Sell Your Way to the USA Takes Kiwi Agents on an Anchorage Adventure: Dog Sledding, Ice Caves, Glaciers & Aurora Viewing

27 November 2025: Three lucky New Zealand travel agents – winners of the Sell Your Way to the USA 2025 incentive program – travelled with air partner American Airlines to Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska in November 2025. They were joined by two additional participants, forming a lively crew ready to discover Alaska’s spectacular Urban & Wild experiences.

The three winners included Lee Rabbidge of Infinity Holidays, Swapnil Bhate of Flight Centre Auckland, and Gianfranco Belloli of Flight Centre Wellington, accompanied by Karen McCardle of Canuckiwi (Account Director for Anchorage in Australia and New Zealand) and Nadia Paulsen of Adventure World.

Over six days, the group explored Anchorage, Talkeetna and the surrounding wilderness, taking part in a mix of adventure, local cuisine and iconic Alaskan activities. From glacier landings to dog mushing, aurora chasing and alpine wellness, the itinerary demonstrated the unique selling points and value of Southcentral Alaska experiences and what makes the area such a standout destination for Kiwi travellers.

Throughout the itinerary, the travel professionals secured vital product knowledge through immersive experiences, including:

• Soaring above and landing on Knik Glacier with Outbound Heli’s Knik Glacier Explorer, taking in sweeping views of ice fields and rugged alpine terrain.

• A remote overnight wilderness stay at Bluewater Basecamp following an evening of exploration with Adventures by True North.

• Experiencing the magical Aurora Borealis, with opportunities to watch the northern lights illuminate Alaska’s night skies.

• Dog mushing with Alaskan Husky Adventures, meeting the energetic sled dogs and learning the basics of this iconic Alaskan tradition.

• A breathtaking Denali flightseeing experience with K2 Aviation, showcasing North America’s tallest peak.

• Rejuvenation at Alaska’s first Nordic Spa at Alyeska Resort, where the group enjoyed a true taste of Alaskan alpine wellness.

• Anchorage’s vibrant food and cultural scene, from the Alaskan Sights & Bitesculinary tour to standout dining throughout the region.

  
  

Tia Froehle, Director, Tourism Sales at Visit Anchorage, said:
“Hosting these New Zealand agents is always a privilege. This itinerary showcased the best of Anchorage and Southcentral Alaska at this very special time of the year. We hope their time here inspires Kiwis to discover just how extraordinary our Urban & Wild experiences truly are.”

To make the most of their layover time en route home, the group enjoyed a festive stopover in Grapevine, Texas – the Christmas Capital of Texas®. Here, they embraced the holiday spirit at the beloved Carol of Lights event, exploring the charming historic downtown illuminated with millions of sparkling lights. Before their onward flight, the agents also experienced premium comfort at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport with access to the American Airlines Flagship Lounge, the airline’s premier international lounge experience at its DFW hub.

For more Anchorage travel planning information, please visit: anchorage.net/travel-trade

(L to R): Lee Rabbidge, Gianfranco Belloli, Karen McCardle, Nadia Paulsen and Swapnil Bhate

Bottom left photo: Gianfranco Belloli, Lee Rabbidge, Nadia Paulsen, Swapnil Bhate, Karen McCardle and Katy Ouellette. Bottom right photo: Gianfranco Belloli, Lee Rabbidge, Karen McCardle, Nadia Paulsen and Swapnil Bhate

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For images click here