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Smell the cherry blossoms in Japan

Japan

Cherry blossoms in Japan

Japan’s pastel pink cherry blossoms smell as good as they look. While the trees seldom bear fruit, the blossom flourishes every spring, and with it comes an intoxicating floral scent.

The Japanese celebrate Sakura (cherry blossom) with Hanami, literally “flower viewing” celebrations which take place in March and April.

Locals organise flower appreciation picnics under the blooms, sitting beneath the bubble gum petals and sipping on ‘Sakura’ Pepsi. For a limited time, even the cola’s pink! 

“You have to try the Starbucks sakura-themed drinks - they are an acquired taste but has to be done!”

Recommended by Steph Towers , HOT Mt Maunganui

Steph Wheeler

Connect with a Japan specialist

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Maia Holdem

Maia Holdem

House of Travel Northlink (formerly Northlands)

Travel brings joy, and I’m passionate about helping people create incredible memories! I love turning travel ideas into exciting, memorable experiences and making the journey from dreaming to booking as easy and enjoyable as possible.

Travel has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Having grown up travelling regularly and now visited 21 countries (and counting!), it felt like a natural step to turn my passion for exploring the world into a career where I can help others experience it too.

I specialise in travel across Australia, Southeast Asia, the USA, the Pacific Islands and cruising, bringing firsthand knowledge from both my time living in the USA and my recent month-long adventure through Europe. I love discovering destinations both on and off the beaten track and using my own travel experiences, combined with my industry knowledge, to create holidays that are perfectly suited to each client.

Some of my most memorable travel experiences include island hopping through Greece, exploring Mexico on a Contiki, travelling through Southeast Asia with my best friend, and discovering the beautiful Pacific Islands closer to home.

Whether you’re planning a family holiday, romantic getaway, cruise, solo adventure or once-in-a-lifetime trip, my goal is to make the planning process easy and enjoyable while taking care of the details along the way. I love creating personalised itineraries that match your travel style, interests and expectations, and I’m here to help from the initial planning through to those special insider tips that can make your trip even more memorable.

Share your dream holiday with me, and together we’ll make it a reality! Let me take care of the details so you can relax, enjoy the journey and make memories that last a lifetime.


Maia

Louise Stephens

Louise Stephens

House of Travel Christchurch City

With over 26 years in various roles in the travel industry, Louise's international knowledge and experience is wide-ranging and her logistical and organizational skills are exceptional. 

Louise loves being able to create packages and experiences for clients and then deliver them onsite to see them enjoying the experiences beyond their expectations. Louise has been a part of the team that have taken New Zealand Supporters to multiple Commonwealth Games and Olympics along with Rugby and Netball World Cups.

While sports travel is still Louie's first love, over the past three years she has worked more in our Conference Management side of HOT Events. Working alongside the team in managing corporate conferences covering all aspects from destination research and contracting, through to registration administration and onsite event management. 

When not talking sport at the desk, Louise is off being active - taking her two dogs (and husband) for long walks and runs in the stunning hills around Christchurch. 

Favourite place to visit: Switzerland
Next place on the list to visit: Canada

Louise
Monica Nichol

Monica Nichol

House of Travel Palmerston North: The Square


I grew up dreaming about traveling the world and was fortunate to make some of those dreams come true!

Traveling gets me super excited, so if you are wanting to make your travel dreams become a reality, what are you waiting for?

Come in and see me!

Monica

Hannah Christopherson

Hannah Christopherson

House of Travel Dunedin

With 12 years in the travel industry and young kids of my own, I genuinely understand how much effort (and emotion!) goes into planning the perfect family holiday. 

I specialise in creating trips that work in real life- with smart flight times, family-friendly stays, and experiences that keep everyone happy, from toddlers to teens (and parents too). 

I'm here to listen, ask the right questions, and take the stress off your shoulders, so you can focus on making memories instead of managing the logistics. If you're looking for a down-to-earth consultant who treats your family getaway as if it were their own, I'd love to help plan you next escape. 


Hannah

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Smell the cherry blossoms in Japan