Discover the Gold Coast

This sparkling stretch of southern Queensland serves up more variety than you'd ever think possible - 70 kilometres of talcum-powder beaches, world-class surf breaks, thrilling theme parks and one of the country's most vibrant dining scenes, all wrapped in 300 days of annual sunshine. Whether you're craving adrenaline or zen, beach culture or hinterland adventures, it's all within easy reach.

About our flights to Gold Coast

Air New Zealand offers non-stop flights to the Gold Coast from Auckland throughout the year. With all our airfares you can choose between Economy, Premium Economy, or Business Premier™ cabins. The flight time to Gold Coast from Auckland is three hours and 45 minutes.  

Five gorgeously Gold Coast experiences

1. Conquer the treetops at Tamborine Mountain

An hour inland from the coast, Tamborine Mountain is where rainforest meets adrenaline. Challenge yourself on high-ropes obstacle courses, where cables and rope bridges stretch through the tree canopy. The views across the hinterland are spectacular. If heights aren't your thing, the mountain also delivers with scenic walks, boutique wineries and galleries.

2. Dive Wonder Reef

Wonder Reef, Australia's first purpose-built dive park, features towering underwater sculptures and structures across 1.2 hectares of protected marine reserve. Explore diverse marine life including tropical fish, rays, turtles and (if you're lucky) grey nurse sharks. Whether you're a certified diver or keen snorkeller, this unique reef system offers encounters you won't find anywhere else.

3. Escape to Tipplers Beach by jet ski

Accessible only by water, Tipplers Beach is a gorgeous stretch of sand tucked away from the crowds. Several operators offer tours that'll have you carving through turquoise channels and pulling up to your own private beach paradise. Pack a picnic and enjoy having an entire beach essentially to yourself.

4. Feast at Miami Marketta

When the sun sets, Miami Marketta comes alive. This vibrant street food market (open evenings Wednesday to Sunday) brings together global cuisines, live music and a laid-back ambiance. Wander through stalls serving everything from wood-fired pizza and pad Thai to fried chicken and artisan doughnuts.

5. Be enchanted by glow worm caves

Less than an hour from the coast, Springbrook National Park protects ancient rainforest and one of nature's most magical light shows. Follow walking trails to caves where thousands of glow worms illuminate the darkness like bioluminescent stars. The Natural Bridge formation - a collapsed cave with a waterfall cascading through it - is particularly spectacular at night.

Other things to see and do on the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast (Kombumerri Country) doesn't just have great weather - it has a personality to match, all optimism and possibility. Embraced by the Pacific Ocean and backed by lush hinterland, this sun-drenched region delivers world-class surf, pristine beaches and a delicious dining scene. If you've only got a few days, check out our five-day itinerary.

Beaches and water fun

Unsurprisingly, water is the fuel that powers this coastal paradise. Surfers can check out famous breaks like Burleigh Heads and Snapper Rocks, where the Gold Coast Pro – part of the World Surf League championship is held each year. If you prefer to command a kayak, paddleboard or water bike, you'll enjoy the spectacular canals that crisscross rivers, creeks and lakes.

For families, Tallebudgera Creek is pure magic. Sandwiched between Burleigh Heads National Park and Palm Beach, this sparkling estuary offers calm, clear water ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. Main Beach serves up sophistication alongside its surf, while Coolangatta and Kirra Beach offer classic Australian surf culture. More about Gold Coast beaches.

Theme parks and adventures

The Gold Coast has a theme park collection that will take your breath away. Check out the biggest theme park in Australia at Dreamworld. Home to the immersive jungle-themed Rivertown with the family coaster Jungle Rush, as well as the intense new thrill ride King Claw, just to name a few. Then strap yourself into the DC Rivals HyperCoaster at Movie World - the tallest, longest and fastest hypercoaster in the southern hemisphere.

Wet'n'Wild cools you down with water slides ranging from family-friendly lazy rivers to drops that'll make your stomach flip. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary lets you feed kangaroos and cuddle koalas, while SkyPoint Observation Deck puts you 230 metres in the air for jaw-dropping 360-degree views. More about Gold Coast theme parks.

Explore Burleigh Heads

Just south of Surfers Paradise, Burleigh Heads has transformed into the Gold Coast's coolest neighbourhood. This is where exceptional dining meets laid-back beach culture meets subtropical rainforest.

Award-winning restaurants line the streets back from the beach, from intimate wine bars to beachfront institutions where waves crash metres from your table. The ideal counterpoint is a walk through Burleigh Head National Park, where rainforest trails wind to lookouts offering panoramic ocean views. Early morning is prime time for spotting dolphins and (in season) migrating humpback whales.

Hinterland escapes

Less than an hour inland, the Gold Coast Hinterland feels like another world entirely. Springbrook National Park and Lamington National Park protect ancient Gondwana rainforest - lush, green and spectacularly beautiful. Walking trails wind through subtropical forest past waterfalls, natural rock pools and lookouts offering views stretching to the coast.

Tamborine Mountain offers a blend of nature and indulgence. Walk through Gallery Walk's boutique shops and cafes, challenge yourself on treetop adventure courses, taste local wines at cellar doors or simply enjoy the cooler mountain air. More about the hinterland.

Seasonal highlights

Winter (June to August) brings humpback whale watching season - these magnificent creatures migrate along the coast in spectacular displays. The Gold Coast also hosts major events throughout the year, from the Magic Millions horse racing carnival in January to the Gold Coast 500 Supercars Championship later in the year. The Gold Coast is home to several vibrant music festivals, including major events like Blues on Broadbeach, the free Groundwater Country Music Festival, nostalgic Cooly Rocks On, and large-scale festivals offering diverse genres from blues, country, and rock 'n' roll to contemporary acts, leveraging its beaches and venues as backdrops.

Receive alerts about cheap flights to the Gold Coast

If you're interested in cheap flights to the Gold Coast from NZ, we run regular special offers. You can also sign up to receive regular email updates about cheap airfares, packages, competitions and exclusive offers.