House of Travel Riccarton
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Welcome to House of Travel Riccarton
Welcome to the House of Travel Riccarton team page!
We are the team dedicated to finding the holiday to suit you! Perhaps somewhere with great food, food that also feeds your soul. Or a great value family holiday full of priceless memories.
Wherever it is you dream about, we can make a reality.
So we invite you to come visit us in store and meet our team. We have over 100 years of combined travel experience, and a lot more life experience that some of us would care to acknowledge!
Here you'll begin the journey on your dream holiday. Sometimes it is hard to believe it’s our job to build dreams. It’s a wonderful reward for us to hear about the awesome experiences of our clients (the HOT family) on return from their various holiday destinations.
We are here to assist, inspire and take away any worries you may have, and save you possibly the most valuable commodity in modern society, time! We use our knowledge and experience doing what we do best; finding the best connections, destinations and documentation details so that all set in place for the holiday tailored specifically to suit you.
Have you ever wondered why people build sandcastles? All that time and effort to building to what purpose as it will just get washed away? We have thought about it, and our answer is that at the end of the day we know that life is not about the things you have, or that you can tangibly touch, but about the experiences and enjoyment of the many memories we create.
And that’s what holidays are all about, enriching lives through travel.
James Greer
Owner Operator
🎄Our Christmas Hours:
22nd December: 9am - 4pm
23rd December - 26th December: CLOSED
27th December: 9am - 5pm
28th December: 9am - 5pm
29th December: 9am - 5pm
30th December - 2nd January: CLOSED
3rd January: 9am - 5pm
4th January: 9am - 5pm
5th January: 9am - 4pm
8th January: Back to normal business hours
Meet the team
James Greer
Beccy Hayes
Charlie Stridiron-Leiva
Cullan Dreaver
Danielle Reiser
Fiona Luo
Julie Woods
Group Tours exclusive to House of Riccarton
Jill Worrall Tours in partnership with HOT Riccarton
All Jill Worrall’s tours are run solely in conjunction with House of Travel Riccarton. Moray Johnston is the dedicated JWT consultant, who looks after bookings, flights and any extra travel you might wish to do before or after a JWTour. This partnership offers you the security that your money is safe and that JW Tours have the back-up of the House of Travel’s extensive network and expertise in case of any travel issues. Jill’s overseas operators and tour organisers are almost always people with whom she has a personal connection and who are experts at tour planning.
Jill Worrall is a Canterbury-based tour operator and manager who has been running tours around the globe for nearly 20 years. Over this time, she has taken more than 60 groups – more than 1000 people - to destinations ranging from the Russian Arctic to Sri Lanka, Mongolia to Morocco. She also runs highly successful tours to more mainstream destinations, including Ireland, Italy and Croatia.
Jill is also one of New Zealand’s most successful travel writers. She’s been named New Zealand Travel Writer of the Year, has won two Qantas Media Awards for feature writing and a wealth of other awards and has published three travel books.
Jill receives outstanding feedback on her tours and she has about a 90 per cent return client base. Many of her clients have travelled with her more than 10 times. She is recognised as highly organised, works tirelessly to make sure her travellers are well cared for and have memorable holiday, deals calmly and efficiently with the unexpected and most importantly, is lots of fun to travel with! All crucial attributes in these uncertain times.
So, if you’re longing to enjoy some overseas travel again there’s no-one better than Jill to take you.
UPCOMING 2024 TOURS
Scandinavia and the Northern LightsJanuary 28 to February 17, 2024 This tour is going to take us through Norway, Sweden and Finland and is timed to give us the very best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. This can never be guaranteed but there are so many other remarkable experiences and sights on this amazing tour. We’re going to start with a tour of Sweden’s capital Stockholm. including a visit to see the 17th century Vasa galleon, before taking an overnight ferry to Finland’s capital Helsinki. Then we head north right on to the Arctic Circle to Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, to visit a reindeer farm and Santa’s Village. Then we will spend a night in a glass-roofed igloo (ensuring a warm, luxurious bed from which to look for the Northern Lights!) and have an option to try snow-mobiling. At Lake Inari we get to try ice-fishing before crossing into Norway to visit the home of the Sami people of northern Norway. We’ll eventually reach almost 70 degrees north at Alta and stay in an amazing ice hotel. I’ve included a ride with a sled dog team, a visit to a Sami family and then, in Tromso, we’ll be boarding a cruise for a three-night journey through the Norwegian fjords to Bergen and finally fly to Oslo. Our cruise will take us through magnificent fjords and includes the Alesund Archipelago, taking us away from all possible light pollution and giving us yet another chance to experience the Northern Lights. | |
| Vietnam and CambodiaMarch 27 to April 15, 2024 This tour is specifically designed to appeal to people who are looking for destinations closer to home. I am also a great fan of river cruising so a special feature of this tour will be a seven-day (approx) cruise on the lower Mekong River. There will be many day excursions from the ship that will introduce us to local life in both Vietnam and Cambodia. Along with this cruise will be tours of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and, of course, a visit to the Angor Wat, the largest religious site in the world, a World Heritage site and possibly the most important destinations for visitors in all of South-East Asia. We will also travel to northern Vietnam to see the city of Hanoi and join a two-night cruise around the wonders of Halong Bay. |
| Central America Costa Rica, Guatemala and PanamaMay 2024 I love Central America and this will be my third tour to the region. Costa Rica is famed for its wildlife and stunning scenery and we’ll be travelling through this country with my wonderful guide and good friend German Rojas, who I know many of you have had the pleasure of travelling with before. Guatemala is also on the itinerary where we will visit one of the best preserved and most beautiful colonial-era towns in all of the Americas, Antigua, stay beside the high-altitude Lake Atitlan and visit probably the best Mayan ruins in all of Central America, Tikal. Details of the third Central American country on the tour will be available soon. |
| Epic Eastern CanadaJune 2024 This tour is going to include most, if not all of the following regions and islands – New Brunswick Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Foundland and Labrador. It’s also been scheduled to give us the best chances to see whales, puffins and if we’re very lucky, icebergs. There will be quintessential coastal scenery, picturesque fishing villages, history and wildlife. |
| Zambia, Botswana and NamibiaSeptember 2024 We’ll be visiting one of the best and most underrated national parks in all of Africa, South Luangwa in Zambia and, of course, the Victoria Falls. We will also be spending time in Botswana’s Okavango Delta, one of the world’s great natural wonders, and touring through some of the wildlife and scenic highlights of Namibia. I love Africa and if I could only ever do one more trip in my life, it would almost certainly be an African safari. This will be a tour of great contrasts from deserts to deltas to vast plains and will offer us a chance to see a huge variety of wildlife. |
| Southern IndiaNovember 2024 It probably seems an age ago but many of you who came with me on my last tour to India asked me and our wonderful Indian guide Kush to come up with a tour to South India. And we have! We’re going to start in Chennai (formerly Madras), visit the most stunning Hindu temples in all of India, experience the hill country with its tea and spice plantations, visit the extraordinary Chettinad region, cruise the Kerala backwaters and as a grand finale see the Mysore Palace, one of the most stunning and largest royal residences in all of India. If you are interested in any of these tours, please do register your interest soon as some of these tours will have very restricted numbers. Expressing interest in the tours doesn’t commit you to anything but does mean you will be first to receive the full itinerary and prices as they become available. |
WOULD YOU LIKE TO KNOW MORE?
If you would like to receive a full itinerary of any of these tours, it’s very easy! Either call Moray on 03 3341 3900 or email her at morayj@hot.co.nz and we will have the info to you straightaway. Moray can also help with your queries about flights and travel before and after the tour. If you’d like to know more about the tour destinations Jill is very happy to talk to you in person over a cuppa at a time and place convenient to you, or by phone 027 538 995 or by email jill.worrall@xtra.co.nz.
MORAY JOHNSTON – Jill Worrall Tour Specialist
House of Travel Riccarton is an IATA-bonded consultancy, managed by dedicated and passionate Owner Operators with many years of experience. We offer a commitment to helping Jill Worrall provide the very best by way of hassle-free adventures.
Moray Johnston is dedicated full time as a Jill Worrall Specialist, looking after all aspects of the booking process and will coordinate your entire travel experience from flights, tours, insurance and visa’s.
Having lived in Europe, the Middle East and Australia her travels have led her to some diverse destinations from the Great Wall of China to sailing a felucca on the Nile; from the Medinas of Marrakech to the wildlife Eden of Botswana’s Okavango delta; from the Riviera coastline of Cinque Terra to the picture postcard island of Santorini; from the skyscrapers of New York to ancient city of Petra.
Moray has enjoyed a decades-long career in the travel industry, ranging from arranging travel adventures for leisure travellers and escorting groups to complex travel schedules for high-powered executive business trips.
Newsletters
Newsletter June 2023
Newsletter April May 2023
Newsletter March 2023
Newsletter Jan-Feb 2023
Newsletter December 2022
Newsletter August 2022
Newsletter July 2022
Newsletter June 2022
Newsletter April-May 2022
Newsletter March 2022
Newsletter February 2022
Newsletter January 2022
Newsletter December 2021
What our customers have to say
News and events
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FLIGHTS TO USA FROM AS LOW AS $999
Dreaming of classic American road trips through the canyons of Los Angeles? Well, we are bringing back 2019 USA airfare prices with a new direct route to LA from $999pp return plus more great USA airfares and deals on sale, allowing Kiwis to fulfil their American dreams without breaking the bank.Read More -
BOEING 787 LANDS IN ANTARCTICA
The world's first Boeing 787 Dreamliner successfully skated on the 3000 metre ice runway in Troll, Antarctica. This ice-breaking moment carried 45 scientist and researchers from the Norwegian Polar Institute. The runway only operates between October and March, just before it sees it's last day of daylight for nearly 6 months. Despite this incredible feat, commercial flights show no indication of being in the talks. -
ROLLER-COASTERS OR WATERSLIDES? WHY NOT BOTH?
Norwegian Cruise Line is introducing a brand new, innovative hybrid rollercoaster and waterslide. The idea to be a worlds 'first oi the new Norwegian Aqua, aiming to set sail in 2025, the experience also includes a three-level go-kart track to make sure it fits into multiple tick-lists for their cruisers. -
ENGINE ISSUES CAUSE 2 YEAR DELAYS FOR AIR NEW ZEALAND
In July this year, engine manufacturer Pratt and Whitney announced that 700 planes across the globe need to be inspected. Air New Zealand has 17 Airbus A320 and A321 NEO's which fly to Australia, Pacific Islands and other domestic routes need to be inspected. Chief executive Greg Foran said most customers are still likely to fly on the same day however, some international flights will move a day either side of their original booking date. A refund will be available to the 150,000 affected passengers if their changed service doesn't suit there itineraries. This will see the pause to direct flights from Auckland to Hobart and Seoul from April 2024. -
P&O TO INTRODUCE STARLINK CONNECTIONS
From snapping your friends or uploading your cruise experiences on Instagram and Facebook, internet connection is a necessity. As more and more people choose to cruise around the world, demand for faster Wi-Fi is a must. P&O have a solution. P&O are introducing Starlink across all fleets, with Pacific Adventure and Pacific Encounter already offering the improved internet. Pacific Explorer is expected to to feature this later in the month. Starlink, the satellite internet project by SpaceX. Deploying a constellation of satellites to provide high-speed internet globally, especially in remote and underserved areas like the middle of the Pacific Ocean. -
EXCITING INNOVATIONS TO THE WAY WE TRAVEL
With the world reopening and travel is becoming more attractive than ever. Innovations are set in place to make the travelling experience so much better. Imagine not having to talk to anyone, show your passport to anyone, just a streamlined experience. Facial recognition systems, AI integration, robotic logistics, all to create a smooth and streamlined experience. We are also seeing hints of potential supersonic travel being re-introduced since Concorde's failure in the early 2000s. These exciting innovations are a matter of when, rather than if. Changi International Airport is taking these innovations and aiming to implement them in early 2024. Can we see the same for Auckland Airport? Definitely. -
DELTA TOUCHES DOWN IN AUCKLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME
Delta Airlines, one of the biggest American airline brands touches down for the first time in history in Auckland on the 30th October as the airlines introduced a new direct flight from Los Angeles to Auckland. The service will be all-year round with daily flights during summer, then reduing to a 3 flights per week schedule during the winter period (April to October) Delta will be using one of their Airbus A350-900, seating 339 passengers on the 13-hour journey across the pacific ocean. -
QANTAS ALLOWS "NEIGHBOUR FREE" UPGRADE FROM NEW ZEALAND
The Australian airline is now trialing a new feature which allows passengers flying on trans-Tasman flights alongside flights to the US and Singapore to purchase an empty seat next to them. The trial period is undisclosed, however, following an evaluation of the trial, more international routes may see this option become available. The way it works: Passenger's on eligible flights will receive a notification 2 days before departure offering this upgrade to "reserve" the seat next to them. As it's not guaranteed, if the seat is sold after "reserving," the passenger is refunded. -
SINGAPORE'S NEWLY RENOVATED CYCLE PATH
Planning a trip to Singapore? The newly renovated cycle path is a must-see. It's called the Singapore-Kranji railway and now you can enjoy a bike ride through Singapore on one of the countries most historic features which debuted 120 years ago. The final train journey operated in 2011 and it was then closed until it was revitalised into a bike path for locals and tourists to soak up the unique history of Singapore. The route passes through Singapore's beautiful wildlife to the urban infrastructure.
Our travel stories
Postcards from India
Wow ! As a destination, the Rajasthan in India is rich in cultural and offers a captivating experience.
Postcards from Singapore
Singapore, is a clean and safe holiday destination or a stopover .... always warm to hot weather, spectacular garden and green spaces such as ‘Gardens by the Bay’ and the Jewel as seen in the pics!
Postcards from Japan
Japan – a land of so many contrasts ... highlights for me was Tokyo’s busy Shibuya Crossing, thousands of people make their way across the intersection every few minutes.
Our HOT Deals
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BLACK FRIDAY SALE
WORLDWIDE DEALS ON SALE - LIMITED TIME ONLYBlack Friday just got hotter! With 2024 travel in hot demand and selling fast, now's a great time to lock in your travel plans with a great value deal. And with our 18 month interest free offer, what’s not to love!Find out more -
Fully EscortedEUROPE RIVER CRUISING 2024
Departing 11 Jul 2024 - 24 day tour from $19,369per person share twinIncludes: Return economy class flights from Christchurch to Europe on Singapore Airlines, 2 night stopover & sightseeing in Singapore, 4 night stopover & sightseeing in Budapest, 16 day River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam on Avalon’s suite ship Imagery II in a twin or double deluxe stateroom, all meals onboard, add wine with lunch & dinner, Airport taxes, Port Charges & Gratuities.View flyer -
FijiFIJI ON SALE
Flights, 4 nights, transfers, breakfasts & more from $1679per person share twinTell Me More -
Queenstown & WanakaRHYTHM & ALPS
New Years EveTrips for 18-35s packed with awesome activities and immersive experiences, Contiki are all about having fun and making friends from all over the worldFind out more -
EuropeEurope by Rail
SAVE $650 per couple on all rail holidays to Italy, Switzerland or Scotland inclusive of 7 nights or more!Find out more -
AustraliaSEEK DIFFERENT in the NORTHERN TERRITORY.
Embark on a captivating journey to the Northern Territory, where the landscapes are as diverse as the experiences that await. Discover the ancient wonders of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, where the ochre hues of the desert create a mesmerizing canvas at sunrise and sunset.Find out more
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