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Bali

Where natural beauty meets cultural richness

Bali Beach Sunrise

Bali Bliss: Beyond the beaches

Om Suwastiastu! Let us take you beyond the beaches and brunches of Bali for an adventure that’s anything but “beachy-keen”! This island paradise is full of surprises! Discover hidden lagoons and feast on local delights in charming village spots. Hike up volcanoes for views that will take your breath away, and dive with majestic manta rays in crystal-clear waters. Explore lush rice terraces, uncover ancient temples, and soak up the vibrant culture that makes Bali so magical. Ready to make waves and memories?

Connect with our Bali travel specialists and let’s find your perfect adventure. 

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Flight time.

Getting to Bali from Auckland takes about 9 hours, usually with a stopover along the way. While it’s a bit of a journey, the island’s beauty make it worth it.

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Best time to go.

Bali is best visited between April and October, during the dry season. This is the perfect time to enjoy the island’s beaches, temples, and rice terraces.

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Time difference.

Bali operates 4 hours behind New Zealand, so there will be a time difference to adjust to upon arrival.

Our favourite things to do in Bali

Cooking in Bali

Eat like a local

Head to a local Warung.

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View from table at La Lucciola Resturant

A shore thing for dining

Soak up those Bali vibes with sunset views & sea breeze

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Women getting a massage

Relax with a Balinese massage

What better way to relax than with a traditional Balinese massage?

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Two men walking into the surf in Bali

Learn to surf in Bali

Whether you're a first-timer or looking to level up, Canggu and Kuta Beach are your go-to spots for surf lessons.

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Women doing Yoga

Find your inner zen

Bali is home to some of the best yoga studios in the world.

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A sunrise to remember

If you are looking for a unique experience in Bali, you should definitely take a day trip to Kintamani for sunrise.

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View from the water of a beach in Bali looking out at the houses

Visit Asia’s no 1 waterpark!

A must-visit if you’re in Bali with the family!

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Private villa pool in Bali

Live that luxe life

Hire a villa with private chef and butler and more in Bali.

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Sign at Sundays Beach Club Bali

Sand-tastic beach clubs

Bali’s beach clubs are all about good vibes, chill vibes, and everything in between!

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Our Bali travel blogs

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Meet our Bali specialists

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Carly Dorrington

Carly Dorrington

House of Travel Papamoa

As a passionate globetrotter, I've explored the corners of the world with my three adventurous children and alongside friends and family, indulging in everything from backpacking escapades to luxurious resort retreats and exhilarating cruises.

My journey through the tapestry of travel experiences has been enriched by my upbringing in England and my time spent living amidst the captivating landscapes of Western Australia. It's these diverse backgrounds that have instilled in me a profound love for travel and a deep understanding of the intricacies of exploring different cultures and landscapes.

My journey through countless destinations has ignited a fervent dedication to curating unforgettable travel experiences, not just for myself, but for fellow wanderlust souls seeking to fulfil their travel dreams. Whether you're yearning for the rugged thrill of backpacking, the tranquil family getaways, the opulence of fancy resorts, or the serene luxury of cruising, I'm here to weave together the perfect itinerary tailored to your desires.

I want to take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the excitement of your trip. I am highly organised and like to ensure everything has been thought of and accounted for. Communicating clearly along the way with you so you feel confident and reassured. 

I would love to help you with your next journey....wherever it may be!


Carly 
Jazmin Pudney

Jazmin Pudney

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

Travel creates happiness and I love to make people happy! I love all aspects of travel-adventure, food, culture, relaxation and most importantly making life long memories. 

I pride myself on my organization skills and I have extensive knowledge of travel world. I love creating clients special holidays and will always ensure they have everything they need to have the best holiday!

Jazmin

Melissa Topp

Melissa Topp

House of Travel Christchurch City

Travel really is my passion and I perhaps love organising it just as much as the actual travelling. Being able to open up options for people they had no idea they could accomplish is truly exciting. I love the scope of what we can accomplish as a travel agent; our systems, knowledge and relationships with the right people all add up to being able to organise a truly memorable trip. I’ve done it all from tours, safaris, ocean and river cruises, adventure travel, self-drives, rail journeys, family travel specialising in all things Disney and I love to share my knowledge to help you achieve the trip of your lifetime.

Outside of the office I like to spend my time skiing, horse riding, tramping, scuba diving, getting outside on our lifestyle block with my two little girls or enjoying a glass of pinot with a side order of chocolate mousse.


Years in the Industry: over 20

No. of countries visited: 50+

Favourite place to visit: Niue, no wait Cuba, hmm no maybe it’s Egypt….. Or Italy….

Next place on the list to visit: Disneyworld

·       “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Augustine of Hippo


Why I love travel?

Travel gives us our greatest stories, our most cherished memories and countless irreplaceable learnings that we can choose to pay forward to others. It teaches us about ourselves and each other, it broadens our horizons and, just like a reset button, it forces us to refocus on what really matters.


My travel tips:

  • Pack your patient pants; Don’t sweat the stuff you can’t control. Your trip is much too short to stress. Did you miss your bus? No worries, there will be another one.. ATM out of money? Great! Take an unplanned road trip over to the next town and explore. I know it can be hard sometimes, but just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it could be worse.
  • Focus on value over deals. It’s so easy to not look past the initial $ signs when organising your trip but how much extra will there be in added costs once you are at your destination, lost time or enjoyment is that initial saving really going to cost you once you are there.
  • Wake Up Early To Avoid Crowds. Rise before sunrise to have the best attractions all to yourself while avoiding large tourist crowds. It’s also a magical time for photos due to the softer light and often providing great opportunities to interact with locals getting ready for their day. Sketchy areas are less dangerous in the morning too. Honest hardworking people wake up early; scammers and criminals sleep in…


My top 5 favourite destinations:

  • Rio De Janeiro – Such an incredibly vibrant city. Imagine, having dinner in a local favela, no other tourists in sight and locals from ages 1-99 all together, laughing, dancing to the live music, everyone talking to everyone. A local group of young people came down the street performing the traditional capoeira martial art/dance and everyone heads outside to watch and cheer them on. It is always the people that make the place and Brazil’s people are very bit as colourful as this amazing city.
  • Europe River cruise – A true holiday. Pull up each day in a different location, right in the heart of things, wander off the boat and go for it. Return when you feel like it to every luxury you could want, top class food and drink and every room has a front row view. No crowds, most ships have under 200 passengers and a great option for both first time travellers and more experienced as you tend to visit many of the smaller and often less visited towns.
  • Rocky Mountaineer train journey – Starting in Banff, which really feels like the Queenstown of Canada and ending in Vancouver, a stunning city just a few minutes’ drive and from the beautiful redwood forests this train journey is must do travel experience. Seeing the spectacular scenery of the Rockies from the comfort of your warmed up spacious leather seat, the mountains are not just to either side but also above you through the glass roof of the train.
  • Borneo – Here you can combine stunningly beautiful beach resorts with a visit to the jungle; see the Proboscis monkeys, baby turtles being released into the ocean and one of the only places in the world to see Orangutans in their native habitat. One of the least explored areas on the planet with many adventures to be had but you don’t need to skimp on luxury.
  • East Africa Safari – It is a strangely exciting experience to be told not to wander too far from your tent at night because wild animals are really all around you. From elephants wandering through our camp one evening, to hearing bison grazing in the grass around us while sleeping, Africa really is as wild as you hope it will be. So many travel experiences these days are replicas – shows put together for your enjoyment. Africa definitely is not; it could not get much more real. Seeing orphaned baby elephants playing football with each other, wandering over to you reaching out their trunk so smell you as you stand behind only a rope fence watching their antics is just one of the incredible experiences on offer in this amazing location.

What’s in my suitcase?

  • A dog bed. I kid you not. These days I’m travelling with two little ones in tow and as strange as this sounds it’s a life saver on long haul flights-pair it with one of those big inflatable pillows that go where your legs usually do and you have a comfortable bed for the little ones to curl up in.
  • A dirty laundry bag. One easy spot to place all the worn things and easy to take to the laundry with you while travelling or dump in the machine when home.
  • Earplugs. I need a good nights sleep be ready to do everything I have planned for the next day on my holiday and you just never know what noises you might want to shut out while travelling.


Melissa 

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

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FAQS

What is the best time to visit Bali? 
Anytime is a good time to go to Bali, but we recommend April to October, where the temperatures average 30+ degrees and there’s less humidity. Australian school holidays are always busy so if you don’t have to travel when ‘schools out’, be sure to check your dates. Bali does have both a wet and dry seasons: typically, dry season is April to September, wet season runs from October to March, where you can expect a downpour every day, however it’s unlikely to last long. Air New Zealand operates direct flights from Auckland year around making Bali an easy holiday option for Kiwis.

Where to go on holiday in Bali? 
Bali offers an array of beach options including Legian and Seminyak both great for dining.  Or visit Sanur, this was originally a fishing village but now you can soak up the charm along the beachfront boardwalk.   Visit Ubud for cultural experiences, wellness and adventure or head to Nusa Dua for luxury resorts. Don’t miss the beautiful temples like Tanah Lot and Uluwatu. If you're planning a holiday in Bali, explore our Bali travel guide and find out how to make the most of your time on your beach holiday.

How to find the best holiday package to Bali?
We've got that covered for you! Visit our Bali deals section on website or sign up to get the hottest deals sent straight to your emails here.

Where to stay in Bali? 
Bali has something for everyone, travelling in a group…choose a villa, if you’re a foodie head to Seminayk, or a hard-core surfer? - catch a wave in Uluwatu.  Bali has accommodation options for every budget, taste and style. Bali is a perfect break for people who want a relaxing, well-being break or an adventure-filled escape with amazing nightlife, good food and a touch of culture.  

What should I pack for my trip to Bali?
Don’t leave home without your sunscreen! You’ll be spending a lot of time outdoors and a happy traveller is one that isn’t bright red!

Insect repellent should also be packed plus a few other essentials.

Don’t forget your power adapter & chargers either!

Bring enough cash to see you through the first few days.

There are numerous ATM’s in the main beach areas so accessing money is not a problem. 

Let your bank know you’re travelling to Bali too, so they will be aware in advance of any international transactions.

What to wear?
Light clothing is best, but if you are heading to a temple, respect their culture.

Do I need travel insurance for Bali?
Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to Bali. We offer a range of travel insurance options suitable for travel to Bali. Find more information on our website.  

Can I use New Zealand dollars in Bali?
No, you will need to exchange your New Zealand dollars (NZD) for Indonesian rupiah (IDR). Currency exchange services are available at airports, banks, and exchange bureaus. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas.

How to get around in Bali?
Once you’ve arrived in Bali, we recommend having an organised transfer with guide waiting for you when you clear customs. Once settled in at your accommodation, beating the feet for a short walk is a good way to get your bearings. 
Download the ‘GRAB’ app or locally they have ‘GOJEK’ to get around (similar to Uber).  

If your holiday entails more than days at the beach and you want to explore more, consider hiring a driver. It starts from as little as $60 per day and is a smart idea. You get driven from door-to-door and can sit back and absorb all the highlights. Your driver will take you to sites you might not have found yourself, and you’ll get insider’s knowledge from a genuine local. 
When planning your adventures, be prepared, traffic can be heavy so when making plans, always add in some extra time to get there.

What are some of the cultural dos and don'ts in Bali?
Bali is a fairly relaxed place, and many locals are used to the number of tourists that visit annually. Remember that bartering is mostly only accepted at markets and street stalls and won’t be well received in malls or boutiques. Tipping is not essential but welcomed. 
Remember, If visiting a place of worship or a temple, you will need to be well covered. Many temples open for tourists do provide clothing to be worn before you enter the temple surrounds, and shoes may also need to be removed at some places.

What are some family-friendly activities in Bali?
Bali is a great family destination with a large range of fun activities.  A lot of the resorts are family friendly with big pools, kids’ clubs and a lot to keep them occupied.  Visit Waterbom Bali in Kuta for extreme water slides and a fun filled day for kids of all ages.  It’s guaranteed to provide hours of entertainment and fun for all.

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