Planning a big trip can be half the fun, or half the stress. House of Travel Whangārei has been helping locals with the planning side since 1990, and the store has been locally owned for more than 30 years by owner operator Stephen Gillingham, who has more than 40 years in the travel industry.
The team of consultants here are keen travellers themselves, and between them they’ve got a lot of first-hand experience to draw on, whether you’re after a week in Rarotonga or a month in South America.
Why locals choose House of Travel Whangārei
- Local ownership: the same local owner for more than 30 years.
- Experienced team: consultants with decades in the industry between them.
- Tailored holidays: flights, accommodation, transfers and insurance pulled together into one package.
- Escorted group tours: their own small, unrushed group tours.
- Help when plans change: reviews often mention consultants sorting problems quickly.
- Face to face: a real person in a real shop when you want one.
What they do
Bespoke holidays
Tell them what you’re dreaming of and they’ll put it together, including flights, stopovers, hotels, transfers and travel insurance, so it all lines up.
Escorted group tours
Alongside individual holidays, the Whangārei store runs its own escorted group tours. They’re designed to be thoughtfully paced, mixing well-known highlights with off-the-beaten-track experiences and local culture. Recent itineraries include a women’s-only trip to the Melbourne flower show and a long South American adventure taking in Machu Picchu and the Galápagos Islands.
Group and special interest travel
Got a club, family group or special interest? They can create a custom itinerary for your group.
Cruises and touring
As part of the national House of Travel network, they can book ocean and river cruises, guided tours and package holidays.
The team
Retail manager Trudi Huys leads a team of consultants including Amy, Debra-Lee, Jan, Lisa, Michelle, Rebecca and Sharon. Jan has 26 years in the industry, and Lisa spent many years working abroad.
Finding them
House of Travel Whangārei is on Rathbone Street in the city centre, with the entrance off the Laurie Hall car park.
Good to know
- Escorted tours often sell out, so register interest early.
- Book school holiday travel well ahead.
- Ask about travel insurance when you book.
Frequently asked questions
Is House of Travel Whangārei locally owned?
Yes. Owner operator Stephen Gillingham has owned the store for more than 30 years.
How long have they been open?
Since 1990.
Do they run group tours?
Yes. They run their own escorted group tours and can create custom group itineraries.
Where is the store?
On Rathbone Street, central Whangārei, with the entrance off the Laurie Hall car park.
Can they organise a whole trip?
Yes, including flights, accommodation, transfers and travel insurance.
