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Germany

Where fascinating history meets modern cool

Passau, Germany
 Aschaffenburg, Germany

Where fairytales, forests and festivals come to life

In Germany, old-world charm meets modern culture in the best kind of way – offering something for every kind of traveller.

Historic medieval towns feel like they’ve stepped out of a fairytale, but at the same time you can dive into Berlin’s edgy art scene, hit a stylish urban bar, or embrace tradition with a stein of beer and a plate of bratwurst at a local biergarten.

Iconic castles like Neuschwanstein will stop you in your tracks, and the romantic beauty of the Black Forest is made for getting lost – think misty trails winding through storybook villages and lush, forested valleys.

Love the outdoors? Hike the Bavarian Alps or cycle along the Rhine, refuelling on warm pretzels, schnitzel, world-famous sausages and the kind of bread that dreams are made of.

Germany also knows how to throw a party. From Cologne’s Carnival to Munich’s Oktoberfest and the twinkling magic of its Christmas markets – there’s a celebration waiting in every season.

Chat with our Germany travel specialists and design your dream European getaway.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to Germany takes roughly 25 hours with a stopover. It's a long flight but you'll forget all about it when you arrive in this fascinating destination full of history and charm.

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Best time to go

The best time to visit Germany is: May to September for sunshine and outdoor adventures, September to October for beer and wine festivals, or December for magical Christmas markets.

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Time difference

Germany is 10-12 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving. At times it's exactly the same time - just AM at one end and PM at the other!

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

"Lisa came across as very knowledgeable and helpful. Easy to get hold of and fast to reply messages. Flights are booked and paid for and now we are working on smaller details in regards of stay and activities. I feel ver comfortable with Lisa."

Marko

"Oliver is awesome travel agent organising my overseas travel for the past 5 years. Due to unforeseen circumstances bookings were often changed, sometime at the last moment. His knowledge and professionalism overcome obstacles quickly and efficiently. Thank you Oliver."

Peter

"we found it was a easy process and was informative , we are really happy with our travel plans and would recommend to others."

Ernst

Meet our Germany specialists

Esther Ru Bay

Esther Ru Bay

House of Travel Papamoa

For over 20 years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of helping people explore the world. From weekend getaways to once-in-a-lifetime journeys, I’ve sent travelers to every corner of the globe—each trip teaching me something new and deepening my passion for travel planning.

What I love most is working with people to craft experiences that go far beyond just itineraries and bookings. Whether it’s a romantic escape, a family adventure, a cultural deep dive, or a soul-searching solo trip, I take the time to understand what matters most to you. Together, we create meaningful, memorable journeys that you’ll carry with you for a lifetime.

In the past few years, the travel landscape has changed dramatically. Flight disruptions, evolving health regulations, and new requirements have made things more complicated than ever. But with experience comes adaptability. We've become experts at staying ahead of the curve—navigating changes with confidence, keeping you informed, and ensuring your plans stay on track no matter what.

My goal is simple: to take the stress out of travel so you can focus on the joy of discovery. From the moment we start planning to the moment you return home, I’m here to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and truly unforgettable.

Travel might be more complex today—but that’s exactly why having someone in your corner makes all the difference. Let’s plan something amazing.


Esther

Megan McKay

Megan McKay

House of Travel Hornby

I have a passion for all things travel and cannot wait to help ensure you have the best experience possible!

Megan

Jo McLaughlin

Jo McLaughlin

House of Travel Papamoa

Hi, I’m Jo and I joined the House of Travel Papamoa team in April 2022 not long after the borders opened and it’s fair to say it’s been crazy busy ever since!  No two days are the same and I thrive working in a fast-paced environment.   I have been working in Travel for around 10 years and started in January 2009 at Flight Centre Mt Maunganui and then moved to Auckland in 2011 to step into a management role to open their new retail store in Royal Oak.  I then moved back to the Tauranga area in early 2013 and opened the Flight Centre in Bayfair.  Opening two of Flight Centre’s stores gave me an incredible learning experience and insight into building a business and taking it to incredible heights!  I was also in charge of training multiple new to the industry staff members.  Before Travel I worked in banking for 4 and half years both in the retail branch and the business banking team. 

I have great attention to detail, excellent communication skills and am down to earth, friendly and approachable.  I love meeting new people and building relationships with my clients.  I love putting together itineraries and working closely with you to find your perfect fit.

I'm passionate about travel to Canada and the UK.  As I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and London for nearly 3 years on Working Holidays.  I’ve also spent 3 weeks in Egypt and over 6 weeks in South America.  I’ve travelled on my own to Asia and then jumped on an Intrepid Cambodia tour.  I have also done a 28 day Topdeck Camping trip around Europe and travelled independently using Eurail passes and the Eurostar. Along with many other exciting adventures!

My partner Duncan and I have two children, a son 10 and daughter 8 whom we took on holiday to Plantation Island in Fiji for a week.  We have also spent 2 weeks in Bali as a family in 2023.  Duncan and I also experienced a Viking cruise earlier this year which we absolutely loved! Our latest holiday was spending 5 nights in Fiji at the All Inclusive Naviti Resort.

We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block. We love the outdoors and taking advantage of the many wonderful things on offer here in the Tauranga area.  

I’d love to help you plan your next trip and look forward to hearing from you.  


Jo
Tracey Edgecombe

Tracey Edgecombe

House of Travel New Plymouth

I liken planning a holiday to baking a cake. It takes several well measured and thought out ingredients for a great result.

I have been lucky to have travelled extensively myself and being a travel consultant for more than 20 years, I use these 'ingredients' - experience and expertise - to draw on to help create amazing holidays and lifelong memories.

It is such a pleasure to help my clients get the best out of their holidays and manage an incredible team of travel professionals.

Tracey

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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