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Discover a wilderness of Alaskan wonders

Alaska

Experience stunning natural treasures, awe-inspiring glaciers, mountains, and fascinating wildlife - Alaska is one of the world’s most spectacular destinations that has to be seen to be believed.

Given the unique geography, a cruise is one of the most comfortable ways to experience its’ kaleidoscope of sites. There are so many cruise options, from the intimate small ship experience with expert guides that get you closer to those dramatic glaciers and icy vistas to the larger ships that take you to more ports.

There’s nowhere else quite like this wild paradise, with its bears, whales, glaciers and endless unspoilt views. See it for yourself and take a journey you will never forget.

“Alaska will blow you away with its sheer scale and beauty. From bear viewing in the summer to the Northern Lights in the winter, you’re lucky no matter when you visit. ”

Connect with a Alaska specialist

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Andy Gosnell

House of Travel Christchurch City

There is nothing like having an outgoing and versatile member on a team and Andy is ours! His easy and honest approach makes for an enjoyable relationship and experience for clients, suppliers and all the team.

Travel has always been a constant in Andy's life.

Andy first developed a love for travel early, living in the USA for 3 years from the age of 5. After this he has taken every opportunity, travelling the world to some of its most remote spots. Whether he is trekking in the Patagonian Andes, strolling the piazzas of Italy, or visiting family spread across USA, Asia, Europe and the Pacific, Andy's in his element.

Being in the travel industry for almost 7 years has given Andy a great opportunity to visit amazing places and diversify his knowledge, so no matter where you want to go, he will have some expert advice to make your trip unforgettable.

"I can help you visit anywhere and experience anything, your only limited by how far your imagination can stretch."

Years in the industry: 7
No. of countries visited: 10
Favourite place to visit: Amalfi Coast
Nest place on the list to visit: Yosemite, California

Not all those who wander are lost - J.R.R. Tolkien.

Why I love travel:

The places I see and the people I meet, travel really is the best way to broaden the mind. It allows you to experience and learn from all cultures and walks of life. Remember life is short, travel often.

My travel tips:

If you are always early, you are never late.
Prebook as much as possible before you go and schedule rest days on long trips.
Live courageously - you miss 100% of the opportunities you don't take.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

Italy - The food, the history, the people, the stunning coastlines, and mountains. Italy should be on everyone's bucket list.
USA - With a multitude of cultures to experience and adventures to be had, you could spend your life just in the USA and not see everything.
Patagonia - A challenge to reach, the landscapes that will great you make every minute of the journey worth the effort.

What's in my suitcase:

Kindle/E-reader - it is easy to pack, light to carry, and has a long battery life; this is an essential on all my trips.
Noise cancelling headphones - perfect for noisy flights and airports.
Travel plug adapter - easy to forget but a must have.

Andy

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

Maree Thompson

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

From the first travel I did as a teenager I have wanted to travel the world, experience the food, absorb the culture and learn the history!!!

I have always been passionate about creating the ultimate holidays and feel that makes me the best planner of your holidays that I can be!!

I had been selling travel for over 20 years when I felt something else was needed and to the leap to be the retail manger of House of Travel Papamoa. I feel I have never looked back and enjoy leading a fantastic group of people!!

I love my job!!! I love the fact that no one holiday is ever the same and also thrive on a challenge of a complex itinerary, round the world flight or something out of the norm.

I think the benefit you get with me is the experience I have had planning and travel and the places I have travelled.

I have travelled extensively and in particular done a lot around New Zealand, Australia, South Pacific Islands, USA and Europe and find that travel opens your mind to another world full of new experiences, new tastes and an appreciation for life in general.

I have a rule that every trip I do I need to pick one unique thing to do on holiday that is un-usual or you would not do on another holiday .... I have been hot air ballooning, have been on a segway tour, have helicoptered out to an island etc.

My Travel Tips

* I am a bit of a IT geek so always travel with an adaptor that has USB ports for my IWatch, iPhone and iPad.

*Have a store of great apps that help with travel, packing, maps, closest toilet etc.!!

*Always keep in touch with your travel agent so they can keep you up to date with deals that are out for your next holiday.

*Cash passports are a MUST as safe and easy way to travel.

The best holidays are definitely created together so would love to get you in for an appointment and have a discussion about your travel dreams.

Maree