Cruising with
Royal Caribbean
Departs 18 Nov 2027
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
"Nikki was amazing to deal with, great and prompt communication. Made it very simple and easy"
Jessie Olivia"Michelle helped find the best deals and advised the best times to travel. Helpful, friendly and patient. She made the process straight forward and hassle free. Will definitely book with her again"
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Brian
Debra-Lee Showler
House of Travel Whangarei
I’m a bubbly and passionate travel consultant who loves helping clients build their dream holidays by listening to their needs and creating memorable experiences.
With in-depth travel across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond, I’m excited to share my knowledge and recommend the best river and ocean cruises tailored to your unique holiday needs. I offer seamless journeys where you can relax, unpack once, and enjoy everything from delicious food to top-notch entertainment.
Some of the highlights of my travels include riding pillion along Route 66 on a Harley from Milwaukee to Santa Monica over 16 days, cruising the Danube on a Scenic River cruise, exploring England and Scotland, and an unforgettable trip to Cambodia to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
I’m excited to help you
discover the world your way—let’s chat about your next adventure!
Debra-Lee
Tracey Ormsby
House of Travel Prestons
Tracie Thome
House of Travel Hamilton East
My travel career started in South Africa in the early 1990s and I have been involved in many different aspects of the travel industry since then. I thoroughly enjoy the diversity travel offers, especially learning about new and exciting destinations. I am very people focused and thrive on planning the perfect holiday experiences for my clients.
Tracie
Robyn Oretsky
House of Travel Wellington City
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.
Robyn
Our Brisbane travel blogs
Brisbane FAQS
How far is Brisbane from New Zealand?
Brisbane is approximately a 3 to 4 hour flight from major New Zealand cities like Auckland, making it one of the easiest Australian city breaks for Kiwi travellers.
When is the best time to visit Brisbane?
Brisbane is a year-round destination thanks to its subtropical climate. The most popular time to visit is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are warm but comfortable and there's less rainfall.
How many days do you need in Brisbane?
3 to 5 days is ideal to explore Brisbane's highlights, including South Bank, the city centre and nearby day trips like Moreton Island or the Gold Coast.
Is Brisbane a good destination for families?
Yes, Brisbane is very family-friendly, with attractions like South Bank's lagoon, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, river cruises and easy access to theme parks on the Gold Coast.
Can you visit Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast from Brisbane?
Yes, both are easy day trips. The Gold Coast is about 1 hour south, while Sunshine Coast is around 1 to 1 and a half hours north, making Brisbane a great base to explore the region.
Do Kiwis need a visa to visit Brisbane?
No, New Zealand passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Australia. We always recommend checking official government websites if you are a non-New Zealand passport holder and for any travel updates
What currency is used in Brisbane?
Australia uses Australian dollars (AUD). Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted.
What should I pack for Brisbane?
Pack lightweight clothing for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and sun protection. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings, especially in winter.
Is travel insurance recommended for Brisbane?
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for Kiwi travellers, and we offer a range of options. Speak to your local House of Travel specialist about travel insurance options to suit you.
What is the time difference between Australia and New Zealand?
Brisbane is usually 2 hours behind New Zealand and does not observe daylight saving, so the difference can be 3 hours in the summer.
Brisbane is usually 2 hours behind New Zealand and does not observe daylight saving, so the difference can be 3 hours in the summer.
What is the best thing to do in Brisbane?
Top experiences include exploring South Bank, visiting the Brisbane River precinct, climbing the Story Bridge, discovering local markets and taking a day trip to nearby islands or beaches.
How do you get around Brisbane?
Brisbane is easy to navigate using public transport, including trains, buses and ferries. The CityCat ferry is a popular and scenic way to explore along the river.
Is Brisbane expensive for Kiwi travellers?
Brisbane can be more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, especially for accommodation and dining, making it a great-value Australian city break.
Can you swim in Brisbane?
Yes, you can swim at South Bank's Streets Beach (a man-made lagoon) or take a short trip to nearby beaches on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast.
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