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 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
Jason McKay
House of Travel Nelson
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.
Chloe McKellar
House of Travel Wellington City
Hi all - please note that I am on maternity leave until September 2026 :)
Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way
into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality
industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also
founded my love for all different types of foods.
After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few
years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have
been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.
I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to
know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that
perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of
comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the
corner, do we!
I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of
time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in
California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and
Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't
been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out
the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods,
and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we
wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to
hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)
Chloe
Taylor Le Breton
House of Travel Invercargill
I‘m an active explorer, food lover, and fitness addict who is always chasing the next adventure! Travel is my way of diving into new cultures, exploring the past, and tasting my way around the world. I’m always curious about how others live, what makes them happy, and I love coming home with stories to tell and memories that stick.
Taylor
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
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