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.
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.
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.
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!
Touring in Sri Lanka 5
Our Sri Lanka blogs
Meet our Sri Lanka experts
Kirsty Howlett
House of Travel Broadway
I love that Travel experiences gives you lasting memories.
I've worked in almost every area of the travel industry over the last 30 years and have a wealth of experience to help plan your next trip!
Kirsty
Maree Thompson
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
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
* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.
*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!
*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.
*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.
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
Shelley Rich
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
I have been a part of the travel industry for over 30 years and still love it!
I love to travel and I often joke with my clients that I live vicariously through them.
Planning the perfect holiday for my clients fills me with joy. I take pride in what I do and love sharing my passion of travel.
Many of my clients have become life long friends.
Shelley
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
93% of customers who book with House of Travel rate us 5/5
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