April 10, 2025: Canstar Blue’s latest research reveals that if you’re booking an overseas trip, using the services of a great travel agent is as essential as making sure your passport is up to date.
Over three-quarters (78%) of New Zealanders in our research say they use the services of a travel agent when planning an overseas trip – primarily for the agent’s knowledge and expertise. Nearly half (46%) say they use an agent for their expert insights, and over a third (38%) confirm that the help and advice they receive is the most important part of their holiday planning.
Our research also reveals that House of Travel is the travel agent that Kiwis trust for delivering the best insights and advice, and the winner of Canstar Blue’s 2025 Travel Agents Award.
This year marks three wins from four for House of Travel. And once again it takes home our award on the back of amazing consumer ratings: top 5-Star scores across all our award categories, including for Communication & Advice and Level of Knowledge – the two most important factors for those making their travel plans.
Tom Slee, Canstar Group Manager – Wealth, Health & New Zealand says, “Not only is House of Travel a multiple award winner, this year its customers have rated it a perfect set of scores across all our award categories. House of Travel not only delivers on expert advice and knowledge, but on price, too – which is a remarkable feat.”
Celeste Ryall, Customer Engagement Director for House of Travel, says: “Our story began in Timaru with a vision to put people and travel at the heart of everything we do. Thirty-eight years on, we are still driven every day to be a trusted travel partner helping Kiwis explore the world.
“We’ve grown from one store to 63 nationwide, and the loyalty we’ve earned from our customers, both past and present, is something we will never take for granted. We’re delighted and humbled to win Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers Travel Agents Awards for the third time.
“As House of Travel earns ‘five out of five’ customer satisfaction ratings across trip pricing, communication and advice, knowledge, and agent friendliness, this independent recognition proves we’re walking the talk and staying true to our mission.
“We celebrate this achievement but won’t rest on success, remaining committed to offering our customer-centric approach and travel expertise to create the best holidays ever.”Canstar Blue’s Most Satisfied Customers | Travel Agents Award
Canstar Blue’s latest Most Satisfied Customers | Travel Agents Award is based on a survey of 676 Kiwis who rated their choice of agents across categories including Overall Satisfaction, Customer Service and Value for Money.
Canstar Blue’s Travel Agents Award is designed to help Kiwis make more informed choices and sits alongside Canstar Blue’s full range of consumer awards.
