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Discover Tropical North Queensland

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Discover Tropical North Queensland

Tropical North Queensland, where rainforest meets reef.

Experience a place where ancient rainforests flow into the world’s largest coral reef. Tropical North Queensland invites you to slow down, explore vibrant marine life, wander lush green landscapes, and connect with cultures that have shaped this region for thousands of years.

Warm, wild, and unforgettable — this is tropical Australia at its best.

Plus, fly direct to Cairns from Christchurch with Jetstar!

Speak to our Aussie specialists today

Hurry, sales end 13 March 2026!

Our Tropical North Queensland travel specialists

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Jared Wilson

Jared Wilson

House of Travel Christchurch City


No. of countries visited: 40+ 

Favourite place to visit: Anywhere in South America

Next place on the list to visit: Kenya


Quote: “Never pass up a bathroom”

About me: With over 2 years of solo travel across 40+ countries, I am passionate about immersing myself in new cultures and uncovering the unique experiences each destination has to offer. Fluent in Spanish, Latin America is my particular area of experience and expertise. Whether you're after an exciting adventure or a peaceful getaway, I’m committed to designing a memorable and seamless trip tailored specifically to you. 

Why I love travel: It allows me to escape the sometimes repetitive nature of daily life. I enjoy experiencing new places or returning to ones that I love. I like making connections with people from places around the world and having experiences that can’t be replicated.

My travel tips:

  • Meet the locals Almost all of my favourite and most cherished travel experiences have involved meeting and making friends with the local people. It is a sure-fire way to have a more unique and intimate holiday experience.
  • When in Rome A cliché but one to that will enrich your travel, observe how the locals live and learn from it. Try the local brew or dish, join in on the fun. Also respect local customs and traditions, this will allow a richer and safer experience.
  • Expect the unexpected- Be ready for unforeseen circumstances that will inevitably occur at some point during a trip. If you are expectant and prepared for troublesome scenarios you can save yourself a lot of grief. After all, you want to make your break from reality as stress free as possible.

My top 3 favourite destinations:

  • Colombia- An up and coming travel destination, a country cursed with the reputation earned from its past. It is extremely geographically diverse and amazing bang for your buck. I still haven’t found a country with warmer and friendlier people.
  • Spain- A country full of amazing destinations to discover, with a rich history and a world class gastronomical scene. The fun loving people, the nightlife and the picturesque towns with uniquely their Spanish architecture are a must experience.
  • Mexico- Mexico is a country which is truly fascinating, an amazing place to get to know. It’s a big country with lots to explore - like the US it is made up of states (32), the more you see the more you’ll want to see. It is full of the most beautiful places you’ve never heard of. The locals are extremely friendly and of course the cuisine one of the best and most famous on the globe.

What’s in my suitcase:

  • Spare phone, cables and a travel adaptor- Fact is electronics are a very important travel tool and to be prepared is important so you don’t have to go in the dark.
  • A Journal- A great way to record all the little details and memorable moments. When moving fast and or experiencing a lot we naturally forget things. Writing it down will help to recall in future and also to have what you’ve written forever is something special.
  • Travel cubes- Will help you to keep your suitcase nice and organised for easy packing and ultimately will save you time making things easier to find.

My most memorable travel stories:

  • Walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain together with part of the Camino Portugues from Lisbon to Porto – totalling 1200kms. My hiking shoes broke so I did the last 1000kms in Sandals.
  • Doing a 32 day Top Deck bus tour around Europe. Easily one of the best months of my life full of laughs and all round good times. I made some strong friendships and saw a lot in such a short space of time.


Jared

Jo Beddard

Jo Beddard

House of Travel Blenheim

I've been involved in travel for over 30 years.  It's more than a job it's a way of life for me!  I've visited close to 90 countries and I love using my experiences to help others plan an amazing trip away.

Jo

Charissa Vincent

Charissa Vincent

House of Travel Mount Maunganui

My name is Charissa (you say it Sha-ree-sa) ?? and I LOVE travel.


I’m all about discovering new places, whether it’s a sneaky weekend escape here in NZ or an epic adventure overseas. New cultures, new food, new experiences – I can’t get enough! But as much as I love getting out there myself, I get just as much of a thrill sending you off on your dream holiday.
I’m not into one-size-fits-all packages – I’m all about crafting trips that suit you. Your style, your pace, your dream destinations.


I’ve been part of the travel industry on and off since 2006, and my passion for it has only grown. So, whether you’re ready to start planning or just need a little inspiration, I’m here to help. Pop into the store, send me an email, give me a call — or let’s catch up over a Face2Face video chat. Let’s get your next journey underway!


Charissa

Rhonda Bignell

Rhonda Bignell

House of Travel Ferrymead

Travel is a passion for me, I have been in travel for quite some time (too long to remember) from Corporate to Leisure. 

I aim to help people no matter what their plans are to create the best holiday experience possible. I enjoy being part of our travellers experience and making the whole process as easy as possible & to create fantastic memories that are special and will last a lifetime for themselves and their families.

I have travelled to some amazing places, but one stands out, the 6 months I spent working on Antarctica at McMurdo Station is a highlight & backpacking through India was a challenge.

From visiting the many aspects of Australia, Asia, South Africa & South America to basking in the sun on the Maldives or hitting the beaches and shopping in Thailand I would love to help you create some new stories & memories. I love active holidays and have followed the Moto GP / Formula 1 and the Isle of Man TT was particularly exciting. Followed by walking up on Mt Kinabalu was another eventful trip.

However, every great adventure starts with a plan, and I would be honoured to help you with that plan, whether you take the road less travelled or one of the many roads that lead to Rome.

I look forward to helping you to create more wonderful stories and memories in the coming years.

Rhonda

T&Cs: 

Sales to 09 Feb 26 or until sold out. Prices are correct as at 20 Jan 26. Prices are thereafter subject to change without notice until time of confirmation. Prices may vary due to a number of factors including tax and surcharge increases, exchange rate movements and availability. Airfares are based on return flights flying Jetstar from Christchurch to Cairns. Flights from Christchurch to Cairns depart on Mon, Wed & Fri. Flights from Cairns to Christchurch depart Tue, Thur & Sun. Economy class fares include 20kg checked bag and seat selection (subject to availability), per person. Day of week surcharges may apply. Price is based on the most direct routing but may vary depending on subsequent tax & surcharge increases. *2 FREE nights are based on stays in May 26 or between Oct-Nov 26. QUICKSLIVER OUTER BARRIER REEF CRUISE: transfers are from Port Douglas, transfers from Palm Cove and Cairns are at an additional cost. BACK COUNTRY BLISS: transfers from Cairns or Palm Cove are not available and you must make your own arrangements to Port Douglas. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. Payment schedule will be advised at time of booking. For full terms and conditions please ask your House of Travel consultant. Prices are based on payment by cash or eftpos. Credit card fees will apply. Payment schedule will be advised at time of booking. Offer available in-store only. FINANCE CONDITIONS: Lending criteria, fees, terms & conditions apply. Offer available for bookings made with House of Travel only. For finance terms and conditions visit hot.co.nz/payment-options. For full terms and conditions please ask your House of Travel Consultant.

HOT CODE: CMPTEQ2701

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Discover Tropical North Queensland