Flights from Auckland (AKL) to Saudi Arabia

Discover Saudi Arabia

Discover Saudi Arabia

Why visit Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia blends ancient desert landscapes, historic cities, and dynamic modern skylines, offering you a glimpse of both deep-rooted heritage and rapid contemporary change.

What to expect

You will find gleaming urban centres like Riyadh framed by vast desert, mountain, and coastal regions, with museums, heritage quarters, and outdoor experiences that reveal the country’s diverse character.

Plan your trip

Saudi Arabia is an emerging destination and a growing gateway to the wider Middle East, so plan extra time to connect through major hubs and to explore different regions on one itinerary.

Top experiences in Saudi Arabia

Explore Riyadh’s historic heart

Stroll through restored heritage districts, visit museums, and see traditional mud-brick architecture alongside striking modern towers.

Venture into the desert

Take a guided excursion to dramatic desert landscapes outside Riyadh, where towering escarpments and sand dunes glow at sunset.

Discover Saudi museums and galleries

Visit national and city museums that showcase archaeology, traditional crafts, and contemporary art that reflect the Kingdom’s evolving story.

Admire modern city skylines

Head to high-rise viewing decks and contemporary precincts to see how rapid development has reshaped Saudi Arabia’s urban horizons.

Experience family-friendly attractions

Enjoy city parks, entertainment centres, and seasonal festivals that bring together residents and visitors in lively public spaces.

Experience Saudi Arabia’s way of life

Getting around

For longer distances within Saudi Arabia, domestic flights link major cities efficiently, while in urban centres taxis and ride-hailing services are the most practical way to get around, with growing public transport options in Riyadh.

Local life & culture

Daily life moves between bustling city avenues and quieter neighbourhoods, with strong traditions of hospitality, family gatherings, and socialising in parks, cafés, and cultural venues.

Where to unwind

Relax in landscaped city parks, desert resorts, and outdoor recreation areas where you can enjoy wide open views, walking paths, and calm spaces away from the city rush.

A taste of Saudi Arabia

National dishes & specialties

You can try classic rice and meat dishes, spiced grilled meats, and generous shared platters that reflect Saudi Arabia’s long tradition of hosting and hospitality.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Riyadh’s dining scene ranges from simple local eateries to contemporary cafés and international restaurants, giving you many options for quick bites and relaxed meals.

Signature & scenic dining

Look for rooftop terraces, high-floor restaurants, and thoughtfully designed interiors where you can enjoy city views and carefully curated menus in an atmospheric setting.

Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Riyadh offers large malls and lifestyle centres that bring together international labels, local designers, family entertainment, and a wide variety of dining options.

Markets & local crafts

Traditional markets and specialised boutiques in historic quarters are good places to look for handicrafts, textiles, and items that reflect regional styles.

Evening retail scene

Shopping districts in major cities stay active into the evening, with brightly lit façades, late-opening stores, and a relaxed atmosphere for strolling and browsing.

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Winter (November to February, shoulder season) is generally the most comfortable time to visit, with many central regions seeing average daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F) and cooler evenings. Spring and autumn (March to May and October, shoulder to peak season) can be warm to hot, with averages often between 25–35°C (77–95°F), but conditions are usually more bearable than mid-summer, making these popular months for sightseeing and outdoor trips. Summer (June to September, low to peak season depending on region) is very hot in much of the country, with daytime temperatures in some inland areas frequently exceeding 40°C (104°F), so travellers often plan more indoor-focused itineraries at this time.

Frequently Asked Questions