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Brisbane, Australia

Experience the best of Australian culture on a Brisbane city break.

Brisbane

Why visit Brisbane? Best things to do and see.

Whether you’re planning a relaxed Brisbane city break, a riverfront escape with friends or using the city as a gateway to Queensland’s top attractions, Brisbane blends laidback charm with vibrant urban energy. As one of Australia’s fastest‑growing cities, Brisbane offers the perfect blend of culture, nature and lifestyle - all set along the winding Brisbane River.

There's a 101 reasons to visit Brisbane, from alfresco dining precincts and buzzing rooftop bars to riverside walks and immersive cultural experiences. Brisbane is a destination where there’s always something to discover - explore local markets, cruise the river at sunset or dine at award‑winning restaurants overlooking the city skyline.

Discover world‑class galleries, iconic attractions and seamless access to nearby islands and hinterland escapes. It’s this effortless mix of experiences that makes Brisbane a must‑visit for Kiwi travellers.

 

Riverfront living, cultural precincts and outdoor experiences.

Brisbane’s lifestyle is built around its subtropical climate, with year‑round sunshine perfect for getting outdoors. South Bank is the city’s cultural heart, home to Queensland’s best galleries and museums, plus a man‑made lagoon, parklands and a buzzing dining scene. Nearby, the Brisbane River offers scenic cruises, kayaking and riverside cycling paths that showcase the city from a different perspective.

For those who love city experiences with a local feel, neighbourhoods like Fortitude Valley and New Farm deliver boutique shopping, live music and a thriving café culture. Climb the Story Bridge for panoramic views or explore Howard Smith Wharves, where heritage meets modern dining right on the water.

Beyond the city, Brisbane is the ideal base for day trips. Discover Moreton Island’s crystal‑clear waters and sand dunes, explore the Scenic Rim’s lush hinterland or venture north to the Sunshine Coast and south to the Gold Coast - all within easy reach.

Whether you’re looking to explore culture, unwind in the sunshine or experience a little of everything, Brisbane is the ultimate destination that balances city sophistication with Queensland’s signature laidback lifestyle.

Ready to start planning your Brisbane holiday?

Explore our latest Brisbane deals or speak to our knowledgeable Brisbane travel specialists today to start planning your perfect Queensland escape. 

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Flight time.

Brisbane is only a 3 - 4hour flight from New Zealand, so you can be enjoying riverside dining and great shopping, in no time.

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Best time to go.

The best time to visit Brisbane is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are warm but comfortable with low rainfall.

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Time difference.

Brisbane 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 near Brisbane

Koala sleeping in the tree

Looking for a wild day out?

Located in Currumbin, just 20 kms south of Gold Coast, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary offers interactive experiences with Australian wildlife.

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River Valley

Go beyond the beaches

Trade in the surf for serene trails and mountain air – nature’s calling.

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Whale breaching from water

Surf, stroll, and soak up the views

Experience the wild beauty of a natural headland in the heart of the Gold Coast.

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Food and drink with beach view

Food glorious food

Grab your appetite and spend a weekend eating your way along the Scenic Rim food trail from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.

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People clinking wine glasses

Sip your way through the valley vineyards

Don’t sleep on the Gold Coast wine region—it’s a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered!

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Soar high at the epic Pacific Air Show!

Get ready for the ultimate family adventure!

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Sunset on the river

Captain your own adventure

Grab your crew, pack the snacks, and let the good times roll on the open water!

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People eating seafood and drinking wine with a beach background

Best. Food. Ever!

Sip on cocktails, feast on the catch, and soak in the vibes!

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Miami Marketta

Taste the world in the Gold Coast

From Bangkok to Barcelona, your flavour journey starts here!

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Duffy Boat

More than a 'surfers' paradise!

Pop on your Captain's Hat, pack the picnic.

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Expert tips, insider info and bucket-list inspiration for your next adventure

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Meet our Brisbane specialists

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Jared Wilson

Jared Wilson

House of Travel Christchurch City


No. of countries visited: 40+ 

Favourite place to visit: Anywhere in South America

Next place on the list to visit: Kenya


Quote: “Never pass up a bathroom”

About me: With over 2 years of solo travel across 40+ countries, I am passionate about immersing myself in new cultures and uncovering the unique experiences each destination has to offer. Fluent in Spanish, Latin America is my particular area of experience and expertise. Whether you're after an exciting adventure or a peaceful getaway, I’m committed to designing a memorable and seamless trip tailored specifically to you. 

Why I love travel: It allows me to escape the sometimes repetitive nature of daily life. I enjoy experiencing new places or returning to ones that I love. I like making connections with people from places around the world and having experiences that can’t be replicated.

My travel tips:

  • Meet the locals Almost all of my favourite and most cherished travel experiences have involved meeting and making friends with the local people. It is a sure-fire way to have a more unique and intimate holiday experience.
  • When in Rome A cliché but one to that will enrich your travel, observe how the locals live and learn from it. Try the local brew or dish, join in on the fun. Also respect local customs and traditions, this will allow a richer and safer experience.
  • Expect the unexpected- Be ready for unforeseen circumstances that will inevitably occur at some point during a trip. If you are expectant and prepared for troublesome scenarios you can save yourself a lot of grief. After all, you want to make your break from reality as stress free as possible.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

  • Colombia- An up and coming travel destination, a country cursed with the reputation earned from its past. It is extremely geographically diverse and amazing bang for your buck. I still haven’t found a country with warmer and friendlier people.
  • Spain- A country full of amazing destinations to discover, with a rich history and a world class gastronomical scene. The fun loving people, the nightlife and the picturesque towns with uniquely their Spanish architecture are a must experience.
  • Mexico- Mexico is a country which is truly fascinating, an amazing place to get to know. It’s a big country with lots to explore - like the US it is made up of states (32), the more you see the more you’ll want to see. It is full of the most beautiful places you’ve never heard of. The locals are extremely friendly and of course the cuisine one of the best and most famous on the globe.

What’s in my suitcase:

  • Spare phone, cables and a travel adaptor- Fact is electronics are a very important travel tool and to be prepared is important so you don’t have to go in the dark.
  • A Journal- A great way to record all the little details and memorable moments. When moving fast and or experiencing a lot we naturally forget things. Writing it down will help to recall in future and also to have what you’ve written forever is something special.
  • Travel cubes- Will help you to keep your suitcase nice and organised for easy packing and ultimately will save you time making things easier to find.

My most memorable travel stories:

  • Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain together with part of the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Porto – totalling 1200kms. My hiking shoes broke so I did the last 1000kms in Sandals.
  • Doing a 32 day Top Deck bus tour around Europe. Easily one of the best months of my life full of laughs and all round good times. I made some strong friendships and saw a lot in such a short space of time.


Jared

Rhonda Bignell

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure. 

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

Sarah Newton

Sarah Newton

House of Travel Albany

Life is a collection of moments and memories.  

Both planning your travel and the journey itself should be enjoyable. I find joy in working with travellers to build holidays that are perfect for them. 

Sarah
Jasmine Camplin

Jasmine Camplin

House of Travel Timaru

I have been in the Travel Industry since 2014 and have worked in various roles in the industry since then including an Online Call Center, Airline and in Corporate. I am now here at House of Travel Timaru putting all my knowledge to good use helping YOU create your dream Holiday.

I have been lucky enough to have travelled to Rarotonga, Samoa and Australia (Gold Coast & Sydney) and have a vast knowledge of all of these fun places with my most favorite place being Rarotonga!

I thrive off Customer Satisfaction, seeing my customers walk out the door with their documents in hand and smiles on their faces excited to embark on their adventure fills me with immense joy. I cannot wait to help you plan and book your holiday!

Jasmine

Brisbane FAQS

How far is Brisbane from New Zealand?

Brisbane is approximately a 3 to 4 hour flight from major New Zealand cities like Auckland, making it one of the easiest Australian city breaks for Kiwi travellers. 

 

When is the best time to visit Brisbane?

Brisbane is a year-round destination thanks to its subtropical climate. The most popular time to visit is from March to May and September to November, when temperatures are warm but comfortable and there's less rainfall. 

 

How many days do you need in Brisbane? 

3 to 5 days is ideal to explore Brisbane's highlights, including South Bank, the city centre and nearby day trips like Moreton Island or the Gold Coast. 

 

Is Brisbane a good destination for families? 

Yes, Brisbane is very family-friendly, with attractions like South Bank's lagoon, Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, river cruises and easy access to theme parks on the Gold Coast. 

 

Can you visit Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast from Brisbane? 

Yes, both are easy day trips.  The Gold Coast is about 1 hour south, while Sunshine Coast is around 1 to 1 and a half hours north, making Brisbane a great base to explore the region. 

Do Kiwis need a visa to visit Brisbane?

No, New Zealand passport holders do not need to apply for a visa before travelling to Australia. We always recommend checking official government websites if you are a non-New Zealand passport holder and for any travel updates 

 

What currency is used in Brisbane? 

Australia uses Australian dollars (AUD). Credit cards and contactless payments are widely accepted. 

 

What should I pack for Brisbane?

Pack lightweight clothing for warm weather, comfortable walking shoes, swimwear and sun protection. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings, especially in winter. 

 

Is travel insurance recommended for Brisbane?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for Kiwi travellers, and we offer a range of options. Speak to your local House of Travel specialist about travel insurance options to suit you. 


What is the time difference between Australia and New Zealand? 
Brisbane is usually 2 hours behind New Zealand and does not observe daylight saving, so the difference can be 3 hours in the summer. 

What is the best thing to do in Brisbane?

Top experiences include exploring South Bank, visiting the Brisbane River precinct, climbing the Story Bridge, discovering local markets and taking a day trip to nearby islands or beaches. 

 

How do you get around Brisbane?

Brisbane is easy to navigate using public transport, including trains, buses and ferries. The CityCat ferry is a popular and scenic way to explore along the river. 


Is Brisbane expensive for Kiwi travellers? 
Brisbane can be more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, especially for accommodation and dining, making it a great-value Australian city break. 


Can you swim in Brisbane?
Yes, you can swim at South Bank's Streets Beach (a man-made lagoon) or take a short trip to nearby beaches on the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. 

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Best. Brisbane Holidays. Ever!

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