Wine, wildlife, and wonders... just a hop beyond Melbourne!
If you've only ever ventured to Australia’s eastern cities, you’re in for a treat. South Australia is full of hidden gems and unforgettable adventures. Did you know a direct flight from Auckland to Adelaide is just 50 minutes longer than to Melbourne? Trust us, those extra minutes in the air are well worth it!
Adelaide, often called the ‘20-minute city’, is the perfect base to explore everything South Australia has to offer. Picture yourself strolling Adelaide's leafy streets, exploring cultural treasures like the State Library and Art Gallery on North Terrace, or indulging in a taste sensation at one of over 700 eateries lining buzzing spots like Gouger Street, Rundle Street, and Hutt Street.
For shoppers and café lovers, Rundle Mall is the heartbeat of Adelaide’s vibrant shopping scene, while Adelaide Central Market, one of Australia's largest fresh markets, is a haven for food lovers and artisan enthusiasts alike.
Fancy some sun, sea, and sand? Jetty Road and the sparkling beaches of Glenelg await—perfect for family fun, a romantic sunset stroll, or café-hopping in style.
Of course, you can't miss the legendary Barossa Valley, just under an hour’s drive from Adelaide’s CBD, renowned for award-winning wineries and sumptuous foodie delights.
Journey onwards into the lush Adelaide Hills, where charming Hahndorf village beckons with traditional German bakeries, boutique stores, and old-world charm?
Feeling adventurous? Cruise down the mighty Murray River on a historic paddlewheeler, or captain your own luxury houseboat with mates. Spot local wildlife, watch the landscapes drift by, and create unforgettable memories on the water.
Whether you've got a week or more, South Australia's blend of scenic beauty, culinary gems, cultural treasures, and genuine hospitality promises your Best. Holiday. Ever!
Ready to start exploring? Chat to our friendly South Australia specialists today and let's plan your perfect getaway!
Our Australia travel blogs
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Minji Park
House of Travel Christchurch City
Minji is our Japan specialist in Christchurch. Born and raised in South Korea, her passion for travel began at an early age. This passion led her to study tourism management and become a tour guide in both Japan and Southeast Asia.
Minji has spent most of her tour guide career in Japan, leading tours across the country and gaining an in-depth knowledge of the region. She has also guided tours in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Laos, and has backpacked extensively throughout Europe, Australia, and Canada. Minji has lived in London, Vancouver, and Sydney, spending at least a couple of years in each country.
My top travel tips
- Pack as light as you can (except for cruises). Heavy luggage can be tedious to manage and exhausting just getting on/off trains.
- Try to pre-book and pay in NZ dollars. If you pay locally, you will need to pay in local currency and the banks will apply their exchange rates plus international transaction fees.
- Utilise your stopover opportunities. Two holidays, one ticket, you are basically genius.
"Investment in travel is an investment in yourself" - Matthew Karsten
Why I love travel
I love meeting new people, discovering new cultures, tasting new food and beers and having new experiences. Travel is the best way to tick all the boxes and be inspired.
It is exciting and rewarding to help make my clients' holiday easier with better value and making it more memorable with my travel knowledge and organisation skills. I just love talking about travel, and hearing about their holiday when they return home is the best part of my job. It is very rewarding to hear what a great time they had. I am continuously learning about new travel destinations and new products and experiences so I never get bored.
My top destinations
- Japan – Japan is the country that I have travelled through the most and I can never tire of it. Japan offers so much, from old historic shrines and temples to the most modern architecture and latest technology, fascinating culture, beautiful nature areas and incredible food. It is also a very safe and easy place to travel so I recommend it for all types of travellers.
- Spain - I love the Andalusia region in particular, including Granada and Ronda. You feel like you are walking back in time, or perhaps through a movie set with the many sublime landscapes, spectacular vistas and famous historic sites. A warm evening drinking sangria with some delicious tapas over a view of Alhambra is a personal favourite.
- Vietnam - you can have an amazing experience within a very affordable budget. In one day, you will see more motorbikes than you have seen in your entire life. Interesting French Colonial architecture and indigenous castles and villages, beautiful beaches and rice paddies, the little art and culinary boutique town of Hoi An, unique and delicious food, UNESCO Heritage site Ha Long Bay and much more.
- Galapagos - If you are into wildlife, this is one of the ultimate places in the world to visit. I still say Galapagos was the best travel experience in my life. The everyday encounters with unique species of sea lions, turtles, tortoises, all different types of birds, penguins, sharks, rays, marine iguana are unforgettable. The best part for me was diving amongst schools of hammerhead sharks and eagle rays inside the crater of a submerged volcano.
What's in my suitcase
- Foldable backpack - It is the best thing ever. I always put one in my bag, and it is perfect for a casual day out exploring.
- Travel organiser bags - I have one for clothes, one for underwear/socks and one for toiletries. It will make your pack/unpack so much easier.
- Compact rain jacket and small collapsible umbrella - You will always have some rain during your holiday but unless you are expecting lots of it, you don't want these items to take too much space in your travel bag.
Minji
Kelly-Ann Patterson
House of Travel Lower Hutt
With over 20 years in the industry, I’m lucky enough to turn holiday dreams into unforgettable experiences. I specialise in family travel, group getaways, solo adventures, and special interest trips, helping clients craft memories that last a lifetime. Whether I’m working with long-time clients or meeting new faces each week, I’m always excited to bring personalised travel dreams to life. Outside of work, I’m a proud Mum to two teenage boys, and if I could, I’d be carting around my beloved golden labrador on every trip! Passionate about what I do, I’m always ready for the next adventure—both for my clients and my own family. I’m always up for a chat, or even better, pop into the store and say hi!
Kelly-Ann
Hannah Smaha
House of Travel Johnsonville
Creating a holiday to suit your needs and budget is one of my favourite things to do.
Whether it's based on my own experiences or researching an obscure destination that is on your bucket list, I can't wait to help you book your dream holiday.?
Hannah
Debra-Lee Showler
House of Travel Whangarei
I’m a bubbly and passionate travel consultant who loves helping clients build their dream holidays by listening to their needs and creating memorable experiences.
With in-depth travel across Europe, America, Asia, and beyond, I’m excited to share my knowledge and recommend the best river and ocean cruises tailored to your unique holiday needs. I offer seamless journeys where you can relax, unpack once, and enjoy everything from delicious food to top-notch entertainment.
Some of the highlights of my travels include riding pillion along Route 66 on a Harley from Milwaukee to Santa Monica over 16 days, cruising the Danube on a Scenic River cruise, exploring England and Scotland, and an unforgettable trip to Cambodia to watch the sunrise over Angkor Wat.
I’m excited to help you
discover the world your way—let’s chat about your next adventure!
Best. Holidays. Ever!
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