Step into Bluey's World

After achieving my New Zealand Level 5 & 6 Diplomas in Travel and Tourism, I’m excited to have joined the team at House of Travel Rotorua back in December 2022 - not even Covid could derail my dreams of becoming a travel consultant.  

My years of studying and my personal experience of travelling to Australia on family holidays has fuelled my passion for creating unforgettable holidays. I spend my days designing holidays within New Zealand, Australia, the South Pacific and Asia, and I absolutely love arranging cruise holidays. Working with you to create your perfect getaway is what I enjoy the most, so bring me your dream holiday, and we can build it together! Leave me to focus on the details, so that you can relax and have your best adventure yet!

Why a customer would choose me:

I'm honestly in my dream job - I get to combine my passion for travel with my love of organisation and planning. Travel has changed so much over the last few years and continues to do so, which means there are more details to consider than ever before. 

It's so much fun getting to know my clients and helping them come up with the perfect itinerary. I can research to my heart's content and get into the nitty gritty to make sure your trip flows smoothly.

You just bring me your dream and we can build it together. Then leave me to focus on the details, so that you can relax and have your best adventure yet!

Meet Me:

I moved home to NZ in 2017 after living on the Sunshine Coast in Australia for ten years during my 20's (yes, I'd love to help you plan your next trip over there).

In the weekends I'm either reading a good book at home cuddled up with my rescue cats, or traipsing through the local forests - I'm not much of a city dweller if I can help it.

When it comes to travel, my attitude leans more towards 'go big or go home'. If I'm flying halfway around the world, you can bet that I'm going to make the most of it. I will bargain hunt my heart out so that I can fit in more days, more locations and more fun. 

I mean, is there any better feeling in the world than standing somewhere you've never been before, experiencing new things, tasting new foods, meeting new people and just having the time of your life? 

Chelsea

I’m truly passionate about travel, whether it’s exploring new cultures, uncovering hidden gems, or helping others plan their perfect escape. I love researching destinations, creating unique trips, and capturing the journey through my photography.

While I plan all kinds of holidays, I also have a soft spot for sports travel, there’s nothing like experiencing an F1 race or Football match live! Whether it’s a relaxing beach break or an adrenaline filled getaway, I bring energy, insight, and a personal touch to every trip.

Let’s turn your travel ideas into unforgettable experiences.

Mathew

Chris has travelled the globe several times over... with his 30 plus years' experience in the industry he is unquestionably efficient and knowledgeable when it comes to organising any form of travel!

Chris' passion for his career is evident in all holidays he organises. His personal travel experiences compliment his leisure travel background, as he can think outside the box logistically and ensure that all your travel needs are met, and you are guided throughout your journey. 

"Whether your travel dreams are exploring the rugged West Coast of New Zealand to a luxury break in Fiji, I am 100% committed to ensuring you have the best experience planning and fulfilling your dream holiday." 

Outside of work, you will find Chris in the great outdoors having fished his way throughout New Zealand, hiked the Inca Trail in Peru, skied the Canadian Rockies, just to name a few. 

Work, save, travel, repeat. 

Why I love travel: 

There is so many different cultures to experience and history that goes way beyond New Zealand's few hundred years of course - stunning natural beauty can be enjoyed all over the world.

My travel tips:

• If you are there - do it. Travel is all about experiences that create wonderful memories, so don't regret not doing something because you were concerned about the price - the bank won't mind and you will talk about it for years to come. 
• Pack light as you can always find a laundromat - though I do need to take me own advice! 
• Find the most comfortable walking shoes you can find and break them in before you go. You will probably do lots of walking in some countries .... old European cobbled streets can take a toll. 
• Be prepared to and learn how to tip so you don't get thought of as a bad tourist - most of the world tips for service and yet it's so foreign to us, but very important to do so. 

My top 5 favourite destinations: 

• Pacific Islands - a close tropical beach escape. The rest of the world dreams of these exotic locations and they are just there for us. 
• Canada - amazing wilderness experiences on a grand scale.
• Italy - organised chaos! I just love the expressive personalities of the people, as well the fabulous food and drink and amazing history. 
• Vietnam - a bit of everything from great beaches to amazing food and stunning rural scenery and different minority cultures.
• Mediterranean Cruise - why not take your hotel with you - wake up each day with a new culture and experience to be had - this is the place to cruise!

What's in my suitcase:

• Too much - I must do better!
• One universal adaptor and a 4 plug New Zealand multi box

Chris