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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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Cherone Wilson

Cherone Wilson

House of Travel Howick

Travel has been a constant in my life since my OE started with a classic Contiki trip through Europe, followed by working in London and traveling through the UK, Turkey, Egypt, and Israel. I also spent a year working in Iceland—a now trendy travel hotspot—before returning to New Zealand.

In 2000, my family moved to the middle east living in both Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, which provided an exciting base for exploring nearby destinations. We had unforgettable holidays in Austria, France, the UK, Cyprus, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and Kenya.

Returning to New Zealand marked a new chapter of travel, this time without children. Recent adventures have included Vietnam, India, China, Peru, and Cambodia.

My travel career started with Singapore Airlines and since 2019 I’ve been consulting at House of Travel in Howick.  I love talking and connecting with clients, listening to their travel dreams and turning them into memorable experiences.  

Whether you're looking for an island getaway, relaxing cruise or an exciting adventure, I’m here to help you plan the perfect trip.

Travel is an adventure that brings the world to life. 

Cherone

Kate Jardine

Kate Jardine

House of Travel Johnsonville

My travel adventures started back in 2004 when I departed on my OE to Scotland with a stop in Dubai. 

I have travelled in all styles, backpacking around Europe, small group adventure travel following the volcano trail in Central America, luxury coach touring in Canada and many family resort holidays through the South Pacific.

I love booking travel just as much as experiencing new and exciting destinations myself.


Kate
Chloe McKellar

Chloe McKellar

House of Travel Wellington City

Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes which also founded my love for all different types of foods.

After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.

I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner, do we!

I've travelled extensively across Southeast Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach), road tripped in California and in 2024 I visited South Africa in Feb, Japan, South Korea and Taipei! I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you! My ultimate passion when I travel is trying local foods, and finding the best possible places to have that authentic experience that we wouldn't be able to have at home. So if that resonates with you, I'd love to hear from you and let's put together your foodie adventure, together :)

Chloe

Rhonda Bignell

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure. 

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

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