EuropeRiver cruises along the Danube or Rhône, escorted tours through Italy and Spain.
Travel Broker Waikato & Auckland
Thoughtfully Designed travel beautifully discovered
Christine Elgar • Personal Travel Broker
Meet Christine
Travel, for me, is more than a career — it’s a calling. It lifts my spirit, opens my eyes to new experiences, and connects me to people and cultures in ways that are both humbling and inspiring. Every journey reminds me how beautifully big the world really is.
I’m Christine, a personal travel advisor who blends meticulous planning with moments of joyful discovery. With over 24 years of experience, I still feel that same spark every time I design an itinerary — because each trip is a chance to help someone else experience the magic of travel.
I plan journeys that are seamless, personal, and deeply rewarding. From our first conversation to your journey home, I’m with you every step of the way — ensuring every detail flows effortlessly and every experience leaves you inspired, because great travel planning should feel as effortless and uplifting as the journey itself.
What I Do (Services)
Travel should be effortless, immersive, and beautifully personal.
I take the stress out of planning your next journey — whether it’s a relaxing escape, a bucket-list adventure, or a multi-country itinerary. From ocean and river cruises to small or large group tours, I handle every detail: flights, accommodation, transfers, excursions, insurance, and more, so your journey flows seamlessly from start to finish.
As an independent travel broker, I work for you — not a retail store — offering personal, relaxed and flexible consultations from my home office, your home, or online. With access to trusted suppliers and exclusive offers, I create more choice, better value, and travel experiences designed entirely around your style, budget, and pace.
My goal is simple: to turn your travel dreams into beautifully discovered journeys and memories that last a lifetime.
Packages
Tailor-Made Journeys
Custom itineraries built from scratch
Cruise Specialist Service
Ocean, river and expedition, plus shore excursions and pre/post stays
Escorted Touring Expertise
Intrepid, Insight, Trafalgar, Back-Road Touring and more
Travel Concierge Add-On
Chauffeur, rail, insurance and special experiences
Why Book with Me
One advisor, start to finish (no handovers, no call centres)
Tailored itineraries, not templates
Flexible meetings: home office, your place, online, phone, or a local café
Independent broker: I work for you, with trusted global partners
Detail-focused: aligned to your pace, style, and budget
Clients return: personal care, trusted advice, great value
Your journey deserves more than a transaction — it deserves personal service, trust, and a touch of joy from beginning to end.
How I Plan Your Journey
At Serendipity Journeys, every itinerary is a careful balance of structure and spontaneity—meticulous planning that still leaves room for magic. Each journey is thoughtfully crafted around your tastes, pace, and passions, allowing you to wander beyond the expected, uncover hidden gems, and create moments that stay with you forever.
To travel the Serendipity way is to embrace curiosity and connection—immersing yourself in people, culture, and place, and discovering the joy that comes when every detail is perfectly aligned for something beautifully unexpected.
Recently booked itineraries
Danube Discovery14-day river cruise from Bucharest to Vienna, combining culture, history, and wine tasting experiences.
Happy Travellers
"Christine is responsive, accurate and works scrupulously to deliver! She is tenacious in recovering any credits… and has earned our total trust… We continue to highly recommend her… “you will not be disappointed”! We recommend her for all travel requirements unreservedly."
John
“We first met Christine when she was the Team Leader at the Cruiseabout Howick Office almost ten years ago… we have used her as our travel adviser ever since. She is very knowledgeable, extremely helpful, and friendly. She will go the extra mile… We now book all our cruises with Christine… We would strongly recommend her to any prospective travellers."
Ted & Marie
"We have found Christine to be a consummate professional and highly knowledgeable Travel Advisor… We would not hesitate to recommend Christine as your personal Travel Advisor… your travel experience will be the better for it."
Bruce & Raewyn
"Thankyou you Christine for all your hard work in rearranging our 2020 trip interrupted by Covid 19… we were most appreciative of the credits you managed to secure… your travel knowledge ensured a well organised stress-free holiday. I will happily use your expertise again and recommend to others."
Alison
“We have dealt with several travel agents over the past 15 years… None have compared with Christine… She has always met our needs completely.”
Glenda & Peter
"…she truly made the process of coordinating our group travel arrangements effortless and transparent… clear, concise, and invaluable guidance… assurance of support at every stage… comprehensive travel checklist… securing seats on the same flights… remarkable organisational skills… instill confidence… navigate flight changes and cancellations while abroad…"
Kiri
FAQs
Can we meet in person?
Absolutely — I offer appointments at my home office and can come out to see you at your home to. For those who are busy, I offer online consultations to suit your schedule.
Do you book flights and insurance too?
Yes, I can take care of all your arrangements for a complete, stress-free experience.
Availability:
I am available from Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm and for in person consultations, by appointment. You can choose to connect with me through a video call or meet in person at my home office. Alternatively, I can arrange a meeting at a location that suits you best, whether it's the comfort of your own home, a nearby café or your work office. As a Travel Advisor, I embrace this flexibility to cater to your specific needs and preferences.
Where in the world will your next journey take you?
Let’s start planning the adventure that’s uniquely yours.
Favourite destinations
Norway - My Arctic Inspiration
A land of luminous skies, mirrored fjords, and soul-stirring adventure. Sailing with Hurtigruten and Viking, I witnessed the Northern Lights dance across the sky four times — an experience that still takes my breath away. Snow-dusted mountains, still waters, and quiet coastal towns left a lasting imprint on my heart. One day, I hope to return by motorcycle to wander winding mountain roads and tucked-away villages. For me, Norway is the perfect balance of serenity and adventure — where nature’s drama meets peaceful reflection beneath the glow of the Aurora.
Peru - A Journey That Stays with You
A land of ancient wonders, vibrant culture, and breathtaking mountain trails. In 2024, I joined an Intrepid journey and hiked the Inka Trail to Machu Picchu — an experience both humbling and exhilarating. Each step through the Andes felt like walking through living history, surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks and whispers of the past.From the colourful markets of Cusco and the Sacred Valley to the warmth and resilience of its people, Peru radiates life in every moment. It’s a place where culture, landscape, and spirit intertwine — leaving you with a sense of awe and connection that endures long after you’ve returned home.
Your next journey begins here
Get in touch
Christine Elgar
Travel Broker Waikato & Auckland
christine@serendipityjourneys.co.nz
Phone 021 280 6500
Proud to be a Mobile Travel Consultant and partner of Travel Managers Group.
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