Flights from New Zealand to Saudi Arabia

Discover Saudi Arabia

Discover Saudi Arabia

Why visit Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia offers sweeping deserts, striking mountains, and a rich tapestry of heritage, from ancient trade routes to vibrant modern cities like Riyadh and Jeddah.

What to expect

You can explore futuristic skylines, restored old towns, and archaeological sites, alongside coastal escapes on the Red Sea and dramatic desert landscapes in the interior.

Plan your trip

Use Riyadh as a base to discover the country or connect on to other Saudi cities, with growing transport links that make it easier to combine culture, nature, and coastal breaks in one journey.

Top experiences in Saudi Arabia

Explore Riyadhs historic heart

Wander through the mud-brick walls and narrow lanes of the old city, visit restored palaces, and browse traditional souqs for a glimpse of Riyadhs past.

Visit the Edge of the World

Take a day trip from Riyadh to gaze over dramatic cliffs and vast desert plains from this famed escarpment on the outskirts of the capital.

Discover UNESCO-listed heritage at AlUla

Fly north to explore ancient tombs carved into sandstone cliffs and walk through lush oasis valleys framed by towering rock formations.

Unwind on the Red Sea coast

Head to coastal cities such as Jeddah and emerging Red Sea resorts to enjoy clear waters, coral reefs, and sunset strolls along the seafront.

Experience modern Saudi entertainment districts

Spend an evening in newly developed lifestyle hubs that blend dining, entertainment, and public art in pedestrian-friendly urban spaces.

Journey through the desert

Join guided excursions beyond the cities for dune landscapes, rock formations, and star-filled skies far from urban lights.

Explore Saudi Arabias mountain towns

Travel south to cooler highland regions where terraced farms, misty hills, and scenic viewpoints create a different side of the country.

Experience Saudi Arabias way of life

Getting around

Domestic flights connect Riyadh with major cities such as Jeddah, Dammam, and AlUla, while modern highways and intercity buses make overland journeys straightforward between key regions.

Local life & culture

In Saudi Arabia you will find a friendly, family-oriented culture, with daily life centred around time with loved ones, gatherings in public squares, and a growing arts and events calendar in major cities.

Where to unwind

Relax in landscaped city parks, beachfront promenades, and desert resorts, or head to the mountains and coastal areas where cooler air and open views offer a natural escape.

A taste of Saudi Arabia

National dishes & specialties

Signature dishes often feature rice, grilled meats, and fragrant spices, with each region adding its own twist, from hearty meals in the interior to seafood specialities along the Red Sea coast.

Casual & modern dining hubs

In Riyadh and other major cities, you will find casual local eateries alongside modern cafes and international restaurants, giving you plenty of choice for a relaxed meal at any time of day.

Signature & scenic dining

Look out for rooftop venues with skyline views, hillside restaurants in mountain towns, and waterfront dining along coastal corniches for memorable meals with a backdrop.

Retail therapy in Saudi Arabia

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam feature large malls and lifestyle centres where you can shop international brands, regional labels, and homeware under one roof.

Markets & local crafts

Traditional souqs and smaller markets in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, and Abha are good places to browse for textiles, fragrances, and handcrafted gifts.

Evening retail scene

After dark, shopping streets and malls stay lively, with illuminated facades, late-opening stores, and outdoor areas that feel especially atmospheric in the cooler evening hours.

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Winter, from November to February, is generally the most comfortable time to visit and is considered peak season, with many central and coastal areas seeing daytime temperatures around 15–25°C (59–77°F). Shoulder season runs from March to April and October, when temperatures rise to around 25–35°C (77–95°F) but evenings can still feel pleasant in many regions. The low season is from May to September, when much of the country experiences hot conditions, often 35–45°C (95–113°F) or more during the day, although higher-altitude mountain regions are usually cooler.

Frequently Asked Questions