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Germany

Where fascinating history meets modern cool

Passau, Germany
 Aschaffenburg, Germany

Where fairytales, forests and festivals come to life

In Germany, old-world charm meets modern culture in the best kind of way – offering something for every kind of traveller.

Historic medieval towns feel like they’ve stepped out of a fairytale, but at the same time you can dive into Berlin’s edgy art scene, hit a stylish urban bar, or embrace tradition with a stein of beer and a plate of bratwurst at a local biergarten.

Iconic castles like Neuschwanstein will stop you in your tracks, and the romantic beauty of the Black Forest is made for getting lost – think misty trails winding through storybook villages and lush, forested valleys.

Love the outdoors? Hike the Bavarian Alps or cycle along the Rhine, refuelling on warm pretzels, schnitzel, world-famous sausages and the kind of bread that dreams are made of.

Germany also knows how to throw a party. From Cologne’s Carnival to Munich’s Oktoberfest and the twinkling magic of its Christmas markets – there’s a celebration waiting in every season.

Chat with our Germany travel specialists and design your dream European getaway.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to Germany takes roughly 25 hours with a stopover. It's a long flight but you'll forget all about it when you arrive in this fascinating destination full of history and charm.

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Best time to go

The best time to visit Germany is: May to September for sunshine and outdoor adventures, September to October for beer and wine festivals, or December for magical Christmas markets.

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Time difference

Germany is 10-12 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving. At times it's exactly the same time - just AM at one end and PM at the other!

Your Europe adventure starts here - Download our Europe Brochure

Packed with expert tips, insider info and bucket-list inspiration for your next unforgettable Europe getaway

Meet our Germany specialists

Minji Park

Minji Park

House of Travel Christchurch City

Minji is our Japan specialist in Christchurch. Born and raised in South Korea, her passion for travel began at an early age. This passion led her to study tourism management and become a tour guide in both Japan and Southeast Asia.

 

Minji has spent most of her tour guide career in Japan, leading tours across the country and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the region. She has also guided tours in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and has backpacked extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and Canada. Minji has lived in London, Vancouver, and Sydney, spending at least a couple of years in each country.

 

 

My top travel tips

  • Pack as light as you can (except for cruises). Heavy luggage can be tedious to manage and exhausting just getting on/off trains. 
  • Try to pre-book and pay in NZ dollars. If you pay locally, you will need to pay in local currency and the banks will apply their exchange rates plus international transaction fees. 
  • Utilise your stopover opportunities. Two holidays, one ticket, you are basically genius.

Years in the industry: 14
No. of countries visited: 30+
Favourite place to visit: Japan
Next place on the list to visit: Safari in Africa

"Investment in travel is an investment in yourself" - Matthew Karsten


Why I love travel 

I love meeting new people, discovering new cultures, tasting new food and beers and having new experiences. Travel is the best way to tick all the boxes and be inspired. 

It is exciting and rewarding to help make my clients' holiday easier with better value and making it more memorable with my travel knowledge and organisation skills. I just love talking about travel, and hearing about their holiday when they return home is the best part of my job. It is very rewarding to hear what a great time they had. I am continuously learning about new travel destinations and new products and experiences so I never get bored. 


My top destinations

  •  Japan – Japan is the country that I have travelled through the most and I can never tire of it.  Japan offers so much, from old historic shrines and temples to the most modern architecture and latest technology, fascinating culture, beautiful nature areas and incredible food. It is also a very safe and easy place to travel so I recommend it for all types of travellers.
  • Spain - I love the Andalusia region in particular, including Granada and Ronda. You feel like you are walking back in time, or perhaps through a movie set with the many sublime landscapes, spectacular vistas and famous historic sites. A warm evening drinking sangria with some delicious tapas over a view of Alhambra is a personal favourite. 
  • Vietnam - you can have an amazing experience within a very affordable budget. In one day, you will see more motorbikes than you have seen in your entire life. Interesting French Colonial architecture and indigenous castles and villages, beautiful beaches and rice paddies, the little art and culinary boutique town of Hoi An, unique and delicious food, UNESCO Heritage site Ha Long Bay and much more. 
  • Galapagos - If you are into wildlife, this is one of the ultimate places in the world to visit. I still say Galapagos was the best travel experience in my life. The everyday encounters with unique species of sea lions, turtles, tortoises, all different types of birds, penguins, sharks, rays, marine iguana are unforgettable. The best part for me was diving amongst schools of hammerhead sharks and eagle rays inside the crater of a submerged volcano.


What's in my suitcase

  • Foldable backpack - It is the best thing ever. I always put one in my bag, and it is perfect for a casual day out exploring.
  • Travel organiser bags - I have one for clothes, one for underwear/socks and one for toiletries. It will make your pack/unpack so much easier. 
  • Compact rain jacket and small collapsible umbrella - You will always have some rain during your holiday but unless you are expecting lots of it, you don't want these items to take too much space in your travel bag. 

Minji

Hayley Mundy

Hayley Mundy

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

After more than 30 years selling travel, it still  gives me such a buzz to create fabulous holidays. I love watching my clients' anticipation build, being part of the planning, sharing in the excitement of their journey - and of course hearing all about it when they return. It's almost as good as being on the trip with them!

Travel has changed a lot in recent years, and that's exactly why it pays to have an expert in your corner. As a senior, award-winning travel consultant at one of New Zealand's best-rated travel agencies, House of Travel The Crossing, I'm here to take the stress out, and the fun in!!

From complex airfares and cruise itineraries to boutique stays, family getaways and once-in-a-lifetime adventures, I'll help you navigate this new era of travel with confidence - keeping an eye on the details, the fine print, and the "what ifs", so you can focus on the excitement. 

Let's create a holiday to remember - fabulous, seamless, and perfectly you. 


Hayley


Anna O'Dell-Smith

Anna O'Dell-Smith

House of Travel Ferrymead

Having travelled extensively I thoroughly enjoy immersing myself in the rich culture of any country I am fortunate enough to visit. Travel is my passion and I love helping clients create an unforgettable experience that is uniquely their own. 

I genuinely believe that travel is the only thing you can buy that makes you richer. I enjoy being part of each and every journey. No day is the same in the life of a travel consultant and I relish the challenge that this represents. I am flattered by the number of clients who have come back to me time and time again. 

Having travelled to nearly 50 countries, my bucket list is still never ending. I have backpacked my way through the world in my youth as well as enjoying five star luxury in more recent times. I have definitely felt richer from each and every experience. Travel is a way of life, I love what I do and that passion and enthusiasm always translates into the work I put into my clients plans. 


Anna 

Jason McKay

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.


Jason

Customer holidays snaps

Best. Germany Holidays. Ever!

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