This paper explores the social interactions between immigrant-hosts and visiting friends (VFs). Through a qualitative approach, the study considers the personal meanings attached to VF visits by first-generation Filipino immigrant households in New Zealand (the hosts) and their respective VFs from the Philippines (the guests). The notion of friendship is largely absent from tourism scholarship, a surprise since tourism revolves around social interactions. Friendship is a special relationship to which people attach great importance. This study contributes to knowledge by utilising the theory of emotional solidarity in a specific cultural context to interpret host-guest interactions