Flight time
Flying from Auckland to Sunshine Coast (Maroochydore) takes around 4 hours. You can also fly to Brisbane and hire a car to drive to the Coast.
From sunrise swims to starry hikes – this coast has it all
Leave only footprints, take unforgettable memories. The Sunshine Coast’s 100km of golden shoreline is where lazy beach days, wildlife wonders and hinterland magic collide – just an hour north of Brisbane.
From the bougie beach vibes of Noosa to Mooloolaba’s foodie scene and the relaxed charm of Caloundra, each coastal town has its own tale to tell. But the real surprises lie just inland: rainforest waterfalls to chase, volcanic peaks to hike, and artisan villages to explore.
This is a place where you can snorkel alongside turtles one day and swim fin-to-fin with humpback whales the next – Australia’s first swim-with-whales experience is right here.
And let’s not forget the flavours – local produce that travels from paddock to plate faster than you can say “another craft beer, thanks.” Think breezy cafes, thriving farmers markets and seriously good breweries.
Ready for a sun-soaked escape that’s anything but ordinary? Chat to your House of Travel consultant and start planning your holiday.
Best time to go
Visit from September to November for warm days, and fewer crowds - best for swimming, exploring and alfresco dining. December to February is whale season and best for beach weather but it is peak holiday season so book early! March to May is great for hinterland walks and waterfalls with mild temperatures and clear skies. June to August is the best for crisp mornings and sunny days, and is also whale migration season.
Time difference
Sunshine Coast 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 in the Sunshine Coast
Discover the Sunshine Coast Hinterland
The Sunshine Coast Hinterland feels a world away from their sandy shores, but in reality, it’s just a short 30-minute drive from the coastline
Discover Sunshine Coast's epic food scene
The restaurant scene is buzzing here and we guarantee you’ll be able to taste the sunshine.
Australia Zoo - Home of the Crocodile Hunter!
Just 45-minutes drive from Mooloolaba, this world-famous zoo—founded by the legendary Steve Irwin—offers up-close encounters with kangaroos, koalas, and crocodiles.
Watch the sunset from the water
Take in the pink and orange hues of the sun going down while gliding along the Mooloolaba River.
Explore Noosa National Park
Discover scenic walking trails, spot dolphins, whales (June-October), sea turtles, and even koalas in the wild.
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Coco Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Coco Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1519
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore Mantra Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Mantra Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1779
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Coco Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Coco Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
2019
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
2099
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore Mandolin Beachfront Resort
Sunshine Coast
Mandolin Beachfront Resort
7 nights
7 day car hire
Bluey's World Tickets
from
$
769
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Explore BreakFree Grand Pacific Caloundra
Sunshine Coast
BreakFree Grand Pacific Caloundra
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1259
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore BreakFree Alexandra Beach
Sunshine Coast
BreakFree Alexandra Beach
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1229
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore The Rise Noosa
Sunshine Coast
The Rise Noosa
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1719
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore The Rise Noosa
Sunshine Coast
The Rise Noosa
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
2559
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore Mantra Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Mantra Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1529
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Explore Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas
Sunshine Coast
Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
2259
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore ULTIQA Shearwater Resort
Sunshine Coast
ULTIQA Shearwater Resort
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1549
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
2 FREE NIGHTS
Explore Essence Peregian Beach
Sunshine Coast
Essence Peregian Beach
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1999
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Breeeze Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Breeeze Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
2159
per person share twin
Flying with
Air New Zealand
1 FREE NIGHT
Explore Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Sunshine Coast
Seaview Resort Mooloolaba
Return flights
7 nights
from
$
1639
per person family share (2 ad & 2 kids 2-11 yrs)
Flying with
Air New Zealand
Meet our Sunshine Coast specialists
Nicci Smith
House of Travel Ellerslie
I love everything about travel - the exploring new or much loved places,
the landscapes, food, drink, history, culture, language, adventure, time with
loved ones and the anticipation!
I have travelled a lot of the world and now love to do so with my family.
We return to UK/Europe to visit family but I also love the amazing places
we have closer to home - the Pacific Islands, Australia and Asia. I also
love getting into the outdoors you can't beat NZ for that.
Planning holidays is my dream job - and taking the time to listen to your
needs, make suggestions where needed and matching it all up with something that
suits you and your budget is always my goal.
Having worked in travel for 20 years + in a range of roles including wholesale
reservations, corporate travel and retail, you can rest assured you are dealing
with experience. I am friendly, responsive and efficient, and love to
find good deals for my clients.
I really look forward to meeting and working with you.
Nicci
Leanne Newton
House of Travel Upper Riccarton
Experiencing travel through the eyes of my daughter, has given me a whole new perspective and thirst for travel.
It enables me to slow my pace, look around and just enjoy being in the moment as she interacts with local people.
It brings back that feeling I had when I first travelled overseas, and I feel so grateful to be able to experience something so meaningful and life changing with my daughter.
Leanne
Alison Jenkins
House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)
Having a love of travel, I completed a Bachelor of International Tourism
Management in 2013.
After a 6 month stint working at Walt Disney World in Florida I returned to NZ
and started my career in the travel industry.
After three years I was feeling the itch to travel again so I decided to embark
on my second OE and moved to the UK. Living and working there allowed me to
travel Europe extensively and my favourite country to date would be Poland. I returned to NZ in 2020.
Alison
Megan McCall
House of Travel Christchurch City
Megan brings to the team a fantastic sense of humour and positive attitude along with a wealth of international knowledge from her own travels throughout the world.
Whether it be a business meeting in Singapore, or coordinating a sports team travelling to international competitions; Megan's extensive expertise with airlines and airfares is first class.
"I understand what is important to you and your organisation for all your business travel needs."
Megan's wealth of travel knowledge with 30 years travel industry experience is an asset to our team. See for yourself how Megan's easy, welcoming, and professional approach provides confidence for any travel requirement.
Favourite place to visit: Thailand
Next place on the list to visit: USA
Megan
Want the insider word on all things travel?
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!
