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Sarah Martelli

Lovely to meet you

Leaving home at 19 with a one way ticket to London to start my OE, it's fair to say I've had the travel bug for years! 

Living overseas for 8 years, and in London for four years, I travelled extensively around Europe. Barcelona is my favourite city! 

Then living in Melbourne for four years after that, this is where I started my career in travel in 2004. It was my dream job all those years ago and I still smile every day when I come to work now, I LOVE this job!

Nothing brings me more joy then hearing of clients travel plans, putting together itineraries and making their travel experience run as smooth as possible from start to finish. 

I like to think I am a friendly, bubbly personality, a good listener and I will take on board your needs while also guiding you with helpful advice and suggestions when needed. I live on a dairy farm in Reporoa with my husband and three young children, I understand the #mum-life juggle and the need to get away and escape for a holiday sometimes! Having travelled to nearly 40 countries, I have lots of experience that I cant wait to share it with you. Looking forward to meeting you soon. 

Sarah


My favourite holiday memories

  • Vietnam
    Vietnam Sarah Martelli

    Walking over the Golden Bridge near Hoi An, Vietnam, was an incredible experience! Recently built in 2018, you ride one of the longest cable cars in the world to get to the bridge which is built on the side of the Ba Na Hills. Vietnam is an amazing country to travel around with a family, friendly people, amazing food and giving your kids a cultural experience.

  • Vanuatu
    Vanuatu3 Sarah Martelli

    I love a tropical island holiday, and Vanuatu was a relaxing break away from our busy life on our dairy farm. The kids loved getting their hair braided, visiting a local school and walking up the Mele Cascades waterfall. Beautiful beaches, friendly people and long sunny days, Vanuatu is a fabulous destination to visit for a winter getaway. 

  • Sydney
    Sydney Pic Sarah Martelli

    A quick escape from NZ, I love a city getaway like Sydney or Melbourne for the amazing food, shopping and just soaking up those city vibes. Travelling with three children, I know the 'family friendly' places to go, the best apartments and activities that would appeal to a family. Or if it's a romantic getaway for two you're after, ask me about my favourite restaurants and list of funky bars to visit.

  • East Africa Kenya & Tanzania
    Sam Power IwoOPriU39k Unsplash

    One of the most incredible parts of the world, Kenya and Tanzania should be high on everyone's bucket list of destinations to visit. Seeing the 'Big 5', 4WD off-roading through the Serengeti and witnessing the great wilder beast migration were experiences I will never forget. I LOVED East Africa, I love talking about it with my clients and would be honoured to help you plan your dream African holiday too.

  • Germany and Austria
    Sarah Germany and Austria

    Munich is a beautiful city, clean and I felt safe walking around, the city square is a bustling hub full of shops, cafes and stunning buildings to wander around. Salzburg in Austria is certainly worth a visit, the Sound Of Music bike tour of the city was so much fun.

Creating better holidays 

Whatever your travel dreams, I will work with you to create the best holiday possible. The holidays I specialise in include:

  • Cycling
  • Adventure
  • Coach Touring
  • Ocean Cruising
  • Couples Travel
  • Disney Holidays
  • Family Travel
  • Group Travel
  • Luxury Travel
  • Road Trips
  • Safaris
  • Solo Travel

My Travel Passions

Family travel - I have three school aged children, so I specialise in family friendly holidays. We live on a dairy farm so our winter getaway is super important to us, to have that down time off the farm. Our last family holiday was Vietnam, we've also travelled to Vanuatu, Fiji, Goldcoast, Melbourne and Sydney with our children. Next on my list is Japan! 

18 - 35 backpackers - I lived in London for 4 years and travelled extensively around Europe on rail passes, coach tours and hiring cars. I love reliving this time in my life and enjoy helping anyone who wants to head off on their OE with stories, tips & tricks and the latest travel advise. 

Couples getaways - The hubby and I escape the kids (thank you grandparents!) whenever we can and have jetted off on many adult only escapes. If you're keen on a luxury Australian city break or romantic island holiday, I'd love to help you plan it! 



Some of my favourite holiday destinations

AFRICA: Kenya | Morocco | Serengeti | Tanzania
ASIA: Bali, Indonesia | Maldives | Singapore | Thailand | Vietnam/Cambodia/Laos 
AUSTRALIA: Adelaide, South Australia | Brisbane | Gold Coast | Melbourne, Victoria | Sunshine Coast | Sydney, New South Wales
MIDDLE EAST: Dubai, UAE 
NORTH AMERICA: USA
SOUTH PACIFIC: Fiji | Vanuatu
UK/EUROPE: Austria | Belgium | Croatia | Czech Republic | Germany | Hungary | England | France | Italy | Greece | Netherlands | Romania | Scotland | Spain/Portugal 

What my customers have to say

  • Whakatane only have ONE Travel Agency and they did not suit us at all. My brother who lives in Rotorua said they always used House of Travel in Rotorua, so we picked House of Travel. This is our third booking we have done with Sarah because she is pleasant, listens to our requirements and produces the goods.
    Russell
  • She was awesome! Great comms, so committed! Sarah Martelli worked her ***** off to get me this deal!
    Charles
  • Very helpful and listened to me and my requirements
    David
  • Sarah is amazing, with quick responses, overall just awesome!
    Emma
  • Nice prompt service and good communication from Sarah
    Francis

Awards & qualifications

  • New Zealand Certificate in Travel Level 4
  • Top Retail Consultant Finalist 2024