Wendy Harrison

Retail Manager

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

Lovely to meet you

I am an adventure seeker with a passion for exploring the world and experiencing everything it has to offer. I'm always on the lookout for new and exciting experiences and have a particular love for small group tours and adventures. Whether it's cruising in the Galapagos Islands or exploring new cities, I love the intimacy and camaraderie that comes with traveling in small groups.

When I'm not adventuring, you can often find me at live sports and events, cheering on my favourite teams and soaking up the excitement of the crowd. Or I'm equally at home soaking up the sun during a beautiful island beach holiday.

I also have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore new destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, and cruising across the Tasman. All while enjoying the comforts and amenities of life on the water.

One of my favourite pastimes is people watching whether it's from a cafe in Paris or on the streets of New York. For me, there is nothing more fascinating than observing the unique and diverse cultures of the world and the interactions of the people within them. I'm always seeking out new experiences and adventures, driven by a deep curiosity and a thirst for knowledge and understanding.

Wendy

My favourite holiday memories

Cinque Terre

One of the most beautiful places in all of Europe, it's so colourful it's a bit like a rainbow exploded and rained down over it's 5 traditional fishing villages. And oh my, the gelato they make here - delizioso!
New York

New York is one of the most amazing places in the world, and New Yorkers will tell you, you can spend a lifetime exploring and never really see it all. And after taking not one but five bites out of the Big Apple, I can totally see why!
Enjoy a cocktail at one of the famous open air roof top terraces, like The Skylark. The Skylark is located in the Garment District and it has the most incredible views of the Hudson River, Times Square, the Empire Station Building, and the best of Midtown Manhattan.
Galapagos Islands

You can't help but hear Sir David Attenborough's voice when you're in the Galapagos Islands. I'm still blown away by how close you get to the amazing species that inhabit these islands.
Las Vegas

Las Vegas would have to be one of the most cities in the world, and for me it was chock-a-block with pinch myself moments. From seeing Jason Derulo perform at Pure Nightclub to Celine Dion in residence at Caesars Palace (2 very different artists!) to The Beatles LOVE by Cirque du Soleil, and Fremont Street the birthplace famous for it's city's most iconic neon signs and some of Las Vegas's first casinos.
River Cruising

What a way to enjoy this region's incomparable wine and cuisine whilst discovering its many treasures. From the medieval wonders of UNESCO-designated Avignon to Lyon’s lively river banks. We strolled the very streets of Arles made famous by Van Gogh; experienced a “Village Day” in enchanting Viviers, including a recital of music composed by Bach and Handel; we kayaked on the tranquil Gardon River under the UNESCO-designated Pont du Gard; hiked the steepest vineyards on the Rhône before sampling some of their local wine - cheers!
France

When in Lyon visit Les Halles de Lyon, an incredible indoor food market with an international reputation for offering the very finest gourmet food. Leave you diet at the door and sample till you can sample no more.
Fiji

While you're in Fiji, surround yourself with Fiji's famous crystal-clear waters by doing a fun filled day trip out to Malamala Beach Club, Cloud 9, or Seventh Heaven Fiji. But book early as these trips are incredibly popular!
Cuba

Cruising through the streets of Havana in Cuban vintage convertible with your hair blowing in the wind is such a great way to see the city.
Los Angeles

With just 4 seconds to go, the Los Angeles Rams clinched the win over the Dallas Cowboys at SoFi Stadium. NFL fever - the atmosphere was electric!
Alaska

Completely unexpected was the absolute beauty of Glacier Bay National Park. Enjoying the view of my balcony cabin. Some days are like diamonds!

Creating better holidays

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

River Cruising
Family Travel
Group Travel
Luxury Travel
Road Trips
Solo Travel
Train Journeys

My Travel Passions

Group and Family Travel - I have spent years specialising in planning trips for both small and large groups, and love making it a stress-free trip that everyone enjoys. Travelling as part of a group is a fun and rewarding experience, but planning and booking for a large number of people can be a daunting task, and that's where I come in - I'm here to take the stress out of it!

River and Ocean Cruising - I have a love for cruising and have had the opportunity to explore destinations such as the Mediterranean, the coastlines of Spain and Portugal, the Rhône and Saône Rivers in Southern France, canal boating in England, cruising across the Tasman, and my ultimate so far... the Galapagos Islands!

Solo Travel - Trust me you'll learn lots about yourself! Having travelled solo to numerous destinations around the world, I really enjoy helping empower people to try travelling solo, to find a renewed sense of discovery, adventure, and self confidence.

Adventure Travel - I'm a 'soft' adventure seeker with a particular love for small group adventures. I've hiked the Lares Trek in Peru, run the Great Wall Marathon (half!), and attempted to snow ski in Lillehammer in Norway.

Some of the destinations I have explored

What my customers have to say

Pre-Covid times I sometimes tried to do my own travel plans. Now I would not travel anywhere without the assistance of a travel agent. Wendy has been amazing. I am really impressed with the service Wendy and the House of Travel team offers. Top of my list is the way Wendy responds to any queries usually straight away or with back up if she is away. With any travel, there is occasional glitches (not the Travel Agent's fault)... Covid, natural disasters ect. Wendy and her team are able to offer great options to ensure any travel plans are enjoyable and smooth. I look forward to future travel plans with this knowledgeable, great travel agent and team.

Kerri
We have used the team at HOT The Crossings for numerous overseas experiences. They always bend over backwards and give such great advice and tips. Wendy is absolutely amazing to work with and we are so grateful for the experiences she has shared that have shaped our travel. Can't recommend HOT The Crossing team enough!!!

Phil
I decided to go to House of Travel at the Crossing in Tauranga as I was needing some real relational support to navigate through the covid turmoil and uncertainty with travel! I was recommended by lots of friends that the consultants were warm, friendly and professional! With there consultants slashed down to minimum staff, the consultants have been embracing / empathetic and enabled me with confidence to process options and make wise decisions concerning bookings and cancellations ect! I've left the office uplifted and felt like I was valued and respected as part of the family! The team have been willing to go the extra mile with communication and back up any time! With front line info on covid travel disruptions they have followed through and initiated communication far above their duty and brought clarity every step of the way :) ! Well done team! I'm hoping one day I can actually get on a plane and they can sing high praises knowing they have empowered us to be reunited with our loved ones overseas once we shake the dust off our feet with this crazy covid saga!! Thank you for being a great team and family With appreciation.. Kia Kaha Michael.

Mike
Wendy Harrison has been amazing, firstly with the planning of our trip of a lifetime, which was supposed to have taken place last May/June (2 years in the planning!) and then when everything turned to custard (Covid) Wendy spent a lot of time applying for refunds of flights, accommodation, ect, ect for us. We will be forever grateful to Wendy for all her efforts, and we really hope that in the next few years we do get to finally have our dream trip to Europe. If so, Wendy will be our agent of choice to plan/book it all of course!

Richard
Amazing service, Wendy went above and beyond for us more than once. The rest of the team is also awesome. We wouldn’t use any other travel agency, these guys simply are the best and truly care. We are looking forward to many trips to come! Thank you again team!

Ewelina

My travel stories

Myanmar - My advice - go now!

Wendy Harrison

I'd literally jump at the chance to go back to Myanmar (formally known as Burma) again! The food is to die for, the beaches are beautiful, and it’s so steeped in history and rich culture.