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Air New Zealand’s six hot cities in the Americas

17th January 2020

You can now visit six incredible destinations in the Americas travelling from Australia with Air New Zealand, all with the convenience of a seamless transit through Auckland. With seats to suit every traveller and award-winning Kiwi hospitality, flying with Air New Zealand is the perfect way to start your American adventure. While these flights allow easy connections to many other cities in these countries, here are some good reasons why we think you should stay awhile.

 

Say g’day to LA

When you think about it, this sprawling city that we tend to skip through on the way to somewhere else, has a lot going for it. You can head for glorious beaches like Santa Monica, Venice and Huntington Beach. You can have a day at the snow at Big Bear, shop up a storm, go to Hogwarts or do the studio tour at Universal Studios or hike in the Hollywood Hills. Then of course there is Disneyland, which is worth at least three days all on its own with Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge a massive draw card. Tip – you’ll want to do the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run numerous times, and if you are there after 17 January 2020, you’ll be able to experience the brand-new Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance!

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Venice Beach, Los Angeles
Venice Beach, Los Angeles

 

Leave your heart in San Francisco

It is easy to fall in love with San Francisco, a glamorous and sassy city draped around San Francisco Bay. A visit to the Golden Gate Bridge is a no brainer with the best viewpoint from Marin Point Headlands on the other side of the bridge - tie that in with a visit to pretty Sausolito. Visit Alcatraz and do a tour of this famous island prison that housed Al Capone. Ride the Powell-Hyde tram down to Fisherman’s Wharf, drive down Lombard Street, do a tour of movie locations, marvel at the redwoods in Muir Woods, and if you love a good wine, do a tour out to Napa Valley or Sonoma Wine Country.

 

Be wowed by Chicago

The magnificent Lake Michigan will grab your attention before your flight even touches down in Chicago. This stunning blue lake is a feature, whether you are strolling or cycling along the lakeshore, or overlooking it from the 412-metre high Willis Tower – once the tallest tower in the world. Take in a baseball game at Wrigley Field, an NFL game at Soldier Field or get up close with belugas at Shedd Aquarium. Spend a few hours at the acclaimed Art Institute of Chicago, the Museum of Science and Industry or the Museum of Contemporary Art. And definitely book in for an architecture cruise onboard Chicago’s First Lady, as she cruises through the heart of this great city.

 

Space out in Houston

Houston is a surprising destination with a lot more than cowboy charm going for it. You won’t have any problems visiting NASA’s Space Center Houston, where you can see the Apollo 17 command module. James Turrell’s soaring Skyspace installation is one of the highlights of the art scene, along with the street art and the ArtCar Museum. Houston is also one of the hottest foodie cities in the USA, drawing top chefs as well as up and comers. One of the stars is Xochi, with its insect-infused dishes and remarkable desserts sure to impress.

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Grilled rolled skirt steak, hoja santa, guajillo puya and costeño pepper broth, potato, carrots and masa dumplings at XOCHI
Grilled rolled skirt steak, hoja santa, guajillo puya and costeño pepper broth, potato, carrots and masa dumplings at XOCHI

 

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

While Vancouver is a gateway for skiers and snowboarders heading to Canada’s world-class resorts, nature lovers set to explore places like Banff National Park, Victoria Island, the wild places such as the Yukon or Newfoundland, or cruisers excited to see Alaska, it would be a crime not to stay a few days. Hire a bike and ride around Stanley Park. Take the ferry to Granville Island with its fantastic public market. Walk the famous Capilano suspension bridge into the lush rainforest beyond, where you can climb in the treetops and also do the Cliffwalk. Ride the tram up to Grouse Mountain – or If you’re a fitness nut, do as the locals do and run up it – called the ‘Grouse Grind’. 

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Suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Suspension Bridge, Vancouver

 

Tango into Buenos Aires, Argentina

Described by many as one of the best cities in the world, Buenos Aires will have you at hello. It is a dynamic city and there is always something going on, day or night. Fantastic little bars with great live music, the colourful Caminito, Recoleta Cemetery and Casa Rosada, – both to do with Eva Peron, and the gorgeous green space of the Puerto Madero. Do a street art tour of Barracas, a bike tour of La Boca, check out the authentic tango dancers in Santelmo, and if get the chance, take in a polo game.

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Caminito in Buenos Aires
Caminito in Buenos Aires

 

Direct Auckland to New York coming soon!

In October 2020, Air New Zealand will begin direct flights from Auckland to New York. Shop 5th Avenue, cruise around Manhattan Island, see the Statue of Liberty, the Met, walk the High Line, ride or walk around Central Park. Reflect at the 911 Museum, and enjoy the attractions of Hudson Yards, including The Vessel, The Shed, and as of March 2020, Edge – the highest outdoor sky deck in the world.

 

Start planning your next American adventure with your local Travel Associates advisor.