House of Travel

30/07/2025

Rarotonga update from Mel ☀️✈️
Hard to believe this time last week i was snorkelling in fabulous lagoons and basking in the sun! Here’s a few tips but please come through to us if you are looking at going as we checked out over eight different resorts and we’ll give you all our gems ☀️💜

It’s been 28 years since I last visited and now I understand why Raro is so popular! I love the freedom to cruise round the island exploring at your own pace.

🏨 Accommodation - something for everyone from stylish resorts to self catering villas and bungalows.

🚙 Having a car is great and picking up at the airport so easy as you fill out the forms before you leave NZ so it’s waiting with the keys ready to roll from the airport! Easy driving and plenty of parking.

🚌 The local bus is an experience and a good option with regular schedules.

🥥Eating & drinking 🍍

❇️ Antipodes restaurant - be sure to book - outstanding setting on the hill overlooking the sunset - amazing service/setting/food

❇️ Trader Jacks - great setting on the wharf /pizzas/korean fried chicken & arancini balls

❇️ Beluga cafe - wow the best cafe great people/food/ambience

❇️ Shipwrecks bar & restaurant - on the sunset side at Aro’a Beach Resort great vibe/nachos & fish & chips/burgers

❇️ Bond liquor store - great selection & good prices

❇️ Manuia Beach Resort - On The Beach restaurant - nice setting /prawn salad/open chicken sandwich/calamari rings

❇️ Pacific Resort Muri Beach - Barefoot bar, such a great established set up and lunch - epic fish & chips/salt n pepper squid/burgers and extremely good happy hour prices at 1pm on a Sunday!

General tips:
❇️ Best snorkelling to the right of the Rarotongan resort in the lagoon

❇️ Groceries - not as expensive as I had heard/thought. The fresh bread here is delicious

❇️ Lots of local placed closed on Sat & Sundays and guidebooks not always up to date/relevant

We just 💜 Rarotonga and have many more ways to make your trip enjoyable including all our accommodation tips so contact us today!
📞03 3764 022 [email protected]

28/07/2025

Christchurch Travel Expo!

24/07/2025

Discover why Singapore is so much more than you expect. 👇

House of Travel’s Cheryl Edwards discovers new adventures around the corner… from the cultural sights and beautiful gardens, the hustle and bustle and fabulous Hawker street food, ziplining over white-sandy beaches on Sentosa or sipping cocktails in a secret speakeasy tucked behind a humble coffee shop.

✨ "It’s the hidden gems that really make your holiday special – imagine having dinner in a cave at a wildlife reserve – a truly magical experience. And if you’re craving island vibes? Head to The Palawan @ Sentosa - a beachside playground bursting with family fun, high-speed thrills, and adults-only beach clubs.”

💬 Which side of Singapore would you explore first - the heritage, the hidden gems, or the island fun?

22/07/2025

We're excited to share a great resource for our local travel community, did you know that Sumner Pharmacy now has an expert Travel Clinic?

Whether you need vaccines tailored to your destination, malaria and insect protection, personalised health plans, or advice on jet lag and food safety, their knowledgeable team has got you covered.

We love supporting local businesses, and Sumner Pharmacy’s travel experts are a trusted spot to get everything you need before you go.

Pop in or give them a call to make sure you’re fully prepared for a safe, healthy trip!

Check them out here: https://www.sumnerpharmacy.co.nz/travel-clinic-homepage

21/07/2025

Aitutaki ~ what a dreamy destination! ☀️🤿✈️
If laid back lagoon cruising exploring stunning atolls with crystal clear water is your thing then we think you will ❤️ Aitutaki! Mel just spent a few nights here and thinks it is well worth the extra flight to tag onto your Rarotonga holiday

21/07/2025

Hello Aitutaki!
Tamanu Beach Resort has been a HOT fave for many years and this is why we love it!
Located on a lovely sandy beach, transfers and daily breakfast are normally included in the rate, scooter & bike hire from the resort. Lovely restaurant, paddle boards and canoes for use, great pool. The garden unit we had was huge and loved the outdoor shower. A little kitcen area had a coffee machine, full sized fridge and you could top up daily water supplies from the water station. The day bed outside is a great spot to relax. No visit to Aitutaki would be complete without a lagoon cruise - we used Bishops cruises and it was a great day out exploring - including snorkelling with giant trevally & a well earned lunch of freshly barbecued fish & other local delicacies. 3 nights was just perfect. ☀️🤿✈️

19/07/2025

Mel just spent a few days on the tropical paradise of Aitutaki in the Cook Islands and has this foodie tip for you if you’re heading this way:

‘We were staying up the beach from here and stumbled upon this gem with a vibrant atmosphere, friendly welcoming staff and the most incredible food! Make sure you book a table - you won’t be disappointed! We tried the sashimi and the prawn & house smoked marlin pizza - an absolute highlight!’

Enjoy fresh, local cuisine and tropical cocktails in a relaxed Cook Islands setting. Perfect for dining and unwinding in paradise.

16/07/2025

We’re beyond thrilled to share this sweet moment from one of Jordi's clients who just completed their FIRST overseas trip to Sydney! They said it best: "Thank you for turning our dream into a reality!"

There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing we’ve helped make unforgettable memories happen. Thanks Jordi for all your hard work, dedication, and passion you put into creating these once in a-lifetime experiences.

15/07/2025

One of our wonderful clients stopped by to surprise Alisha with this incredible handcrafted sculpture - a thank you for her support through some major travel turbulence. Not only is it stunning, but it also reflects the kind of connection we’re proud to build with the travellers we help every day.

Huge shout-out to the talented artist behind it, David Kean of Copper n Stone. Such beautiful piece of art and we’re honoured to have it here in the office.

This moment is a beautiful reminder that our job doesn’t end once a trip is booked. We’re here to support you through the journey, especially when plans shift, flights are grounded, or things go sideways.

We like to say we don’t just book travel, we’re with you on your journey every step of the way!

https://www.coppernstone.com/

10/07/2025

Jetting off soon? ✈

Melissa Duder from House of Travel has one golden rule before every trip: don’t let a dodgy tummy or motion sickness catch you off guard. ✈️💊
There’s one thing she always packs - and it’s not in your standard toiletry kit.

Be ready for anything. 🧳✨

08/07/2025

🌴 Dreaming of Tahiti? 🐠🌺

This South Pacific paradise is every bit as breathtaking as the photos - and then some. If Tahiti is on your ‘wish list’, here's a peek at what it's really like!
Catherine Johnson from House of Travel just returned from an unforgettable island adventure and shares her top moments and must-dos:

🌊 Snorkelling in Bora Bora
“There were so many highlights, but nothing topped snorkelling and swimming with manta rays and black tip sharks in the coral reef at Bora Bora,” she says.
The water? “Crystal clear - like nothing I’ve ever seen. The blue hues of the ocean really does look just like the photos!” 💙

🛵 Explore Moorea by scooter or car
“While staying in Moorea, we rented a scooter and explored the island at our own pace - discovering hidden beaches, waterfalls, and local food spots.”
💜HOT Tip: Renting a car or scooter is the best way to take in the island’s beauty and find those off-the-beaten-path gems.

🧺 Visit Papeete Market in Tahiti
A must-do on the main island! “The vibrant Papeete Market (Le Marché de Papeete) is perfect for local culture, handcrafted souvenirs, and tasting traditional Tahitian dishes.”

🚤 Boat tour & Coco Beach in Moorea
“A small-group boat tour around Moorea’s lagoon gave us incredible views of the volcanic peaks and the chance to snorkel at submerged tiki statues beneath crystal-clear waters.”

To top it off? “We visited Coco Beach Restaurant on Motu Tiahura - only accessible by boat. Definitely book lunch and the boat shuttle in advance!”

Feeling inspired?
Chat to one of our Pacific Island specialists today 💬 https://bit.ly/4b3gbUS
Or check out our Tahiti deals 👉 https://bit.ly/4eENj8R

02/07/2025

Booked a cruise?
Here’s House of Travel’s Brigitta Moore's Best. Cruise tip. Ever! 🛥️📲

This one’s for the planners, the deal-hunters, and anyone who likes a stress-free trip. The secret? It starts before you even pack.

Cruise smart, not hard. 🧭✨

02/07/2025

🌸 A Family Adventure in Japan 🇯🇵👨‍👩‍👦‍👦
Thinking about taking the kids to Japan? Carla McKinnon from House of Travel Whanganui recently returned from a trip full of magic, memories and a few handy tips for families planning the same.

🎢 Disneyland Dreams, Delivered
“I promised my son Cooper a trip to Disneyland when he was 10. We were two years late… but we made it, and it was worth every second.” The kids were in awe at both Disneyland and DisneySea.
HOT tip: don’t skip the night parade, and yes - get the Mickey ears.

🌸 Cherry Blossoms in Hiroshima
Hiroshima stood out as a peaceful, powerful moment in the trip. “It took our breath away - quiet, beautiful, and humbling.”

✨ Ready to plan your own Japan family adventure?
Check out our deals 👉 https://bit.ly/3VtMqH4
Talk to an expert 👉 https://bit.ly/4b3gbUS

26/06/2025

✨ BEST. SHOW. EVER!

“MJ The Musical – “One of the best shows I’ve been to, an electrifying experience from start to finish!” 🎶 Halie Allan from House of Travel Invercargill experienced this incredible show in Sydney and loved every bit of it!

🔥 “I was literally on the edge of my seat the whole time.” The energy in the theatre was next level – being just four rows from the front made it feel like we were part of the action."

💜 Halie’s tip: "Stay at Sydney’s Novotel or Sofitel, you can’t beat the location with awesome shopping and dining options right on your doorstep" 💃🌃

But be quick to catch it in Sydney as the season ends in August. But the great news is the show is heading to Melbourne in September!

25/06/2025

Heading to Bali?
Check out House of Travel’s Yonah Croize’s Best. Bali Holiday Tip. Ever! 💜

If you’re keen to swap the sun loungers and poolside cocktails to discover one of Bali’s hidden gems, head out tot Tukad Cepung Waterfall. Think early morning stillness, a dash of adventure, and that kind of natural magic you’ll be bragging about long after you’ve unpacked. 👣✨

Trust us, this one's a memory-maker.

24/06/2025

Some of our top selling Aussie experiences just got even HOTTER with news that Air New Zealand are boosting the number of seats across the ditch this summer. More seats = more competition = more deals!

It’s perfect timing to jump the ditch.

With 130,000 extra seats to Aussie and the South Pacific between October 2025 and March 2026 - what’s on your wish list?

Surprise the fam at Christmas?
With more premium seats available travel like a king to catch the king of pop at M.J The Musical in Melbourne (our very own HOT travel guru Tanya Aitken says it’s a must-see – “BEST. SHOW. EVER!”)
Soak up unbelievable match points and roaring crowds’ courtside at Rod Laver Arena?
Swap the grind for turquoise waters and cocktails at your favourite South Pacific getaway?

What are you waiting for? Check out the HOTTEST Aussie Events this summer 👉http://bit.ly/44cplwH.
Or make your South Pacific Soiree a reality 👉 http://bit.ly/4nj631A

19/06/2025

Happy Matariki!

In celebration of the Maori New Year, our stores will be closed today. Our teams will be taking a break to reflect on the year that’s been and gathering with friends and family to celebrate and look forward to what the New Year will bring. For most of us we see exciting adventures on the horizon. 💜

How are you celebrating Matariki?✨🌟

19/06/2025

HOT HACKS 🔥
Cook Islands Edition 🏝

Check out House of Travel’s David Simms Best. Cook Islands Holiday Tip. Ever! 💜

And if you’d prefer more of a dessert treat, ask us where to find the best crepes filled with bananas and topped with Baileys! Yummm!”

What’s your best Cook Islands holiday hack? ☀

18/06/2025

🎬✨ Celebrating Our People – Welly-wood Style! ✨🎬

Over 770 team members from our retail stores, HOT HQ, and our valued partner suppliers gathered in Wellington for an unforgettable celebration of people, passion, and performance at our Annual Awards Event.

Festivities kicked off with our fast-paced supplier ‘speed dating’ day, where our retail consultants connected with key partners to upskill and share insights, then we came together to recognise and celebrate our people.

Congratulations to all of our award winners. Among those recognised, some of the major award recipients included:

- Supreme Customer Champion Store: House of Travel Whanganui
- Supreme Customer Champion Consultant: Alana Dresner, House of Travel Tauranga
- Consultant of the year: Brendon Maguire, House of Travel Nelson
- Store of the year: House of Travel Motueka
- Top Small Store 2025: House of Travel Kapiti Coast
- Top Medium Store 2025: House of Travel Motueka
- Top Large Store 2025: House of Travel Papamoa

Huge thanks to our incredible preferred partner suppliers and of course to our amazing customers – our teams, love nothing more than bringing your travel dreams to life and creating your Best. Holidays. Ever!

14/06/2025

What a weekend in Wellywood!
I could not be more proud of our team this weekend at our annual House of Travel awards.

Not only did we achieve some excellent individual awards but we were nominated for the second year running for ‘Top Medium Outlet’. While we didn’t take home that category (and huge congrats to the team that did) I am so proud of every single team member who shows up daily enriching lives through travel!

From our talented support team (Harriet & Kelly) to our newest recruit Jordi who I know is inspired to be on stage next year, to our outstanding sales team Anna, Alisha, Ady & Rhonda a huge well done & thank you all for your commitment & dedication to our clients every single day, it’s a privilege working with you all 🌍✈️⭐️

⭐️ Anna O’Dell-Smith - GOLD award
⭐️Alisha Lockie SilVER award
⭐️Rhonda Bignell SILVER award
⭐️Adrienne Cody SILVER award
⭐️Nomination Top Medium outlet

12/06/2025

🏆🏆 House of Travel Awards Weekend this weekend🥇🥇

Just a quick note to advise we are open tomorrow Friday 13 June normal hours 9.30am-4pm but have limited staff as a few of the team are attending a valuable supplier day in Wellington PRIOR to our annual HOTTIE awards on Saturday!

✨Our entire team will be there to celebrate & be inspired with our colleagues from across the country - fingers crossed we bring home some awards.

A huge THANK YOU to all of you who give us the opportunity to look after your travel arrangements and make this possible - we are most grateful & look forward to reporting back next week 🎖🎖 from Mel, Anna, Rhonda, Ady, Alisha, Jordi, Harriet & Kelly

05/06/2025

Client spotlight: 🌎✨✈️ David & Fairlie are having an amazing time in Spain & Portugal and had this to say:
'Stoked with your hotel recommendation Mel - It’s stunning! Certainly the nicest one we’ve stayed in, in years. Just beautiful. Had a drink in the roof bar last night. Slippers laid out for you in the evening… Have walked for miles (actually over 80kms since we arrived in Europe). Feels like we’ve been away for months, not just a week! Loved Barcelona. Thought of you. It was beautiful and yes crowds but packed in heaps and loved every minute. Off to Porto tomorrow' .. we just love hearing about your adventures!

04/06/2025

🛫 New direct flight alert! You’ll soon be able to hop from Christchurch to Adelaide direct with Air New Zealand! 🦘
Think: Waipara Pinot 🍷 meets Barossa Shiraz, punting to kangaroo spotting 🦘, flat whites to fine art 🎨.

Our very own Chris Atkinson from HOT Hornby has just returned from Adelaide - and wow! He shares his top must dos...
🧀 Barossa Valley day trip? A must. Wine, lunch, unforgettable views.
🌳 City ringed by 29 parks - the Parklands Trail is a full-day adventure (or dip into a section).
🍸 Leigh & Peel Streets = nightlife central. Hidden bars, small plates, buzzing vibes.
🛒 Adelaide Central Market is foodie heaven - and it's about to double in size.

The first flight is set to take off on Monday 27 October 2025, with two flights a week operating direct through to Friday 27 March 2026.
Check our more inspiration and great value deals 👉 https://bit.ly/3SwKtsj
South Australia’s calling - and your tastebuds are packing.

17/04/2025

Happy Easter everyone! 🌎✨✈️
We wish you safe travels if you are heading away - or a restful time if you are having a stay-cay!

We are currently closed for the Easter break:
Friday 18 - Monday 21 April - Closed
Tuesday 22 April - Thursday 24th - open 9.30am-4pm
Friday 25 April - Closed for Anzac Day

We look forward to catching up next week.
From the Ferrymead team ⭐️