Travel tailored: House of Travel
Award winning. Life-changing. Memory making. This is not your typical travel agency.
All this, a 20-strong team and more in House of Travel Christchurch City’s purpose-designed space nestled on Victoria Street beneath The Mayfair hotel. From the moment you step inside, you know you’ve arrived somewhere special – and that stress-free feeling continues right to the very last stop on the itinerary this team will plan for you.
Searching for New Zealand’s top travel consultant and the best cruise advice in the country? You’ll find Belinda Fifield and her signature charisma at her desk planning another holiday of a lifetime. Or instead, is New Zealand’s best corporate consultant the name you’re after? Sarah Henderson’s proficiency in business travel arrangements earns her a Hall of Fame-worthy spot.
Awarded in 2025 by the Travel Agents Association of New Zealand, “no other agency has ever held both awards at the same time, and we are incredibly proud. This recognition reflects a huge amount of dedication, and having the best consultants in New Zealand right here in Christchurch is something we truly celebrate,” original founder and co-owner Dave Williams says with elation.
The Christchurch City agency are in a league of their own. This team has been the catalyst behind Canterbury’s favourite holiday memories, and a trusted name in travel, for more than 30 years. Dave remains at the helm with extensive expertise across travel, groups, and events, recently joined by Megan McCall, who after 10 years in the office, purchased half of Dave’s shares and stepped into joint ownership.
Dave and Megan steer the ship in their new light-filled, purpose-designed Victoria Street office, a project fuelled by Dave’s desire to offer the very best planning experience. “I wanted to create an inviting, creative environment where clients feel welcome the moment they walk in. Designing someone’s travel is a privilege we don’t take lightly. It was important to create a space full of inspiration – somewhere that gets clients excited from the start.” The office is the largest House of Travel location in New Zealand, made up of a Leisure Team, a Corporate Team, and a Groups Team – giving them an unmistakable edge in a sea of travel agencies – and the capability to handle anything.
CRUISE GURUS
The Leisure Team operates at the highest level, with specialists across all sectors of travel. Belinda and Chris Fifield are the office’s cruise gurus, having recently fallen in love with cruising themselves. Their firsthand experience across numerous ocean and river sailings, soon to be joined by an expedition cruise, provides invaluable insight for both clients and the team.
As cruising continues to surge in popularity, most consultants in the office have cruised within the past 12 months, ensuring the team remains up-to-date and truly expert.
“Don’t be fooled that booking a cruise online is cheaper, or the best itinerary for you,” Dave says. From customisations and more comprehensive information to better savings, the team encourages talking with a travel agent first. “I booked it direct, but I wish I had booked it with you,” Dave recites the comment he commonly hears from clients in hindsight.
LEISURE AND LUXURY
A versatile, well-travelled and multi-cultural team sets the foundation for excellent itineraries – wherever, whenever. Senior travel specialist Kyla Strahl brings years of experience crewing on luxury superyachts, 57 countries travelled, and a unique global perspective. “Kyla has been part of the House of Travel Christchurch City team for more than 12 years,” Dave says. Canadian-born and New Zealand-bred, Kyla explored the world before joining the team, gaining unparalleled knowledge of some of the most spectacular waters and hidden corners of the globe. “Her firsthand expertise means she can recommend destinations so remote they’re hard to find on a map – yet clients return home time and time again overwhelmed by how extraordinary her suggestions turn out to be. Kyla’s ability to match travellers with truly unique experiences is one of her greatest strengths and a testament to the depth of her world experience,” Dave explains.
“We’re fortunate to have Minji Park, who was born in South Korea, has guided in Japan, and has lived in Australia and New Zealand. Her deep knowledge and passion for Japan set her apart. Minji specialises in crafting unforgettable itineraries that blend clients’ wish-list highlights with hidden gems and secret spots. As Japan’s popularity skyrockets, her biggest piece of advice is simple: go now – before it gets even busier and the exchange rate strengthens.” Her expertise transforms a great trip into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
GROUP TRAVEL EXPERTS
House of Travel Christchurch City’s Groups and Events Team, led by Lou Stephens and Sharon Rapsey, specialise in creating unforgettable packages to major events around the world.
Whether the Australian Open is on your bucket list or the Singapore Grand Prix is a must-do experience, they can craft the perfect itinerary for you. “We currently have exclusive netball packages to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow – so if you want to be part of the excitement, just get in touch. Lou and Sharon can also secure fantastic packages to top-selling shows such as the Neil Diamond musical and the blockbuster Michael Jackson musical in Australia,” Megan shares with excitement.
From world-class sporting events to extraordinary theatre productions, this team has access to an extensive range of experiences. “Whatever your passion, our Groups and Events Team can get you there.”
Solidifying their lead in the industry, the team played a pivotal role in transporting New Zealand athletes to and from the Olympic and Commonwealth Games since 2014. During the pandemic, they chartered exclusive Air New Zealand flights to get athletes to Tokyo, then worked with the New Zealand Government to secure MIQ hotel space and deliver sporting equipment so athletes could continue training. “We are also delivering travel packages for the Edinburgh Tattoo in Auckland this February and managing accommodation and transport logistics for 1000 staff,” Megan adds. Capability? Unmatched.
“Exceptional customer service is at the heart of everything we do. It’s always clients first,” Dave says. As for solo travel? “We know there are many reasons people choose to travel solo, and we celebrate every single one of them,” Megan says. We’ve partnered with trusted suppliers to secure fantastic solo rates, so you can explore the world without paying double. From a cruise, guided tour, or once-in-a-lifetime adventure, we have options designed with solo travellers in mind.”
“We understand that the small details matter, whether you’re travelling for business, leisure, or a major event, we take pride in delivering a seamless, personalised experience every time.” But the big difference when you’re on holiday and encounter an issue? “We offer a 24/7 support service, ensuring that if anything unexpected arises during your travels, you can reach someone from our office immediately. No call centres, no delays – just real, experienced consultants who know you and your itinerary and can step in to help straight away.”
“Being the trusted first choice for so many Christchurch travellers is a privilege, and we are committed to honouring that with every trip we design.”
THE TEAM’S TRAVEL HACKS
House of Travel Christchurch City’s industry insiders share their secrets.
“Pack, and then halve it! Your must-haves are broken-in comfortable shoes and a little black dress”
“eSims save so much time. Have the House of Travel app downloaded for ease”
“Utilise your stopover opportunities. Two holidays, one ticket, you’re basically a genius”
