Flight time
The flight from Auckland to Mexico takes roughly 18 hours with a stopover. A long flight is a small price to pay for the warmth and vibrancy of a holiday like this.
Mexico personifies the word vibrant... a riot of colour, culture and warmth everywhere you go.
Wander through the ancient ruins of Chichén Itzá or Palenque, where you can almost hear whispers of past civilisations. Sink your toes into Tulum’s white sands, snorkel in turquoise cenotes, or throw yourself into the joyful chaos of Mexico City’s markets and plazas.
Food is everything here... from the smoky spice of tacos al pastor to the citrusy freshness of ceviche and the rich, chocolatey depths of mole, every bite feels like a celebration.
But Mexico isn’t just about food and history, it’s music, murals and magic in the everyday. Mariachi bands serenade in the streets, handcrafts dazzle in every colour imaginable, and the warmth of the people is something you’ll carry home with you.
Mexico will wrap you up in a giant hug!
Chat to our Mexico specialists and start planning your unforgettable fiesta today.
The flight from Auckland to Mexico takes roughly 18 hours with a stopover. A long flight is a small price to pay for the warmth and vibrancy of a holiday like this.
December to April is Mexico’s dry season, perfect for outdoor adventures. With sunny weather it’s the ideal time to enjoy nature and the beaches - but be prepared for party crowds
Mexico is 17–19 hours behind New Zealand due to daylight saving in both countries and regional differences. You'll be a bit jet lagged but the spirit of the lovely locals will help distract your tired brain
Travel is truly in my blood. My grandparents sparked the travel bug in my mum, and she passed that passion on to me. From the moment I took my very first holiday at age three, a magical trip to Disneyland, I was hooked. Growing up, I listened to my mum’s stories from her OE, my cousins’ globe-trotting adventures, and my sister’s explorations, all of which fueled my own wanderlust.
Over the years, I’ve lived in Scotland, as well as in England and Ireland, soaking up different cultures and ways of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, exploring incredible destinations including Jordan, Israel, the USA, Australia & Europe. I’ve experienced the security and ease of organised solo travel with Contiki and Topdeck tours, but I’ve also embraced the challenge and freedom of planning my own trips, like eloping in Denmark, which remains one of my most cherished adventures.
With a background in hospitality, I combine practical knowledge with genuine care to craft holidays that are personalised, meaningful, and seamless. I love getting to know your unique travel style and what matters most to you, whether that’s family fun, a romantic escape, or a bucket-list adventure.
I’m not just your travel consultant; I’m your travel cheerleader. I’ll celebrate every countdown with you, smooth out any bumps along the way, and be just as excited when everything comes together perfectly. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning, so you can focus on making memories.
Let’s work together to create a travel experience that’s not only unforgettable but uniquely yours.
Courtney
From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!
I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!
I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!
I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.
I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.
I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.
I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.
My Travel Tips
The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.
Maree
Hi, I’m Carmel Layton. Travel has been a huge part of my life from my first trip overseas as a 6 year old to travelling independently in my twenties and I have travelled to over 72 countries around the world, it has always been a key ingredient in my life.
I am an experienced and passionate travel professional with over 15 years in the industry. From a short South Pacific getaway to a trip around the globe, I look forward to helping you realise your travel dreams.
For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that.
What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life?
My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way.
Jo
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