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USA

A vast nation of diverse cultures and boundless opportunities

USA. The greatest country in the world to visit!

Yep, the world would be a pretty boring place without the USA - the land that makes movie stars, has streets paved with their famous names and has homes in Memphis once graced by Elvis. There’s so much to see and do, with a different experience in every state and around every corner. For foodies, there is no better place. From the All-American diner to corn dogs at baseball games, you won’t go hungry in the land of Uncle Sam. It’s a huge country, with an even bigger To-do list.

Come and talk to our USA travel specialists and together let’s start planning your stateside adventure today!

Flight time.

A flight from Auckland to the West Coast of the USA, such as Los Angeles, takes about 12-13 hours. While it’s a long-haul flight, you’ll be arriving in the land of endless possibilities.

Best time to go.

The best times to visit the West Coast of the USA are from April to June and September to November, when the weather is milder and the tourist crowds are thinner.

Time difference.

The West Coast of the USA is 19 hours behind New Zealand. This significant time difference will require some adjustment.

Our favourite things to do in the USA

Glamping in Utah!

Have a stay ‘Under canvas’ in Utah at Zion or Grand Canyon National Park.

Head to a sports game

Grab a hot dog and popcorn and join the locals to watch a game.

Ariel view of the drive from San Francisco to Big Sur

California dreaming!

West is Best - Hire a car and go on a roadie.

Cars driving through Nashville Tennessee

Music, food and the South

If you are a fan of country, jazz, blues, or rock n’ roll, pack light and buckle up ready for an unforgettable musical journey.

Hit the wine road

Calling all wine lovers!

Get your festival vibes on

Plan your trip to California’s hottest music festivals—Coachella and Stagecoach in Palm Springs!

People ice skating in Bryant Park at Christmas time

A magical Christmas in New York

The Big Apple does Christmas better than anywhere else, and New Yorkers seize the opportunity to celebrate every moment of it.

Best. Shopping. Ever!

Shop 'til you drop with the best of LA Shopping from luxe boutiques to outlet steals.

On a Solo'ish adventure

Got an inner urge to get out and explore, but none of your travel buddies can make it happen? One big misconception is that you must be single if you’re travelling alone.

How to enjoy your stopover

A decision that will have to be made if travelling to Europe, Africa, most of South America or most of North America.

Milestone celebration holiday ideas

Whether you’ve got a big birthday coming up, planning a 3G holiday (aka a fun trip with three generations), or making the most of your family time before the kids head out into the world, we’ve got you covered!

Top things to see and do in Washington, DC

The United States’ capital is a treasure trove of cultural, historical and political landmarks, from the grandeur of the National Mall to the world’s largest library.

Best national parks to visit in the USA in 2025

Raise your glass to the USA's National Parks. Here are Peter Davies, House of Travel Wellington CBD's 'Best for 2025' National Park picks.

Glitz, Glamour & Grand Prix Las Vegas Style!

USA

Buckle up for a Southern USA Musical Roadie!

USA

Beat the blues at Mardi Gras in New Orleans

New Orleans

A magical Christmas in New York

New York

New Year, New York!

Katrina Cole, HOT Botany Junction, discovers there is no better place to celebrate New Year’s Eve than in the Big Apple!

Disneyland - Celebrate 100 years of wonder!

Bridget Fogarty, HOT Marketing, plans her 16th trip to the Happiest Place on Earth to take part in the 100 year celebrations

The ultimate USA roadie!

The USA has so much to offer – and the best way to stumble across unique experiences, marvel at extraordinary vistas, explore charming small towns, and discover hidden gems is to hire a car and hit the open road!

Hidden gems you'll love in the Americas

When planning a great American adventure, the sheer size of both continents can be overwhelming. To help, we suggest the next places you’ll love, based on better known places you might have already enjoyed!

Quick guide - The Hawaiian Islands

Stay on O‘ahu for glorious beaches and a Waikiki buzz, then escape to a heavenly neighbour island. All yours within a 35 to 45 minute flight, add some extra dazzle to your island dream.

Swap the tourist traps for the real Hawai'i

So Hawai'i is on your top-pick list? Good stuff.

Our Ultimate Guide to Anaheim - Where to Shop, Eat and Play

With two Disney Theme Parks – Disney California Adventure Park and Disneyland Park – and an energetic entertainment, dining and shopping district, Anaheim is one of the favourite holiday destinations on the West Coast.

9 Reasons to visit Disneyland Resort in California

Disney’s magic is unlike anything else. Here’s what you don’t want to miss!

Top things to see & do in North America

So the USA is on your top-pick list? Good stuff. With a country of such diversity, every state feels completely different. And then there's Canada — a Kiwi fave. Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do in both countries.

America for music lovers

Discover music's past and present in the USA; your musical pilgrimage to the very heart of jazz, pop and rock n’ roll.

Epic self-drive road trips across the USA

Considering how expansive the country is, hiring a car and self-driving around the nation can be a great way to see the sights.

13 must read tips for the NYC first-timer

New York is blessed with glamour, elegance and timeless beauty. For the first-time Big Apple visitor, here's your definitive guide to the city that never sleeps!

The USA's 7 most iconic cities

Whether you’re after a hip urban jungle or a charming historic ‘hood, you’re sure to find it in the USA. Here's our pick for the best of the best.

13 movie landmarks in New York City

However you call it, New York is one of the most famous cities in the world and one of the most touted in pop culture. It’s the setting of novels and comic book series, the topic of Top 40 songs and anything reading “NYC” is a fashion staple.

Why should you visit Utah

Sunsets and starlit nights await. On your guard, people; Utah’s out to seduce you.

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Meet our USA specialists

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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.

Wendy Harrison

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

I am an adventure seeker with a passion for exploring the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences and have a particular love for small group tours and adventures. Whether it's cruising in the Galapagos Islands or exploring new cities, I love the intimacy and camaraderie that comes with traveling in small groups.

When I'm not adventuring, you can often find me at live sports and events, cheering on my favourite teams and soaking up the excitement of the crowd. Or I'm equally at home soaking up the sun during a beautiful island beach holiday.

I also have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore new destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, and cruising across the Tasman. All while enjoying the comforts and amenities of life on the water.

One of my favourite pastimes is people watching whether it's from a cafe in Paris or on the streets of New York. For me, there is nothing more fascinating than observing the unique and diverse cultures of the world and the interactions of the people within them. I'm always seeking out new experiences and adventures, driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding.

Wendy