Holidays are now a virtual reality

Dreams of a quick getaway without a plane ticket are now possible with Flight Centre's latest technology.

The travel agency has just launched a virtual reality experience, offering you the chance to immerse and virtually transport yourself to a destination of your choice.

Powered by Samsung's Gear VR headsets, you will be able to scuba dive at The Great Barrier Reef, admire the bright lights of Tokyo, wander through the Ancient Town of Hoi An and ride the Tower of Terror at Dreamworld, without leaving the store.

The headsets create a 360 panoramic experience and all exploring is done using head movements to change the viewing perspective. It's also paired with the Samsung Galaxy S7 to deliver the whole experience.

Brands are using virtual reality to educate and inspire their customers and Flight Centre is the first travel retailer in New Zealand to introduce such technology into stores.

Flight Centre NZ managing director, David Coombes, says the introduction of this new technology is really exciting.

"It allows our customers to take a digital step inside destinations around the globe, including ones they may never have considered. It really helps to enhance the dreaming and planning stage of their travel journey," says Coombes.

He says its all part of Flight Centres plan to provide their customers with seamless end-to-end travel experiences that begin in store.

"The virtual reality experience can also be used as a key sales tool, empowering Flight Centre travel experts with first-hand knowledge of the destinations they are promoting to their customers," adds Coombes.