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Dreaming of a white Christmas ... in Santa's Lapland

Lapland, Europe

Reindeers, huskies, tobogganing, lots of snowy activities - ice fishing, snow hockey and riding mini skidoos, elves around every corner, spectacular shows and a sleigh ride venturing deep into the forest to visit Santa’s secret hideaway for an unforgettable private visit at his workshop. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas …this is Christmas in Santa’s homeland, Lapland.

Most Christmas tours will take you to Rovaniemi, where you’ll find Santa Claus’ Village, if you travel a little further north to Saariselka you’ll discover a little less ‘touristy’ yet still all the ingredients for a truly magical white Christmas experience.

Four or five nights is a good time to spend in Lapland, allowing you to enjoy all the activities and increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights too. In December there is approx. only two and a half hours of daylight – it takes a bit of time to acclimatise to the constant dark skies.

As part of your Lapland experience you will be provided with the appropriate thermal snowsuits and outdoor boots as well as woollen socks and thermal mittens you’ll need to keep warm in the below zero temperatures, so you don’t need to worry about your suitcase being full of all the bulky stuff!

The lead-up to Christmas is the most popular time to visit Lapland - you will need to book early (at least a year in advance), this also includes pre-booking your activities. Alternatively, if you’d like a little more flexibility and pay slightly lower prices, you can still enjoy your Lapland ‘Christmas’ in late November/early December, instead of travelling at Christmas itself.

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Courtney McCormack

House of Travel Morrinsville

Travel is truly in my blood. My grandparents sparked the travel bug in my mum, and she passed that passion on to me. From the moment I took my very first holiday at age three, a magical trip to Disneyland, I was hooked. Growing up, I listened to my mum’s stories from her OE, my cousins’ globe-trotting adventures, and my sister’s explorations, all of which fueled my own wanderlust.

Over the years, I’ve lived in Scotland, as well as in England and Ireland, soaking up different cultures and ways of life. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively, exploring incredible destinations including Jordan, Israel, the USA, Australia & Europe. I’ve experienced the security and ease of organised solo travel with Contiki and Topdeck tours, but I’ve also embraced the challenge and freedom of planning my own trips, like eloping in Denmark, which remains one of my most cherished adventures.

With a background in hospitality, I combine practical knowledge with genuine care to craft holidays that are personalised, meaningful, and seamless. I love getting to know your unique travel style and what matters most to you, whether that’s family fun, a romantic escape, or a bucket-list adventure.

I’m not just your travel consultant; I’m your travel cheerleader. I’ll celebrate every countdown with you, smooth out any bumps along the way, and be just as excited when everything comes together perfectly. My goal is to take the stress out of travel planning, so you can focus on making memories.

Let’s work together to create a travel experience that’s not only unforgettable but uniquely yours.

Courtney

Olivia Whiteside Jenkins

House of Travel Riccarton

For as long as I can remember, travel has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up travelling multiple times a year, so it's no surprise I chose a career in the travel industry to carry this on in my adult life!

My love of travelling and experiencing different cultures is what drives me to create bespoke travel itineraries for all of my clients. I truly believe that travel sparks our imagination, feeds our curiosity, and reminds us how much we all have in common.

I have explored various parts of the world along with our own backyard and will continue to do this to not only fulfil my desire to travel more but also to advance my knowledge of locations that may be of interest to my clients.

Excelling your needs, wants and expectations before, during and after travel is my main priority. I would love to create a truly amazing trip and memories that will last you a lifetime!

Olivia

Courtney Cameron

House of Travel Tauranga: The Crossing

As your personal holiday builder I am here to take the stress out of your next holiday. Be it a family trip over the Tasman or romantic getaway to one of the sun soaked Pacific Islands, or maybe a bucket list destination trip.

I have had 10 years in the travel industry -made up mostly of being an International Flight Attendant. I have been lucky enough to travel to many places and experience many cultures. But there is always somewhere new to go!

I want to take the stress out of the planning so you can focus on the excitement of the trip. I am highly organized and like to ensure everything has been thought of and accounted for. Communicating clearly along the way with you so you feel confident and reassured.

Courtney

Torin Wilson

House of Travel High Street Lanes, Christchurch CBD

With over 12 years of experience in the travel industry and a proud gold award to my name, I’m passionate about discovering and sharing unique destinations with my clients. I believe that every journey should be special, which is why I take the time to understand your preferences and curate experiences that truly resonate with you. Let’s explore hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path adventures together—because travel is about creating unforgettable memories!

Torin