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South Australia

All roads lead to wine and food in South Australia

Image Credit: SATC

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!

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Meet our South Australia specialists

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Alison Jenkins

Alison Jenkins

House of Travel Hamilton East (formely Calder and Lawson)

Having a love of travel, I completed a Bachelor of International Tourism Management in 2013.

After a 6 month stint working at Walt Disney World in Florida I returned to NZ and started my career in the travel industry.

After three years I was feeling the itch to travel again so I decided to embark on my second OE and moved to the UK. Living and working there allowed me to travel Europe extensively and my favourite country to date would be Poland. I returned to NZ in 2020.

Alison
Laura Cook

Laura Cook

House of Travel Whanganui

Hey there!

I’m Laura, the smiley face you’ll spot as soon as you walk through our office door. With a serious case of wanderlust, I’ve done it all —lived abroad, cruised the seas, island-hopped, and even cruised around South Africa on the back of a motorbike. But let me tell you about my ultimate love affair Africa!

For three incredible years, I bounced between Australia and South Africa, exploring every corner of the country, often on the back of a motorbike. I’ve sat with elephants for hours, watched big cats hunting, and slept under the stars in the middle of a game reserve. My heart belongs to the wild, and if you’re an animal lover like me, trust me, Africa will capture yours too.

Nothing lights me up more than helping people experience this magic. The more I learn, the more excited I get about sharing these adventures with you! Whether it’s a dream safari, a relaxing cruise, or an off-the-beaten-path escape, I’m here to bring your travel dreams to life.

Let’s make your adventure happen!

Laura

Minji Park

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.

Years in the industry: 14
No. of countries visited: 30+
Favourite place to visit: Japan
Next place on the list to visit: Safari in Africa

"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

Emma Chappell

Emma Chappell

House of Travel Timaru

Planning and organizing are my forte, and combined with a love for exploring being a travel consultant is the perfect fit! I love sharing my customers excitement and making their holiday dreams come true!

Emma

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