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Wine, wilderness and an unforgettable African safari

Africa

South Africa is home to all the bona-fide cool stuff. Formidable landscapes, fascinating history and of course incredible wildlife. Elephants, leopards, lions, you name it, South Africa claims it. Zebra! Yes, plenty of zebra. Giraffe! Oh yes, lots of them. And then another trillion forms of animal life to marvel at.

Showcasing everything from The Big Five, to The Little Five, birds, bushveld and enough critters to make you go cuckoo (and yes they have them too). There is nothing more spectacular than experiencing a private game reserve and spectacular Table Mountain at its helm, Cape Town is one of the world’s most visually impressive cities. Along with its beauty, it also offers incredible wining and dining experiences – check out the V&A Waterfront!

Explore up the coast and you’ll be treated to an abundance of vineyards, we highly recommend stopping at Nederburg Wines for a tasting – their merlot is divine. South Africa takes first prize for WOW!

Connect with an Africa specialist

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Sarah Martelli

House of Travel Rotorua

My love for travel began early - at 19, I left New Zealand with a one-way ticket to London to start my OE, and I've never looked back. I spent eight years living overseas, including four incredible years in London, where I explored Europe extensively. (Barcelona still has my heart!)

I began my travel career in Melbourne in 2004, and knew I'd found my dream career. Even know, I still smile every day coming to work - I truly LOVE what I do.

I did step away from the travel industry for a few years to raise my family, but the pull of travel was simply too strong. Coming back confirmed what I already knew: there is nothing else I would rather be doing. No two days are ever the same, and helping to create someone's dream holiday is a true privilege.

Helping clients plan their adventures brings me so much joy. I specialize in point-to-point Europe itineraries, and I'm especially passionate about tours and cruising. Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational family holiday, a tailor-made Europe itinerary or a cruising holiday, I'll work with you to create a trip that fits within your budget and needs.

I pride myself on attention to detail and prompt turnaround times with my work. I believe I also go above and beyond for my clients - many now see me more as a friend, because we've built such strong relationships. Whether it's your first trip or your tenth, I'm here to make your journey smooth, exciting, and unforgettable from start to finish.

I'm known for being friendly, bubbly, and a great listener. I'll take the time to understand your needs and offer thoughtful advice and suggestions to make your trip the best it can be.

I live on our dairy farm in Reporoa with my Husband Mathew and our three young children, who go to school in Rotorua. We are a busy sporting family, so I understand the #mumlife juggle and the importance of taking time out for a well-earned holiday, either as a family or for a lush couples' getaway!

Some of our favourite family trips have been around Vietnam and to the theme parks on the Gold Coast, and next on our list with the kids in Japan. For my husband and I, a favourite recent trip was to Bali - the beachfront cocktails were amazing! Our next couples' getaway is to Langkawi in Malaysia!

Don't just dream about it - lets start planning. Get in touch today and let me turn your travel dreams into your next boarding pass.

Sarah

Fiona Muir

House of Travel Whanganui

You know how some people collect handbags or shoes, well I have a love of collecting passport stamps! I developed a bit of a passion for adventure travel since working in the States at a summer camp in my early 20’s. I have travelled to over 40 countries, doing everything from eating scorpions in China, snorkelling the Silfra fissure in Iceland, to skydiving in Namibia.

Fiona

Lesley Masters

House of Travel Lower Hutt

Why book with me?

Because your holiday deserves more - it deserves care, tailored advice, and personal attention every step of the way.

With over 20 years of experience as a travel consultant, I specialise in designing trips that fit your needs perfectly, whether it's a fun family escape to the Gold Coast or a complex, multi-country adventure across the globe. I'm here to handle the details, solve the unexpected and make sure your travel experience is seamless from start to finish.

Travel isn't just my job - it's my lifelong passion. Since catching the travel bug at age 12 on a trip to England, I've explored around 35 countries, discovering the joys of rail journeys, river and ocean cruises, guided tours and solo travel. This hands-on experience means I can give you first-hand tips and recommendations.

My favourite destinations include Italy, England and Niue, but truly, I've fallen in love with almost everywhere I have explored. Next on my list? Japan, Samoa and Sri Lanka - always planning, always exploring, so I can share the very best with you.

I feel privileged to work in such an exciting, dynamic industry, and I'd love to help to plan your next unforgettable holiday. Let me take care of everything - so all you have to do is enjoy.

Lesley

Angelique Anderson

House of Travel Rotorua

"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer" - and I'm incredibly lucky to have built a career around that belief, helping people turn their travel dreams into unforgettable real-life experiences.

I've spent years exploring the world, from iconic cities to hidden gems, and I love sharing that first-hand knowledge with my customers.

Growing up in South Africa meant almost 40 years of adventure in my own "backyard" - from incredible wildlife to breathtaking landscapes. Africa will always have my heart.

Beyond that, my travels through the UK, Spain, Greece, Turkey and wider Europe have deepened my love of history, culture, and those authentic little local moments you remember long after you get home.

These days, my perfect holiday is anywhere I can be with my husband and our amazing daughters. As a family, we're drawn to island escapes - they offer something for everyone, from relaxation to adventure. Some of my all-time favourites include the Cayman Islands, Madagascar, Fiji and the Seychelles.

Professionally, I bring 20 years' experience in the South African travel industry, specialising in Corporate, Group and Incentive Travel. A career highlight for me was being named ASATA (Association of Southern African Travel Agents) Corporate Consultant of the Year in 2013 - recognition I'm still incredibly proud of.

Now I'm thrilled to bring that experience to the New Zealand travel industry, here at House of Travel Rotorua. I pride myself in rapid response times, strong attention to detail as well as my calm and systematic approach. All of which help save you time, stress and guesswork.

Whether you're planning a romantic escape, a multi-generational family holiday, business travel, a school tour or a tailor-made itinerary that's completely unique to you. I'll work with you to create a trip that fits your needs, style and budget.

Don't just dream about it - let's start planning. Get in touch today and let me turn YOUR travel dreams into your next boarding pass.

Ang