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South America

Vibrant rhythms, rich passions and ancient wonders

Seabourn - Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

Vibrant rhythms, rich passions and ancient wonders

With rainforests that provide 20% of the world’s oxygen and remnants from ancient Incan cities, South America is a continent swimming in unbelievable beauty. Think world-famous waterfalls, drool-inducing cuisine and a feverish passion for soccer that pulses across all its cities. The fiestas are loud, the dancing’s dramatic and nobody goes to bed before sunrise.

South America is one mixed-bag of diverse treasures - you’ll find famed vineyards and ruby-red Malbec in Argentina, alpacas in Machu Picchu and Christ the Redeemer in Rio. In Colombia, play tejo, a game that tests your throwing accuracy. Bolivia offers you an insight into the still practiced art of witchcraft and across many countries, swap your English Breakfast tea for a cup of ‘mate tea’. If you can get to a ranch and see a famed South American cowboy (referred to as a gaucho in the local lingo), you’ll be seriously impressed at their horsemanship. And one of the best meals on the planet has to be an asado - a very delicious BBQ type meal. Embrace the change in language and the later nights. Take your time when out and about and enjoy the slower pace of life. 

Embrace the change in language and the later nights. Take your time when out and about and enjoy the slower pace of life. Connect with one of our South America specialists to create your dream holiday, today!

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Flight time.

Flying from Auckland to Santiago offers a direct service, meaning your flight time is just around 11 hours non-stop.

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Best time to go.

For South America, the best time to visit the Southern Cone is during their summer (November to March). Brazil is best to visit during the dry season (May to September). Peru and Bolivia is best during the dry season (May to October). Ecuador and Galapagos Islands is best from June to November.

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Time difference.

South America spans several time zones, but most countries are around 15 to 17 hours behind New Zealand Standard Time (NZST, GMT +12).

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Our South America specialists

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Leonie Paul

Leonie Paul

House of Travel Merivale

With nearly two decades at House of Travel, I’m always dreaming of the next adventure. The more I explore, the longer my bucket list grows! The thrill of planning a new journey and learning from each experience excites me.

Discussing travel daily is my passion, I love helping clients realize their travel dreams and living vicariously through their experiences.

Getting to know my clients and understanding what matters most to them is something I truly enjoy. This insight allows me to craft itineraries that are as unique and special as the travelers themselves.

There's nothing more satisfying than a client returning with tales of their adventures. I love hearing their stories, as each journey is different—there's no one-size-fits-all approach to travel.

For me, travel offers the opportunity to learn more about the world around us. With every journey, I find new perspectives, cultures, and places to love.

Travel isn’t just about the places we visit—it's about the growth we experience along the way.

Leonie

Jo McLaughlin

Jo McLaughlin

House of Travel Papamoa

Hi, I’m Jo and I joined the House of Travel Papamoa team in April 2022 not long after the borders opened and it’s fair to say it’s been crazy busy ever since!  No two days are the same and I thrive working in a fast-paced environment.   I have been working in Travel for around 10 years and started in January 2009 at Flight Centre Mt Maunganui and then moved to Auckland in 2011 to step into a management role to open their new retail store in Royal Oak.  I then moved back to the Tauranga area in early 2013 and opened the Flight Centre in Bayfair.  Opening two of Flight Centre’s stores gave me an incredible learning experience and insight into building a business and taking it to incredible heights!  I was also in charge of training multiple new to the industry staff members.  Before Travel I worked in banking for 4 and half years both in the retail branch and the business banking team. 

I have great attention to detail, excellent communication skills and am down to earth, friendly and approachable.  I love meeting new people and building relationships with my clients.  I love putting together itineraries and working closely with you to find your perfect fit.

I'm passionate about travel to Canada and the UK.  As I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and London for nearly 3 years on Working Holidays.  I’ve also spent 3 weeks in Egypt and over 6 weeks in South America.  I’ve travelled on my own to Asia and then jumped on an Intrepid Cambodia tour.  I have also done a 28 day Topdeck Camping trip around Europe and travelled independently using Eurail passes and the Eurostar. Along with many other exciting adventures!

My partner Duncan and I have two children, a son 10 and daughter 9.  We have been on family holidays to Bali and Fiji, staying at Plantation Island and the Naviti on the Coral Coast.  Duncan and I also experienced a Viking ocean cruise (adults only) and absolutely loved it! I have just returned from visiting Darwin, Litchfield and Kakadu National Parks in the Northern Territory, taking the Ghan from Darwin to Adelaide.  I was very fortunate to take a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta – just breathtaking!

We live locally in the Papamoa Hills and own a lifestyle block. We love the outdoors and taking advantage of the many wonderful things on offer here in the Tauranga area.  

I’d love to help you plan your next trip and look forward to hearing from you.  


Jo
Jason McKay

Jason McKay

House of Travel Nelson

As the proud Owner Operator of House of Travel Nelson, I lead a small but passionate team dedicated to taking care of all your travel needs.

I primarily work on the Orbit World Travel side of our business, specialising in business and group travel. But as a traveller myself, I love chatting with customers and the team about their upcoming adventures — there’s nothing better than sharing in the excitement of a great trip!

Travel has played a huge role in my life. From years of family holidays to the Gold Coast and Fiji, where the kids spent hours in the pool or on the playground, to unforgettable highlights like Disneyland (they were 10 and 12 — the perfect age!), followed by a relaxing week in Mexico. These days, with older kids, we’re seeking more adventure. Our recent trip to Vietnam was a standout — from the vibrant energy of Ho Chi Minh City to the peaceful beauty of Hoi An's lanterns and Halong Bay. If you haven’t been, it’s a must! 

Next on my list? Europe. While I’ve done a couple of quick trips in the past, I’m keen to take the time to explore the diverse cultures and rich history of the places I’ve spent years helping others discover.

Whether your trip is big or small, come in and see us at House of Travel Nelson — we’ll make sure it’s your best one yet.


Jason

Jo Coolen

Jo Coolen

House of Travel Kapiti Coast

For a long time, I've told people I have the best job in the world and I still stand by that. 

What could be better than turning peoples dreams into reality? I never know what the day will bring and isn't variety the spice of life? 

My travel journey started a bit later in my life, so I haven't been everywhere YET, but I am having a damn good crack at it, gathering local knowledge along the way. 

Jo

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