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Philippines

A thousand islands and a million smiles

Ariel view of shoreline on boats

Find your paradise in the Philippines

Many people picture the busy streets of Manila when they think of the Philippines, but this vibrant country is made up of thousands of islands – each with its own magic.

From coral reefs and limestone cliffs to powdery beaches and emerald lagoons, the scenery is next-level stunning. In the Cordillera Highlands, you’ll find the 2,000-year-old Banaue Rice Terraces, and in Sagada, the mysterious and hauntingly beautiful Hanging Coffins.

Palawan is pure tropical paradise – think towering cliffs, crystal-clear waters and colourful reefs, perfect for kayaking or island-hopping. Wind down at the end of the day with beachfront dining and laid-back bars (Coron is a diver’s dream).

In Cebu, you’ll find a vibrant mix of history, waterfalls and beaches all within easy reach of the city.

But maybe the best thing about the Philippines? The people. Warm, welcoming and always ready with a smile – you’ll never feel like a stranger here.

Ready for your island-hopping escape? Chat to our Philippines specialists and start planning your unforgettable adventure.

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Flight time

The flight from Auckland to the Philippines takes roughly 14 hours with a stopover. It's not short but the hospitality of the locals will envelope you as soon as you land.

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Best time to go

The Philippines has two seasons: dry (December–May) and rainy (June–November). Sunny dry months are ideal for beach days, but off-peak travel offers lower prices and quieter beaches—albeit with wet patches.

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Time difference

The Philippines are 4–5 hours behind New Zealand depending on Daylight Saving in NZ. It might take a couple of days to get used to the time difference.

Meet our Philippines specialists

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
Rachel Molloy

Rachel Molloy

House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)

Having been in the travel industry for 14 years, it's safe to say travel is my biggest passion. I love turning up somewhere not knowing what to expect and being delighted by both the differences in culture, cuisine and customs. Part way through my career I took a year off and spent this travelling extensively through central America, Asia and Europe. I'm now fortunate enough to be able to pass on the knowledge I've gained over the years and work with my clients to bring their travel dreams to fruition. 

Rachel

Brenda Taylor

Brenda Taylor

House of Travel Timaru

17 years in the business and I am passionate about every holiday I book!  My goal is to keep our clients satisfied and loyal for future services plus giving you the security of booking through an agent.  I can help with planning travel, booking transport, accommodations, insurance, tours, cruises, special events.

Some of the destinations I have explored:  Hong Kong, Brisbane, Queensland, Tropical Northland Queensland, Melbourne, Sydney, Great Barrier Reef, Alaska multiple state in the USA, Canada, Fiji, Rarotonga, Aitutaki.


Brenda

Lisa Grunsell

Lisa Grunsell

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

With over 30 years in the travel industry, I still get that same excitement when creating holidays for my clients.

My extensive travel knowledge, combined with personal experiences, allows me to transform your dreams into reality.

Travel has truly been life-changing for me, from the diverse cultures to the countless continents I’ve explored. I would love to share that joy with you.

I invite you to come and chat with me—I’m here to make booking your holiday as easy and stress-free as possible. 

Lisa

Best. Holidays. Ever!

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