Let’s connect

+64 3-343-0869
upperriccarton@hot.co.nz
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House of Travel Upper Riccarton

Let’s connect

+64 3-343-0869 upperriccarton@hot.co.nz
Cnr Riccarton and Waimairi Road
Upper Riccarton
Christchurch
8041
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Monday
9:30am - 4:00pm
Tuesday
9:30am - 4:00pm
Wednesday
9:30am - 4:00pm
Thursday
9:30am - 4:00pm
Friday
9:30am - 4:00pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
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Welcome to House of Travel Upper Riccarton


House of Travel Upper Riccarton was established in 1988 and is owned and operated by Dalwyn Sinclair and Debra Carnahan who have a combined total of over 50 years travel industry experience.

When you're planning a dream holiday, you want to be able to talk with professionals who have been there, done that and know how it feels.

The consultants at House of Travel Upper Riccarton are exactly that. They are passionate about travel, and because they are travellers too they have loads of experience & knowledge they’d love to share with you.

Whether you dream of an Amazon adventure, a French villa stay in Provence, exploring Vietnam, or a Pacific Island escape you can feel confident the team at House of Travel Upper Riccarton will guide you to make the right decisions to truly enhance your holiday experience.

Debra & Dalwyn

Owner Operators


Meet the team

Headshot Dalwyn Sinclair

Dalwyn Sinclair

Joint Managing Director
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Sharing my travel experiences, is the inspiration to create current and unique holidays for clients. We all crave a deep connection to a destination when we travel, through the local food, people and those "surprise and delight" experiences.
Sharing my travel experiences, is the inspiration to create current and unique holidays for clients. We all crave a deep connection to a destination when we travel, through the local food, people and those "surprise and delight" experiences.
Headshot Debra Carnahan

Debra Carnahan

Joint Managing Director
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With 30 years in the travel industry I would love to have the opportunity to share my experience with you and help you create your holiday dreams, then I also have a corporate side that enjoys the challenges of constructing business itineraries.
With 30 years in the travel industry I would love to have the opportunity to share my experience with you and help you create your holiday dreams, then I also have a corporate side that enjoys the challenges of constructing business itineraries.
Headshot Helen Ashton

Helen Ashton

Senior Travel Consultant
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My goal is to ensure that all of my clients have an amazing experience wherever they are in the world and that their trip exceeds expectations.
My goal is to ensure that all of my clients have an amazing experience wherever they are in the world and that their trip exceeds expectations.
Headshot Kellie Worters

Kellie Worters

Senior Travel Consultant
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Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen - Benjamin Disraeli
Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen - Benjamin Disraeli
Headshot Laura Hutchins

Laura Hutchins

Travel Consultant
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I am very passionate about travel that can immerse us into the cultures of the country we visit. Being sustainable and giving back to these communities whilst we travel is so important to me and I have many tips and experiences to help do this on all holidays.
I am very passionate about travel that can immerse us into the cultures of the country we visit. Being sustainable and giving back to these communities whilst we travel is so important to me and I have many tips and experiences to help do this on all holidays.
Headshot Leanne Newton

Leanne Newton

Senior Travel Consultant
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Experiencing travel through the eyes of my daughter, has given me a whole new perspective and thirst for travel. It enables me to slow my pace, look around and just enjoy being in the moment as she interacts with local people.
Experiencing travel through the eyes of my daughter, has given me a whole new perspective and thirst for travel. It enables me to slow my pace, look around and just enjoy being in the moment as she interacts with local people.
Headshot Sophie Mcgready

Sophie McGeady

Sales Support
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My immense passion for travel has given me the opportunity to get my foot in the door to becoming a travel consultant. Each day I’m growing my knowledge further, whether that be hearing wonderful travel stories, to doing research on countries, destinations, and activities, simply for fun. There is nothing more exciting than planning a holiday.
My immense passion for travel has given me the opportunity to get my foot in the door to becoming a travel consultant. Each day I’m growing my knowledge further, whether that be hearing wonderful travel stories, to doing research on countries, destinations, and activities, simply for fun. There is nothing more exciting than planning a holiday.
Headshot Tiff Suttor

Tiff Suttor

Senior Travel Consultant
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With over a decade of experience in the travel industry and a true love for exploring the world, I’ve traveled to countless destinations both solo and with my husband (who I met travelling!) and our two boys, starting our international adventures when they were just 11 weeks old! I’ve mastered the art of stress-free family travel, and I understand what it takes to make every trip smooth and enjoyable.
With over a decade of experience in the travel industry and a true love for exploring the world, I’ve traveled to countless destinations both solo and with my husband (who I met travelling!) and our two boys, starting our international adventures when they were just 11 weeks old! I’ve mastered the art of stress-free family travel, and I understand what it takes to make every trip smooth and enjoyable.

What our customers have to say

  • I recently travelled to Africa with the help of Helen Ashton the Senior Travel Consultant. Absolutely amazing service. Not one fault or issue, I would highly recommend, Helen was prompt at responding to emails even when I was overseas with several questions. I will 100 percent be back for my next trip. Can not recommend enough.
    Sophie

  • Great business 2 deal with always very helpful
    Gavin

  • Just the best ,,had to change flights ,,very quick ,,just what you want ,,will go back for next trip
    Mac

  • We have just recently returned from the Ghan Rail Journey from Darwin to Adelaide. Way more than a train trip, this was a package of multiple new experiences each day visiting stunning locations, being guided by local experts, enjoying relaxed and comfortable cabins and lounges and the wonderful fine dining on and off the train. Helen was the ‘magic ingredient’ making it all happen smoothly with additional trips and stop overs before and after the Ghan. I cannot speak highly enough of her ‘can do’ attitude – always accompanied by a smile and helpful suggestions. She is super-responsive and always willing to do whatever she can to make the travel experience as relaxed and enjoyable as possible
    Rose

  • We have used Helen for a number of family trips. Helen is great to deal with - she is friendly, offers great advice and took care of everything for us - from booking flights, accommodation and activities and nothing was a hassle. Thanks so much Helen.
    Lucy

  • Helen is simply the BEST travel agent at House of Travel. She offers friendly, professional advice and is an authority on so many destinations. She listens to my needs and plans accordingly, giving me, the client, excellent value for my dollar. She has the ability to think outside the square and is full of ideas. A five star recommendation.
    Margaret

  • Helen has been instrumental in arranging our trip to Europe next year, After our initial brief she put together an itinerary that met every aspect of our wishes. Throughout the process she has made some excellent recommendations, helped organise accommodation and provided her worldly insights into the locations that we will be visiting. Helen has an amazing knowledge which she is happy to share.
    James and Gina

  • We have been looking for a flight to Europe with other travel agents for a long time now with no success in getting into our budget. But Leanne asked us if we could shift our dates and she found us a family ticket even cheaper than we expected, with options to stay over in SAN Francisco, my bucket list city since I was a kid. Once we decided, the whole process took less than 48 hours. Super efficient. Leanne is very knowledgeable about the places and made us feel super satisfied and happy with our purchase. We will buy the travel insurance soon, well done Leanne, thanks very much. Marlon, Luna and Mary.
    Mary

  • Excellent service, prompt response to questions and she organized an excellent looking holiday for my wife and myself. She made sure we would get the maximum time on Samoa by finding flights that arrived and departed at approximately mid-day and recommended we increase the holiday by 1 day at very little cost, from the basic brief I gave her she exceeded my expectations.
    Ken

  • Leanne listened to our plans and has booked everything we wanted and suggested a heap of extra things we didn’t know were options. This is our first family holiday and she has given us lots of ideas and hacks based on her own experience, making us feel more at ease and excited!
    Amy

  • Leanne was approachable, professional, completed the quote & finalized my trip in a short time. Recommendations were made for inoculations & followed up. Amazing experience. Keep up the good work.
    Sami

  • We have dealt with Kellie Worters senior travel agent here for many years and have always had excellent service. Her attention to detail has ensured our travel has been correct and we have taken her advice on numerous occasions on different activities and tours to take while away. We thoroughly recommend this branch and especially Kelly for all your travel arrangements.
    Ken & Anne

  • Laura is the most helpful and pleasant agent. Who is helping us to book the way to UK via Bangkok or China. We are going next August and not all options are available so she is looking around and her help has made us definitely want to book with her.
    Veronica

  • Debra hit it out of the ball park again when our student daughter had panic day before visa and flight issues created by embassy officials last week. In one phone call and within one hour, Debra had sourced and ticketed new flights on a new airline, re routed her via the embassy, organised a refund on her orginal flights and still texted our daughter on the day to ensure she had made all the connections and was on her way. Our daughter is so grateful she did not use the internet for her original booking, as the benefits of being able to call Debra and get help were priceless. We highly recommend Upper Riccarton House of Travel and Debra Carnahan.
    Ken

  • Debra has been very helpful sorting four trips for different reasons . Four long haul travels in 12months. NOT ALL PLANNED, and changes to airlines and flight bookings. She has given time to sort our problems. It's much appreciated
    Brenda

  • I went in and spoke with Debra. She asked me what I wanted and when I wanted to travel. she got onto it straight away and came back within 24 hours with a travel plan and bookings ready for me to confirm. Fantastic service. She asked what we wanted. Looked at options and provided me with a great travel plan. She offered travel insurance but I elected to go with Police Travel Insurance as I am a retired police employee.
    Gavin

  • She works to achieve all our requests for our travels.
    Zena

News and events

  • CLI Top 10 Badge 2024

    A GREAT BIG THANK YOU - #1 FOR CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

    We don’t like to brag, but we’re super proud to have been recognised as New Zealand’s number 1 brand for customer experience in Kantar’s Customer Leadership Index survey. This recognition means the world to us because they reflect our dedication to our customers, our customer first approach and enriching lives through travel.
  • Future Of Travel

    What does the future of air travel look like?

    The future of travel could be closer than we think. Alaska Airlines certainly thinks so. Alaska Airlines has announced a new investment in aircraft company JetZero. JetZero is currently working towards designing and manufacturing a super-wide aircraft known as a "blended wing body," where efficiency increases as well as cabin experience.
  • Disney New Ships

    Disney announces cruise line expansion - 4 new ships!

    By 2031, Disney is aiming to have a fleet size of 13. Spreading the magic of Disney to everyone, in every corner of the world. The names of these ships are still in development but we know we can expect some magical moments to be made onboard these exciting new Disney Cruise Line ships.
  • First Class In Business

    First class for the price of business class?

    Imagine getting the first class treatment for a business class ticket price! Well now it's possible! Qatar Airways already luxurious business class suite is going to be vamped up with even more perks. The top rated business class in the world will be receiving upgrades like Caviar, 4K OLED screens, AI Digital Human cabin crew members and a whole lot more!
  • Porsche

    Ever wondered what it's like to race on an F1 track?

    Hunter Valley, AUS is welcoming a new resort which includes a fully functional F1 track. The F1 track is designed by the Tilke Group, the main Formula 1 track designers internationally. The resort will be called Black Rock Motor Resort and it will include Go-karting, racer training, a cafe, accommodation and a function centre.
  • Cruise Destiny

    Disney reveal the name of their newest Disney ship!

    Disney has revealed their newest cruise ship name and it will shock you. The Disney Destiny will prolong the legacy and history of the Disney Cruise Line. The Disney Destiny was inspired by every character and every great Disney story. The ship will immerse passengers in the Disney greats of The Lion King, Hercules, and One Hundred and One Dalmations.
  • Qatar

    Qatar's new in-flight AI assistant

    Technology is allowing for AI to be incorporated into many aspects of everyday life. In-flight assistance is no different. Qatar's AI assistant Sama, meaning Sky is part of Qatar Airway's Qverse and will assist you on your flight and on the ground. Sama helps with 3d renderings of airports for map and guides, help answer questions about baggage, check-in, and more in real time. Giving customer experience and customer service on top of the competition.

Our travel stories

Japan Sophie McGeady

Postcard from Japan

Sophie McGeady

There is something for everyone in Japan. 

Contiki Laura Hutchins

Contiki

Laura Hutchins

CONTIKI!! I was lucky enough to travel to the Southern USA with Contiki and explore the amazing Nashville, Memphis and New Orleans.

Fiji1 Leanne Newton

Postcard from Fiji

Leanne Newton

Fiji is one of the friendliest places on earth and the perfect place to travel with young kids.

Norway Image Helen

Postcard from Norway

Helen Ashton

Travelling in Norway is like a picture postcard all the time!  Join a Hurtigruten Cruise translated as "Express Route" and spend 6-12 days cruising the coastline visiting beautiful quaint villages, towns and cities.  

Postcard from Japan Leanne Newton

Postcard from Japan

Leanne Newton

Everything was amazing, so it’s a hard call. Kidzania was an incredible experience and a favourite for our daughter (just turned 6). It was an absolute dream destination for our daughter who adores playing make believe. Kidzania is an amusement park set up so children can try out grown-up jobs. But it’s done sooooo well.

view all stories from House of Travel Upper Riccarton

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