Tropical North Queensland is nature’s ultimate thrill ride—wild, vibrant, and totally unforgettable. Where else can you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in the morning and wander through the world’s oldest rainforest by afternoon? This slice of paradise is home to not one, but two World Heritage-listed wonders—and enough adventure to fill your camera roll and your soul.
Think laid-back vibes, palm trees swaying, and friendly locals who know how to live life outdoors. Cairns and Port Douglas are your go-to hubs, not just for reef trips and rainforest walks, but also for wild adventures to the Gulf of Savannah and Cape York if you're feeling extra bold.
The weather? Always warm. The lifestyle? Effortlessly chill. Whether you're kicking back on a sun-drenched beach, getting pampered at a rainforest retreat, chasing waterfalls, or white-water rafting down the Barron River—there’s no wrong way to holiday here.
And it’s not just the landscapes that are diverse. The mix of cultures, food, and local stories adds even more colour to this already vibrant part of the world. So pack your sense of wonder—Tropical North Queensland is calling!
Flying from New Zealand to Cairns takes around 5 and a half hours with direct flights available from Auckland with Air New Zealand or from Christchurch with Jetstar. Alternatively, you can connect via Brisbane with multiple daily flights to Cairns available.
From April to November, Tropical North Queensland has warm, sunny days with low humidity—perfect for snorkelling, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, and alfresco dining. This dry season offers ideal conditions for swimming, reef tours, and outdoor adventures, with fewer crowds from April to June and peak travel periods from July to September. From December to March, the region experiences a tropical summer with hot, humid weather and frequent rainfall. While this is the wet season, it’s also when the rainforest is at its most lush, and waterfalls are flowing—great for nature lovers.
Tropical North Queensland 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.
Explore one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, teeming with vibrant coral and marine life.
Discover the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, filled with unique wildlife, lush greenery, and ancient plants.
Cruise the Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Port Douglas for stunning ocean views and charming seaside towns.
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 30 Mar - 03 Apr 26
From $729 pp share twin Inside Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
6-night Willis Island, Airlie Beach & Cairns
Carnival Encounter
Based on departure 05 Sep - 11 Sep 26
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 20 Mar - 27 Mar 26
From $1149 pp share twin Inside Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
9-Night Moreton Island, Willis Island, Cairns & Airlie Beach
Carnival Adventure
Based on departure 10 Aug - 19 Aug 26
From $1215 pp share twin Interior Stateroom
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
10-Night Airlie Beach, Cairns, Port Douglas, Willis Island & Moreton Island
Carnival Splendor
Based on departure 20 May 26 - 30 May 26
From $1349 pp share twin Interior Guarantee Stateroom*
Click here to view current pricing, itinerary and availability
Departs 20 Mar 2026
As a 17 year old, I headed off to Finland on a student exchange for a year, my first ever overseas trip and the start of my passion for travel.
Whether it’s a quick jaunt across the Tasman, an adventure
through Vietnam or a guided coach tour of Europe, I love working with you
to create the perfect holiday.
Having been in the industry for over 30 years, I have an extensive knowledge of airfares, and travel providers, I combine that with the knowledge of my returning customers and the wisdom of the House of Travel collective to craft your travel.
There sure is a lot you need to know and I pride myself on keeping up to date with industry trends and changes. That may be new destinations to visit, beautiful places to stay or changes in travel requirements.
So get in touch and let me help make your travel dreams come true.
Toni
With over 30 years in the travel industry, I still get that same excitement when creating holidays for my clients.
Lisa
With over 26 years in various roles in the travel industry, Louise's international knowledge and experience is wide-ranging and her logistical and organizational skills are exceptional.
Louise loves being able to create packages and experiences for clients and then deliver them onsite to see them enjoying the experiences beyond their expectations. Louise has been a part of the team that have taken New Zealand Supporters to multiple Commonwealth Games and Olympics along with Rugby and Netball World Cups.
While sports travel is still Louie's first love, over the past three years she has worked more in our Conference Management side of HOT Events. Working alongside the team in managing corporate conferences covering all aspects from destination research and contracting, through to registration administration and onsite event management.
When not talking sport at the desk, Louise is off being active - taking her two dogs (and husband) for long walks and runs in the stunning hills around Christchurch.
Favourite place to visit: Switzerland
Next place on the list to visit: Canada
Having been with House of Travel for 13 years I really enjoy how even after all this time every day is different. I can still find new destinations to learn about and expand on my knowledge through travel I have booked. Hearing about how my client’s travels went and what they experienced is always a highlight!
I encourage clients to keep in touch throughout their trip as I love receiving a photo now and then to see where their adventures are taking them. To me it's not just a holiday or a travel experience we are booking, it's memories we are helping create that will last you a lifetime.
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – Mark Twain.
So don't wait, get in touch to plan your next big adventure today!
Start here
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