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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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.
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.
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!
Explore Munich, Prague, Vienna & Budapest by Rail
Central Europe
Munich, Prague, Vienna & Budapest by Rail
8 Nights
Rail Travel
Sightseeing
Contact us for the best price available
Explore Berlin, Prague & Munich by Rail
Germany & Czech Republic
Berlin, Prague & Munich by Rail
6 Nights
Rail Travel
Sightseeing
Contact us for the best price available
Cruising in Germany 14
CRUISE & TOUR
Explore Britain Sampler with Paris to Normandy
Britain Sampler with Paris to Normandy
Experience the best of Britain and France on this 15-night River Cruise & Tour with Avalon Waterways. Explore London, Edinburgh, York, and the scenic English countryside before travelling by Eurostar to Paris to begin your river cruise to Normandy. Sail the Seine past charming villages, Monet’s gardens, and the historic D-Day beaches. A journey filled with culture, history, and timeless European beauty.
15 Night River Cruise & Tour
from
$
13,505
per person share twin
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Avalon Waterways
Departs 27 Jul 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Active & Discovery on the Rhine
Active & Discovery on the Rhine
Discover the Rhine your way on a 7-night river cruise from Amsterdam to Basel with Avalon Waterways. From biking and hiking to hands-on cultural experiences, Avalon offers a fresh way to explore Europe’s most scenic river.
7 Night River Cruise
from
$
5915
per person share twin
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Avalon Waterways
Departs 10 Jul 2027
Explore Vineyard Voyage
Vineyard Voyage
Experience the heart of Europe from a unique perspective as you journey through the storied waters of the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers. Winding past medieval castles, vineyard-covered hillsides, and timeless towns, this river cruise blends cultural heritage with breathtaking natural beauty. With each stop offering its own charm—from grand capitals to hidden gems—you’ll savour the rich history, regional flavours, and unforgettable landscapes that define this extraordinary voyage.
Essence of Burgundy & Provence (Wine Cruise) - Dijon to Arles
7 Night Cruise
Onboard AmaCello
Based on departure 06 Aug 26
From $10,439 share twin Balcony (Category C) Stateroom
Click here to view 2026 Sailings & full itinerary and pricing details
Vineyards of the Rhine & Moselle - Amsterdam to Wasserbilig
7 Night Cruise
Onboard AmaPrima
Based on departure 22 Jul 26
From $7159 share twin Window Stateroom
Click here to view 2026 Sailings & full itinerary and pricing details
*Other sailing dates available. Contact your consultant for full itinerary details, sailing dates and pricing.
2026 Sailings
from
$
7035
per person share twin Window Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
AmaWaterways
Departs 22 Jul 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Rhine Highlights
Rhine Highlights
Experience the wonders of Europe’s most storied waterway, cruising the length of the Rhine from Basel to Amsterdam. Stroll through fairytale villages, cycle along picturesque waterways, cruise through the dramatic Rhine Gorge and be immersed in history at every turn.
7 Night Cruise & Tour package
from
$
4525
per person share twin Standard Suite Stateroom
Flights Additional
Flights Additional
Cruising with
Scenic River Cruises
Departs 28 Oct 2026
Explore Cruises from Southampton
Cruises from Southampton
Sailing from Southampton, P&O Cruises UK opens the door to a world of discovery. Explore the sun-drenched Canary Islands and Mediterranean, Norway’s stunning fjords, or Europe’s historic coastal cities. With itineraries for every pace — from short escapes to longer adventures — it’s a seamless way to experience incredible destinations.
View Cruises from Southampton
2026 Mar - Jun Sailings
2026 Jun - Dec Sailings
P&O Cruises UK combines British charm with modern cruising comforts. Enjoy elegant dining, West End-style entertainment, and a warm, friendly atmosphere throughout the fleet. Whether you’re relaxing poolside, sampling afternoon tea, or catching live music under the stars, every moment at sea feels effortlessly easy and wonderfully familiar.
2026 Sailings
Fjords, Charm & Beaches
Cruising with
P&O Cruises UK
Departs 1 May 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Danube Dreams
Danube Dreams
Journey from Budapest to Vilshofen, discovering storybook towns, grand castles and vibrant cities along the way. From Vienna’s imperial treasures to the charm of Linz and Passau, every stop is filled with culture and history. Relax in comfort as Avalon brings the beauty of the river to your doorstep.
Enjoy classical music, historic landmarks, striking architecture, and regional cuisine and wine. This thoughtfully paced experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate culture, comfort, and discovery at every turn.
7 Night River Cruise
from
$
4365
per person share twin
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Avalon Waterways
Departs 31 Mar 2027
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Romantic Rhine
Romantic Rhine
Glide along the legendary Rhine River, experiencing the storybook beauty of towns like Strasbourg, Heidelberg, Rüdesheim, and Cologne. Marvel at castles perched on cliffs, wander medieval streets, sip world-class wines, and soak in the culture that makes this region one of Europe’s most iconic.
7 Night River Cruise
from
$
4059
per person share twin
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Avalon Waterways
Departs 17 Nov 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Europe's Best River Cruises
Europe's Best River Cruises
Europe’s legendary rivers invite you to explore the continent’s timeless beauty from an entirely new perspective. Glide past storybook villages, vineyard-covered hills, and iconic cities as each bend in the river reveals rich history, local flavors, and cultural treasures. Whether tracing the romantic Rhine, the scenic Danube, or the artistic Rhône, these journeys offer a seamless blend of comfort, connection, and authentic European charm.
Rhine River: Castles, Culture and Culinary Delights - 7 Nights onboard NG Connect
Cologne, Germany to Basel, Switzerland, or v.v
22 Jun - 29 Jun 26
Multiple departure dates from Jun - Sep 2026
From $11,105 per person share twin Main Deck Stateroom
Ports of call: Cologne Germany, Rhine Gorge, Mainz, Frankfurt, Mannheim, Strasbourg, Breisach, Basel, Switzerland
Holland and Belgium: Medieval History and Scenic Waterways - 7 Nights onboard NG Connect
Amsterdam, Netherlands to Brussels, Belgium or v.v
09 Aug - 16 Aug 26
Multiple departure dates from Apr, May & Aug 2026
From $11,105 per person share twin Main Deck Stateroom
Ports of call: Amsterdam, Kampen, Arnhem, Rotterdam, Ghent, Antwerp, Brussels
7 Night River Cruise
Where Every River Tells a Story
Flights Additional
Cruising with
National Geogrpahic Lindblad Expeditions
Departs 22 Jun 2026
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Danube Dreams with Prague
Danube Dreams with Prague
Experience the timeless beauty of Europe on a leisurely river cruise that brings together rich history, charming cities, and stunning river scenery.
Begin your journey with Avalon Waterways in Budapest—Hungary’s elegant capital on the Danube—and cruise westward through the heart of Europe. This relaxing voyage includes guided sightseeing and concludes with two delightful nights in Prague, a city known for its storybook architecture and old-world atmosphere. Along the way, you’ll explore five captivating countries: Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic.
Enjoy classical music, historic landmarks, striking architecture, and regional cuisine and wine. This thoughtfully paced experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate culture, comfort, and discovery at every turn.
9 Night River Cruisetour
from
$
5685
per person share twin
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Avalon Waterways
Departs 31 Mar 2027
5 GUIDED TOURS
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Romantic Danube
Romantic Danube
Embark on an unforgettable 7-night journey along the Danube River with Viking Cruises' Romantic Danube itinerary, sailing from Regensburg, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary. This enchanting cruise offers a blend of rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural experiences across three countries: Germany, Austria, and Hungary.
7 Night River cruise
from
$
5695
AUD
per person share twin
Standard Stateroom
Flights are additional
Standard Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Viking
Departs 18 Nov 2027
Explore Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound)
Christmastime on the Danube with 2 Nights in Prague (Westbound)
Step into a Winter Wonderland: Celebrate the magic of Christmas in two of Europe's most enchanting cities—Vienna and Prague—on an unforgettable Avalon Waterways River cruise. Explore the historic streets adorned with sparkling lights, the air filled with the sweet aroma of roasted chestnuts, mulled wine, and the soft sounds of holiday carols. This festive journey, departing in December 2025, is a one-of-a-kind holiday escape.
As you set sail along the Danube, Avalon Waterways' award-winning ships offer intimate and panoramic views of winter's serene beauty. After arriving in Prague, experience the allure of the Czech capital, where the medieval Old Town becomes a fairytale in the winter months. Visit the charming Christmas markets at Old Town Square, taste traditional Czech pastries, and feel the festive energy as the Prague Castle and Charles Bridge glisten with holiday cheer.
8 Night River Cruisetour
from
$
7065
per person share twin
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Deluxe Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Avalon Waterways
Departs 11 Dec 2026
HOT EXCLUSIVE
Explore Wonder of Wine River Cruises
Wonder of Wine River Cruises
Experience Europe’s renowned wine regions throughout the seasons. Each of these cruises is hosted by an enthusiastic wine professional who leads tastings and interactive discussions, accompanies guests on select shore excursions to vineyards and cellars, and helps curate a special food and wine pairing dinner on board.
ENCHANTING RHINE – Basel to Amsterdam
Based on departure 24 Jun 26
From $8599 per person share twin Cruise Only
- 7-Night Cruise Only; or
- 7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Zurich, 2 Nights Lucerne Pre-Cruise
- Countries: France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
- Rivers: Rhine
EUROPE’S RIVERS & CASTLES – Nuremberg to Luxembourg
Based on departure 28 Oct 26
From $9479 per person share twin Cruise Only
- 7-Night Cruise Only; or
- 7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Prague Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Paris Post-Cruise; or
- 7-Night Cruise With 1 Night Paris, 2 Nights Reims (Champagne) Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Prague Post-Cruise
- Countries: Germany, Luxembourg
- Rivers: Rhine, Moselle, Main, Main-Danube Canal
GEMS OF SOUTHEAST EUROPE – Budapest to Giurgiu
Based on departure 09 Nov 26
From $10,679 per person share twin Cruise Only
- 7-Night Cruise Only; or
- 7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Vienna Pre-Cruise And 2 Nights Brasov, 2 Nights Bucharest Post-Cruise; or
- 7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Vienna Pre-Cruise And 3 Nights Istanbul Post-Cruise
- Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia
- Rivers: Danube
ROMANTIC DANUBE – Vilshofen to Budspest
Based on departure 27 Jul 26
From $6039 per person share twin Cruise Only
- 7-Night Cruise Only; or
- 7-Night Cruise With 2 Nights Munich Pre-Cruise; or
- 7-Night Cruise With 3 Nights Prague Pre-Cruise
- Countries: Austria, Germany, Hungary
- Rivers: Danube
*Other sailing dates available. Contact your consultant for full itinerary details, sailing dates and pricing.
Multiple sailing dates available
Save up to $4,500 per couple on select 2026 sailings
from
$
6039
per person share twin
Flights additional
Flights additional
Cruising with
AmaWaterways
Departs 24 Jun 2026
6 GUIDED TOURS
AMAZING SAVINGS
Explore Rhine Getaway
Rhine Getaway
Explore one of Europe’s best-loved rivers. Discover the turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and stunning scenery of the Middle Rhine—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Taste the region’s renowned white wines, the roots of its terraced vineyards reaching back to Roman times. Savor the various culinary traditions of Alsace. With calls in Amsterdam, Cologne and Basel, this journey reveals a rich landscape of beauty and culture.
7 Night River cruise
from
$
2995
AUD
per person share twin
Standard Stateroom
Flights are additional
Standard Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Viking
Departs 23 Nov 2027
AMAZING SAVINGS
12 GUIDED TOURS
Explore Grand European Tour
Grand European Tour
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Rhine Valley from a 900-year-old castle, indulge in the culinary delights and fine wines of the Wachau Valley, perfect your Viennese waltz, and unwind in the iconic Café Gerbeaud in Budapest. This unforgettable 14-night journey guides you through Europe's most scenic regions, offering captivating moments at every turn. The signature route winds along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers, immersing you in the charming landscapes of Hungary to the picturesque windmill-dotted waterways of Holland. Savour every moment of this remarkable adventure.
14 Night River Cruise
from
$
5695
AUD
per person share twin
Standard Stateroom
Flights are additional
Standard Stateroom
Flights are additional
Cruising with
Viking
Departs 24 Oct 2026
Touring in Germany 13
Meet our Germany specialists
Niamh Matthews
House of Travel New Plymouth
I have been so lucky to live and work all around the world and travelling has given me so many incredible experiences, memories and friends over the years. I am so excited to use my knowledge and experience to help you create some amazing memories through travel.
Niamh
Melissa Topp
House of Travel Christchurch City
Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.
Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.
Years in the Industry: over 20
No. of countries visited: 50+
Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no
maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….
Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld
· “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo
Why I love travel?
Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.
My travel tips:
- Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is
much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be
another one.. ATM out of
money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and
explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just
take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
- Focus on value over
deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising
your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at
your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really
going to cost you once you are there.
- Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…
My top 5 favourite destinations:
- Rio
De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a
local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all
together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to
everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing
the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to
watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and
Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
- Europe
River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location,
right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return
when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and
drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have
under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and
more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less
visited towns.
- Rocky
Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the
Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few
minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey
is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the
Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the
mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass
roof of the train.
- Borneo
– Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to
the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into
the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in
their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with
many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
- East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.
What’s in my suitcase?
- A
dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in
tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul
flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where
your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to
curl up in.
- A
dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to
take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when
home.
- Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.
Melissa
Brenda Taylor
House of Travel Timaru
17 years in the business and I am passionate about every holiday I book! My goal is to keep our clients satisfied and loyal for future services plus giving you the security of booking through an agent. I can help with planning travel, booking transport, accommodations, insurance, tours, cruises, special events.
Some of the destinations I have explored: Hong Kong, Brisbane, Queensland, Tropical Northland Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Alaska multiple state in the USA, Canada, Fiji, Rarotonga, Aitutaki.
Brenda
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
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