Back

Walk the Inca Trail and see the sun rise over Machu Picchu

Machu Piccu

“The Inca Trail follows ancient paths high into the Andes. The 4-day, 3-night hike is about 40 kilometres, much of it steep. But anyone who’s done it will tell you the views are worth every step: Incan ruins, cloud forest and majestic valleys are laid out like breadcrumbs en route to Machu Picchu.

Local law requires trekkers have a permit and guide, so talk to us about our favourite tours, which sell out up to a year in advance. If you’re keen for the sights but not the trek, take a scenic train ride from nearby Ollantaytambo.

You’ll also love Cusco, the beautiful colonial city where your experience begins. It’s worth staying a few days to acclimatise to the altitude before your trek — or just to try Chica, a traditional Andean tipple made from yellow maize!”

“With everyone standing in silent awe after a 4am wake up call, nothing takes your breath away quite as much as seeing the sunrise over ancient ruins. I still get goosebumps when I think back to this life changing experience.”

Connect with a Peru specialist

See all

Hannah Brown

House of Travel Wanaka

Always with a smile I will be just as excited and passionate about your future adventures as you are! Originally from the UK I've spent the last 10 years travelling around the globe before finally settling in heavenly New Zealand.

Here I've turned the joy of travel into a profession I love. I enjoy nature, the beach, spending time with loved ones and exploring new places especially on the open road or by cruise.

I believe the biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams!

To me, traveling is so much more than a simple trip or relaxing vacation; it is a journey that always leaves me transformed and forever changed by the experiences presented. I have had the pleasure of visiting too many countries to count from backpacking on a shoestring budget around Asia to going all out on a private luxury adventure filled holidays such as trekking Machu Pichu!

My firsthand recommendations will ensure that your destination choices, no matter how uncommon, are always extraordinary. No matter what you are looking for, whether it’s a bucket list adventure or something that completely takes you off the grid, you can count on me to open doors to the most exceptional experiences and enhance every travel adventure.

Hannah

Chris Fifield

House of Travel Christchurch City

Chris has travelled the globe several times over... with his 30 plus years' experience in the industry he is unquestionably efficient and knowledgeable when it comes to organising any form of travel!

Chris' passion for his career is evident in all holidays he organises. His personal travel experiences compliment his leisure travel background, as he can think outside the box logistically and ensure that all your travel needs are met, and you are guided throughout your journey.

"Whether your travel dreams are exploring the rugged West Coast of New Zealand to a luxury break in Fiji, I am 100% committed to ensuring you have the best experience planning and fulfilling your dream holiday."

Outside of work, you will find Chris in the great outdoors having fished his way throughout New Zealand, hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, skied the Canadian Rockies, just to name a few.

Years in the industry: 37

No. of countries visited: 40+
Favourite place to visit: Western Canada
Next place on the list to visit: Bali

Work, save, travel, repeat.

Why I love travel:

There is so many different cultures to experience and history that goes way beyond New Zealand's few hundred years of course - stunning natural beauty can be enjoyed all over the world.

My travel tips:

If you are there - do it. Travel is all about experiences that create wonderful memories, so don't regret not doing something because you were concerned about the price - the bank won't mind and you will talk about it for years to come.
Pack light as you can always find a laundromat - though I do need to take me own advice!
Find the most comfortable walking shoes you can find and break them in before you go. You will probably do lots of walking in some countries .... old European cobbled streets can take a toll.
Be prepared to and learn how to tip so you don't get thought of as a bad tourist - most of the world tips for service and yet it's so foreign to us, but very important to do so.

My top 5 favourite destinations:

Pacific Islands - a close tropical beach escape. The rest of the world dreams of these exotic locations and they are just there for us.
Canada - amazing wilderness experiences on a grand scale.
Italy - organised chaos! I just love the expressive personalities of the people, as well the fabulous food and drink and amazing history.
Vietnam - a bit of everything from great beaches to amazing food and stunning rural scenery and different minority cultures.
Mediterranean Cruise - why not take your hotel with you - wake up each day with a new culture and experience to be had - this is the place to cruise!

What's in my suitcase:

Too much - I must do better!
One universal adaptor and a 4 plug New Zealand multi box

Chris

Tanya Aitken

House of Travel Papamoa

Travel fuels my soul, the experiences, the opportunities, the culture, the adventures, I have been lucky enough to have a career that is a labour of love. Planning holidays with a high degree of skill, attention and knowledge has become my trade mark.

I absolutely adore planning epic family trips, luxurious holidays alongside organizing a lot of corporate travel business as well. I also travel a lot, as often as I can so I have up to date first hand experience in so many areas. This has given me the skill and experience to share with my clients and ensure they also come away with travel experiences second to none. I work with a large referral business and I do require appointments to fully assess what is going to be right for you and start planning your holiday.

Tanya

Petra Otte

House of Travel Wellington City

Having spent 40+ years, 30 owning my own HOT outlet here in the heart of Wellington, in this exciting and ever changing industry you could say that extraordinary resilience is at the top of my skite sheet given the many and varying challenges that have faced travellers over the years.

My clients and colleagues describe me as a passionate people person, who endeavours to get the best out of a traveller's investment.

It is important for me to be inclusive of everyone within a travelling party, to hear the voice of each traveller, and ensure everyone's wishes are met.

Having been to all continents bar Antarctica which is high on my list, I have also travelled in all styles from budget overland backpacking to luxury cruises which allows me to relate to all clients and work with you for what is best for you.

Petra