Explore The World With Us

We are motivated and passionate industry professionals, proud to be running a company that’s  100% Kiwi owned and operated. Travel Connections brokers are located in the North and South Islands.

MEET THE TEAM

FEATURED DEALS

Tanzania & Zanzibar: Wildlife & Culture

Discover the wild heart of East Africa with TCNZ member Project Expeditions on this unforgettable escorted adventure.

From the legendary plains of the Serengeti to the spice-scented breeze of Zanzibar, this immersive experience blends thrilling game drives, authentic cultural encounters, and coastal relaxation. Travel with a small group and a trusted expert on a carefully curated itinerary that showcases the best of Tanzania – wildlife, people, and place.

Tour Dates: 07 – 21 June 2026

Highlights & Inclusions

• Witness seasonal wildlife movements with experienced guides across Tanzania’s iconic parks
• Safari through Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Serengeti in search of the Big Five
• Stay at Amini Maasai Lodge and connect with local traditions through cultural exchange and storytelling
• Walk alongside a Maasai guide and discover the secrets of the land through local knowledge
• Add-on the once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti at dawn
• Wander the labyrinth of Stone Town, learn to cook Swahili-style, and unwind on Zanzibar’s idyllic coast
• Option to visit Jozani Forest or tour the island’s legendary spice plantations
• Personally escorted by Africa travel specialist Natasha Sinclair
• Choose to depart fully hosted from New Zealand, or join the tour on arrival in Tanzania

From $13,949 per person twin/double + flights

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
ENQUIRE

Africa by Rail with Viva Hosted Journeys

Luxury Rovos Rail charter, with special guest Hilary Barry

Experience the charm and sophistication of a bygone era on this exclusive journey from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, onboard the exquisitely restored Rovos Rail.

Tour Date Departs: 28 August 2025 from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls

Highlights & Inclusions
• Join a small group of likeminded travellers aboard Rovos Rail’s vintage wood-panelled coaches, immersing yourself in the opulence and charm of yesteryear, and some of southern Africa’s greatest highlights and safari destinations
• As the picturesque scenery unfolds, indulge in warm, attentive service, exquisite dining experiences, and a curated selection of South Africa’s finest wines.
• Step off the train to explore iconic destinations such as Kruger National Park, Kapama Private Game Reserve, Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre, Hwange National Park, The Great Zimbabwe Monument and the majestic Victoria Falls
• Whether forging new friendships, spotting the ‘Big 5’, or simply relishing the luxury of Rovos Rail, this journey promises an enriching and unforgettable adventure for the discerning traveller.
• Viva host

From: NZD$16,066 per person twin share based on Pullan Suite, excluding international flights

DETAILS (PDF)
ENQUIRE

Alaska with Holland America Line

Book Early and Save

For a limited time, book a 2026 Alaska cruise with the Have It All fare option and receive
• Up to 3 Nights’ Specialty Dining
• Up to $300 Shore Excursion Credit
• Prepaid Crew Appreciation
• UPGRADE Premium Wi-Fi
• UPGRADE Elite Beverage Package
• Explore the dynamic glaciers, soaring peaks and captivating history of the 49th state
• Cruise to Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier for a chance to witness ice calving, known as “white thunder”

DETAILS (PDF)
ENQUIRE

* Rates and offers are subject to change and availability at the time of holding an option.

MEET THE TEAM

Rick Wood
Project Expeditions

Auckland

(09) 528 7788 or 021 654 462

www.projectexpeditions.co.nz

Project Expeditions - Rick Wood

Rick is a travel broker with 45 years of travel industry experience, based in Orakei, Auckland. Rick is an expert in all facets of travel, from holiday packages, organised tours, airfares, cruises and corporate travel. Throughout his years in the industry, Rick has gained a huge amount of in-depth knowledge on many destinations including the Pacific Islands, Australia, Asia, South America, Africa and Europe - as well as worldwide cruising, to name but a few.

Rick has a particular interest in soft/eco adventure groups, some of which are branded through his trading name of Project Expeditions Ltd which he formed in 1983. During the last 33 years Rick has sent over 70 successful tours to Asia, Australia, India, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and South America.

MORE INFORMATION

Roni Little

Nelson / Marlborough

(03) 539 1214 or  021 548 747

Roni Little

Roni has an amazing passion for travel and for life! Roni has over 25 years experience and feels extremely privileged to be part of the incredibly exciting travel industry. She has extremely strong industry relationships with all leading New Zealand tourism suppliers and worldwide operators. They provide Roni access to the very best range of travel products including airlines, cruises, coach, rail, walking and cycling.

From Roni’s Nelson based office, at the top of the south island, she designs bespoke and boutique packages, customised to every need for her clients. She prides herself on her high level of attention to detail. Roni understands that planning and researching is an important part of realising her client's travel dreams and she's extremely committed to ensuring that each trip she plans is special and unique. Roni credits her high repeat business to the fact that she always goes the extra mile for her clients, which sees them returning year after year.

MORE INFORMATION

Sue Ketel

Nelson / Tasman / Marlborough

021 545 799

www.nelsontravelbroker.co.nz

Sue Ketel

I live in Wakefield which is in Tasman (or for those in the North Island the Nelson area). For the last 20 years, I have owned and operated my own travel business and with over 23 years in the travel industry I have many years of worldly experience. Many of my clients have been with me since I started in travel, and many are now life long friends, this is how I like to do business.

Over the course of my travel career, I have travelled to many countries (in excess of 42) and have experienced all facets of travel, from travelling on a shoestring to staying in 5-star resorts and travelling with group tours. I particularly specialise in organising and coordinating personalised travel itineraries, and also cater to a wide range of travel needs. It doesn't matter whether it is a business trip or that long awaited dream holiday, you will always get the right advice and price for your travel, but don’t take my word for it read what my many clients have written on my website.

MORE INFORMATION

Samantha Fowler

Auckland

(09) 972 2030 or 0800 500 180

www.cruiseconnections.nz

Cruise Connections - Samantha Fowler

We are a team of Cruise and Travel specialists, passionate about cruising and travel in general.

Between our team of 5 we have well over 50 years of experience, product knowledge and multiple Awards which reflect our performance within the very competitive world of travel.

We live by the simple philosophy of creating a better experience for you before, during and after your holiday than you’ll receive anywhere else.

We would love the opportunity for you to experience our exceptional service!

MORE INFORMATION

Libby Stafford

Auckland

(09) 972 2030 or 0800 500 180

www.cruiseconnections.nz

Cruise Connections - Libby Stafford

We are a team of Cruise and Travel specialists, passionate about cruising and travel in general.

Between our team of 5 we have well over 50 years of experience, product knowledge and multiple Awards which reflect our performance within the very competitive world of travel.

We live by the simple philosophy of creating a better experience for you before, during and after your holiday than you’ll receive anywhere else.

We would love the opportunity for you to experience our exceptional service!

MORE INFORMATION

Amber Gilling

Auckland

(09) 972 2030 or 0800 500 180

www.cruiseconnections.nz

Cruise Connections - Amber Gilling

We are a team of Cruise and Travel specialists, passionate about cruising and travel in general.

Between our team of 5 we have well over 50 years of experience, product knowledge and multiple Awards which reflect our performance within the very competitive world of travel.

We live by the simple philosophy of creating a better experience for you before, during and after your holiday than you’ll receive anywhere else.

We would love the opportunity for you to experience our exceptional service!

MORE INFORMATION

Joanne Pett
Travel Connections
Head office

Auckland

(09) 972 2032

Travel Connections - Joanne Pett

Joanne (Jo) joined the team at Travel Connections in June 2018.

Jo’s role as head office support/admin extraordinaire has enabled Travel Connections to continue to grow at an extraordinary rate.

Jo has been in the travel industry over 20 years and worked in both wholesale and retail environments. She is the very cornerstone of our business model and is always finding ways to help our brokers service their clients above and beyond. From sourcing competitive exchange rates, to implementing our own IATA plate. Everything Jo does supports our brokers and enables them to spend more time with their customers.

MORE INFORMATION

Karen Pocklington
Travel Connections

Auckland

021 818 484

Travel Connections - Karen Pocklington

I always think I have the best job in the world because I spend my life completing other people's dreams. I've been in the travel industry for more than 30 years and I am fully committed to using that experience to build very special trips for all my clients. My clients range from very experienced travellers to first-time travellers and are all very different in their own way. To me, being a Travel Expert is all about taking the time with every client; figuring out what each of them needs, so I can genuinely prepare the perfect package to fit them. In one day, I could be sending a client to Queensland for a week of adventure rides with the family, to sending a couple on a bucket list trip around Europe! But you can guarantee, that I will have spent both the time and the effort, to ensure each of these trips brings the client great joy.

To me, it's about making each trip special, by handpicking the very best of products that the global network has on offer. We use the thousands of wholesalers who throw big business at airlines, hotels, tour operators, cruise ships, etc - any adventure you could imagine - to create nothing but the best experience possible, and at the best deal possible. That's why my most experienced travellers don't use the internet to book their travel. They come and talk to me.

MORE INFORMATION

Natasha Sinclair
Project Expeditions

Otago

03 442 4067
or 021 041 8555

www.projectexpeditions.co.nz/

Project Expeditions - Natasha Sinclair

An India and Africa expert, for more than 17 years, Natasha has been helping travellers experience travel that is unique and meaningful. As well as running a successful travel wholesale business, she is known for her special-interest tours that she personally escorts.

Natasha works alongside TCNZ member Rick Wood of Project Expeditions. Rick and Natasha share a love of putting together and leading tours that are immersive, insightful to both familiar destinations and those that are well-off the typical tourist trail.

By joining Travel Connections. Natasha is pleased to be able to offer those that travel with her a safe and seamless experience in the post-covid travel environment.

MORE INFORMATION

Our Model

We aim to develop and grow a market leading travel broker model where individual travel brokers own the business, and as such, share in all the benefits and rewards associated with their collective success. The Travel Connections business model is "the more you put in - the more you get out".

Broker/Shareholder enquiries to Sue Ketel
021 545 799 or

Our People

Entrepreneurial and highly motivated individuals united by a passion for travel and service excellence. Strong philosophy of transparency, trust and teamwork among all members. Customer centric and focused on harnessing the collective strengths of the group to create a competitive edge.

Our Customers

We make them feel special every time they connect with us. We are committed to delivering an unparalleled customer experience by providing relevant and high quality personalised products and services to every customer, every time. 24/7 support - personalised support every step of the way.