Back

Spain & Portugal

A vibrant tapestry of sun, flavour, and historic splendor

Hola! And Ola!

These two euro neighbours will captivate your heart with the romance of the Spanish and Portuguese languages, the friendly, passionate people, the Mediterranean climate, culinary delights, unique history, architecture and landscapes. Stay in a Paradore in Spain and explore the Mediterranean coastline, then head over the Spanish plains to the mountain chains. Discover wonderful Moorish palaces, castles, heritage sites, Roman ruins and national parks. Join one of their many crazy festivals and learn the flamenco. From Spain, travel through Portugal’s charming medieval towns, past too many castles to count, devouring port wine and Pastel de natas on the way to the Atlantic Ocean. Take your pick of sandy beaches, where the sun shines 300 days a year as you wind on down to the exquisite Algarve.

Planning a Spain & Portugal holiday? Connect with one of our Spain & Portugal travel specialists to create your dream holiday today!

Flight time.

Traveling from Auckland to Spain or Portugal takes around 24 hours, typically with a stopover. The journey is long, but the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes make it worth the effort.

Best time to go.

The best times to visit Spain and Portugal are during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October). These seasons provide mild weather, perfect for exploring the cities and countryside.

Time difference.

Spain and Portugal are 10 hours behind New Zealand, so plan for a noticeable time difference.

Our favourite things to do in Spain & Portugal

Step into Gaudi’s world in Barcelona

Wander through the narrow lanes of the Gothic Quarter early morning before the crowds.

Paella cooking class

Return from Spain with the know-how to whip up a mean Paella.

Tapas like a local

We recommend doing a tapas/pintxos tour as soon as you get to Spain, this will teach you how to eat tapas like a local.

Sail through Portugal’s hidden gem

For a distinctly unique experience cruise the Douro Valley in Portugal.

Take a day trip from Lisbon

Visit the whimsical Pena Palace in Sintra ,Portugal.

Flamenco in Spain or Fado in Portugal

Experience local music and dance!

Walk the Camino

A bucket-list adventure!

Stay in Castles and Palaces

Imagine sleeping in a palace, castle, or a historical monument – that’s what staying at a Parador in Spain or a Pousada in Portugal feels like!

Our top 6 wellness experiences for 2025

Wellness holidays are one of the fastest growing travel trends for kiwis. Here are our favourite wellness holidays for 2025.

Eat tapas like a local in Spain

Spain, Europe

Paella making in Barcelona

Spain

Camino de Santiago, Spain

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a renowned pilgrimage journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in the northwest of Spain.

Spain: Know before you go guide

From vibrant cities and stunning beaches to delicious cuisine and rich traditions, Spain has something for everyone!

93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5

"She replied promptly to my questions and even offered further support. Her information and explanations were easy to follow."

Sonia

"By the time I had arrived, she had done the research and we were ready to book"

Lawson

"Good what we needed first time. Listening to our requirements"

Penny

See all reviews

Meet our Spain & Portugal specialists

See all

Rebecca Moss

House of Travel Whangarei

I am delighted to share the exciting news of my return to House of Travel after a brief break from the travel industry. I am thrilled to continue my travel career, which spans over 17 years. It all began when I entered the industry as a travel consultant and eventually progressed to assistant office manager. I developed a strong fascination with the wholesale operation, which inspired me to delve deeper into that specific aspect of the business.

This experience further ignited my desire to embark on my second Overseas Experience (O.E.) As a result, I left New Zealand and had the opportunity to work as a travel agent in both Australia and Ireland. Upon my return to New Zealand, I seized a valuable position as a sales representative for Malaysian Airlines before finally joining House of Travel at the beginning of 2017.

During my travels, I have been fortunate to explore 18 countries, and among them, Hawaii holds a special place as one of my favorite destinations. Exploring the Waikele premium outlets, basking in the sun on beautiful beaches, snorkelling with turtles along the Maui coastline, and embarking on the exhilarating Haleakala Zipline adventure—this destination offers the perfect all-in-one holiday experience for me.

Cruising, indulging in luxury travel, and enjoying beach breaks are my passions, although I am not averse to a touch of adventure. Witnessing the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza Mayan ruins in Mexico and conquering the ascent of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah were both remarkable personal achievements.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my profession is assisting clients in creating their ideal travel experiences. I take great pleasure in hearing about their favorite moments and highlights upon their return.

Rebecca

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

Eilish Colvin

House of Travel Te Awamutu

Hi, I'm Eilish – I have a love for exploring the world, with a soft spot for Europe, Bali and youth travel.

I love putting together smooth, personalised travel plans, using my organisational skills and fun, bubbly personality. Helping people turn their dream holidays into reality, making sure every detail is just right.

In 2024, I was proud to be named a Contiki Champ, which was a personal accomplishment with a brand I have tried and tested and love myself.

Whether it’s a group getaway or a solo journey, my goal is to help people discover new destinations, create lasting memories, and feel confident while exploring the world.

Eilish

Catherine Johnson

House of Travel Ashburton

Travel is my passion and to be able to share this with others is the best part of my job!

I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly making life long memories.

Whether you're looking for a thrill-seeking adventure or a peaceful island escape, I can’t wait to help you plan the trip of a lifetime.

Catherine