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Tropical North Queensland

Where the rainforest meets the reef

Cairns, Australia, Snorkeling The Great Barrier Reef

Tropical North Queensland is nature’s ultimate thrill ride—wild, vibrant, and totally unforgettable. Where else can you snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in the morning and wander through the world’s oldest rainforest by afternoon? This slice of paradise is home to not one, but two World Heritage-listed wonders—and enough adventure to fill your camera roll and your soul.

Think laid-back vibes, palm trees swaying, and friendly locals who know how to live life outdoors. Cairns and Port Douglas are your go-to hubs, not just for reef trips and rainforest walks, but also for wild adventures to the Gulf of Savannah and Cape York if you're feeling extra bold.

The weather? Always warm. The lifestyle? Effortlessly chill. Whether you're kicking back on a sun-drenched beach, getting pampered at a rainforest retreat, chasing waterfalls, or white-water rafting down the Barron River—there’s no wrong way to holiday here.

And it’s not just the landscapes that are diverse. The mix of cultures, food, and local stories adds even more colour to this already vibrant part of the world. So pack your sense of wonder—Tropical North Queensland is calling!

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Flight time

Flying from New Zealand to Cairns takes around 5 and a half hours with direct flights available from Auckland with Air New Zealand or from Christchurch with Jetstar. Alternatively, you can connect via Brisbane with multiple daily flights to Cairns available.

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Best time to go

From April to November, Tropical North Queensland has warm, sunny days with low humidity—perfect for snorkelling, exploring the Daintree Rainforest, and alfresco dining. This dry season offers ideal conditions for swimming, reef tours, and outdoor adventures, with fewer crowds from April to June and peak travel periods from July to September. From December to March, the region experiences a tropical summer with hot, humid weather and frequent rainfall. While this is the wet season, it’s also when the rainforest is at its most lush, and waterfalls are flowing—great for nature lovers.

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Time difference

Tropical North Queensland 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 experiences

Snorkel or dive the Great Barrier Reef

Explore one of the world’s greatest natural wonders, teeming with vibrant coral and marine life.

Read more

Explore the Daintree Rainforest

Discover the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, filled with unique wildlife, lush greenery, and ancient plants.

Read more
Port Douglas

Take a scenic drive along the Great Barrier Reef Coast

Cruise the Captain Cook Highway from Cairns to Port Douglas for stunning ocean views and charming seaside towns.

Read more
Australian Kangaroo

Your Aussie adventure starts here - Download our Australia Brochure

Packed with expert tips, insider info and bucket-list inspiration for your next unforgettable Australian getaway

Our Queensland blogs

Meet our Queensland specialists

Zoe Sherwood

Zoe Sherwood

House of Travel Devonport

I like to think of myself as a breath of fresh air in the travel industry. Having spent some time living in both the USA and the UK, my love for travel truly blossomed during that time. I firmly believe that exploring the world opens hearts and minds, offering lessons you can’t find anywhere else.

Organising travel might sound simple, but when you’re juggling five different airlines, hopping between continents, and coordinating an international cruise with visa requirements and embarkation rules to navigate, it can quickly become overwhelming. Lucky for you, I’ve got the expertise and experience to make the entire process smooth and stress-free, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

For me, it’s all about you. Hearing about your dream adventures and helping turn them into reality is what makes my job so rewarding—it’s a privilege to be involved in such exciting moments. No dream is too big or too small! Whether it’s a luxurious journey through Asia, hopping across Europe’s hidden gems, a self-drive adventure in Australia, or cruising the stunning Baltics, any adventure has the potential to be truly magical.

If it’s on your bucket list, let’s make it happen—I’m here to listen and bring your vision to life!


Zoe

Andy Gosnell

Andy Gosnell

House of Travel Christchurch City

There is nothing like having an outgoing and versatile member on a team—and Andy is ours. His approachable, honest style fosters strong relationships and consistently positive experiences for clients, suppliers, and colleagues alike.


Travel has always been a defining part of Andy’s life. He caught the travel bug early - 3 formative years of living in the USA during his childhood hardwired his love for travel.  Since then, he has taken every opportunity to see the world, often venturing to remote and remarkable destinations. Whether trekking through the Patagonian Andes, wandering the piazzas of Italy, or visiting family spread around the globe, Andy is truly in his element.


With nearly ten years in the travel industry, Andy has had the opportunity to experience an exceptional range of destinations and build deep, practical knowledge. No matter where you want to go, he brings expert insight and thoughtful advice to help make your journey genuinely unforgettable.


“I can help you visit anywhere and experience anything—you're only limited by how far your imagination can stretch.”

 

Years in the industry: 10
Countries visited: 12
Favourite destination: Amalfi Coast
Next destination on the list: Poland

“Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien


Why I Love Travel

The places I see and the people I meet—travel truly is the best way to broaden the mind. It allows you to experience and learn from different cultures and walks of life. Life is short; travel often.


My Travel Tips

  • If you are always early, you are never late.
  • Pre-book as much as possible before departure and schedule rest days on longer trips.
  • Live courageously—100% of the opportunities you don’t take are missed.


My Top Three Favourite Destinations

Italy
The food, history, people, dramatic coastlines, and mountains—Italy deserves a place on everyone’s bucket list.


USA
With its extraordinary diversity of cultures and experiences, you could spend a lifetime exploring the United States and still not see it all.


Patagonia
Challenging to reach, but the dramatic landscapes that greet you make every moment of the journey worthwhile.


What’s in My Suitcase

  • Kindle / E-reader – Lightweight, easy to pack, and long-lasting battery life; an essential on every trip.
  • Noise-cancelling headphones – Ideal for busy airports and long-haul flights.
  • Travel plug adapter – Easy to forget, but absolutely essential.


Andy

Kate Jardine

Kate Jardine

House of Travel Johnsonville

My travel adventures started back in 2004 when I departed on my OE to Scotland with a stop in Dubai. 

I have travelled in all styles, backpacking around Europe, small group adventure travel following the volcano trail in Central America, luxury coach touring in Canada and many family resort holidays through the South Pacific.

I love booking travel just as much as experiencing new and exciting destinations myself.


Kate
Caitlin Thomson

Caitlin Thomson

House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square

IMPORTANT: We are currently experiencing issues with customers calling from phone numbers that are One NZ numbers. Please email us or if you are having issues calling us, please call 0800 509 444.


Hello!

I believe exploring the globe should be accessible for everyone, and I'm here to help make that happen for you. With my passion for globetrotting, I'm looking forward to collaborating to create your dream journey, and make the world your personalised adventure by crafting each destination as a chapter that resonates uniquely with you. 

Caitlin 

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