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Sri Lanka

Island magic, ancient treasures and golden beaches


Beaches, rich history... and ELEPHANTS!

Sri Lanka is a captivating island that packs a serious punch – rich in history, surrounded by golden beaches, teeming with wildlife and full of flavour.

Explore bustling Colombo, climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, or wander the sacred ruins of Anuradhapura. Kandy’s misty hills offer serene beauty and cultural depth, while Trincomalee is all about laid-back beach days and snorkelling in clear blue water.

Wildlife lovers won’t want to miss Minneriya National Park during “The Gathering,” when hundreds of elephants congregate in one of nature’s greatest shows.

Take a tea plantation tour, sample fragrant curries and dive into delicious street food like kottu roti and egg hoppers. Whether you’re hiking lush mountain trails, lazing on a quiet beach, or tucking into spicy sambols with the locals – Sri Lanka is an adventure of colour, warmth and unforgettable moments.

Let our Sri Lanka specialists help you plan your perfect island escape.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to Sri Lanka takes roughly 20 hours with a stopover, but you'll feel totally alive once you get off the plane into this riot of colour and warmth.

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Best time to go

September to October and April are the best times for exploring the whole country and avoiding the monsoon season, but Sri Lanka is a nice warm destination all year.

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Time difference

Sri Lanka is 6.5–7.5 hours behind New Zealand due to daylight saving in NZ. Yes that half hour is correct!

Meet our Sri Lanka experts

Kelsey Mackay

Kelsey Mackay

House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)

Travel has always been more than just getting from A to B for me, it’s about the experiences, the memories, and the confidence that comes from seeing the world in a new way.

I love helping people plan trips that truly suit them, whether that’s a relaxing island escape, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, or a well-earned holiday where everything just runs smoothly. I take the time to understand what’s important to each client, and I’m known for being organised, responsive, and honest with my advice.

Having travelled myself and worked closely with trusted suppliers, I enjoy sharing practical insights and industry knowledge that help take the stress out of planning. From the early ideas right through to the finer details, my goal is to make sure you feel supported, informed, and excited about your holiday.

There’s nothing better than hearing about a great trip when clients return, knowing I’ve played a small part in helping create something really special and it's certainly making my Book-It "List" turn into a Novel!

My favourite place I have visited is Puerto Rico - from the beautiful white-sand beaches and the best coffee & chocolate I’ve ever had, this country is so rich with culture. It’s sure to be a memorable port stop on your next Caribbean Cruise.

The next place I would love to explore is Indonesia & South America!

Kelsey
Leonie Paul

Leonie Paul

House of Travel Merivale

With nearly two decades at House of Travel, I’m always dreaming of the next adventure. The more I explore, the longer my bucket list grows! The thrill of planning a new journey and learning from each experience excites me.

Discussing travel daily is my passion, I love helping clients realize their travel dreams and living vicariously through their experiences.

Getting to know my clients and understanding what matters most to them is something I truly enjoy. This insight allows me to craft itineraries that are as unique and special as the travelers themselves.

There's nothing more satisfying than a client returning with tales of their adventures. I love hearing their stories, as each journey is different—there's no one-size-fits-all approach to travel.

For me, travel offers the opportunity to learn more about the world around us. With every journey, I find new perspectives, cultures, and places to love.

Travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it's about the growth we experience along the way.

Leonie

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
Brigitta Moore

Brigitta Moore

House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)

Nice to meet you! I love traveling with my husband, whether it's hiking the Camino de Santiago, biking through Latvia, or relaxing on beach holidays in places like Greece and Fiji. Recent highlights include cruising Norway and exploring Puglia, Italy—though I’m always guilty of overpacking! 

Brigitta

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

"Pieta came up with a good deal in flights. Obliging and accessible for queries. Pleasant manner and keeps us informed."

Wendy

"Maia was exceptional! Fabulous communication, replying to my questions. She gave me various options for my travel to Sri Lanka!"

Catherine

"Esther has been very helpful and efficient in helping us with our travel arrangements. She has lots of knowledge with regards to places we're keen to visit"

Evelyn

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