Our People

Bill joined Best Travel in 1986 after 15 years experience in corporate travel working with Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.  In 2001, Bill, and his wife Christine, purchased the business outright from Garth Best (founder). 

In 2009 and 2010, Bill worked with four other astute travel business owners from around New Zealand to established World Travellers.  He still plays an active role on the World Travellers’ board of directors.   

Christine’s travel career started in 1969 when she trained as a consultant with Garth Best, prior to him setting up Best Travel.  She then headed off on her OE and after six years living in UK and Europe, and another 11 years in Wellington, in 1986 Christine headed back to Hawke’s Bay to rejoin Garth, this time at Best Travel.

Passionate about designing dream holidays for her clients, Christine is proud of her repeat client base built up by positive referrals.

Travel is second nature for Frazer, son of the business founder Garth.  Frazer heads up Best Travel’s corporate division, working alongside Toni and Paula.  Frazer joined Best Travel in 1994, and in 2009 became a shareholder, retaining the Best name in the company.  Widely travelled, Frazer describes New York as one of his favourite destinations, “it’s the Big Apple, hardnosed and exciting,” says Frazer.  And for somewhere relaxing recommends the exoticness and refreshing Langkawi.

Rob returned to Hawke’s Bay and joined Best Travel in 2005, after nearly 20 years undertaking varying roles in the travel industry.  In 2010, Rob gained a place in the Top 10 Travel Consultants for Trafalgar Tours and won an eight day tour to Ireland. 

“This was by far the most memorable and best experience I have had in my travel career,” says Rob.  “I enjoy what I do because I love to help people and ensure they get the most out of their travel experience – and that’s not only of their holiday, but the experience of working with a travel designer who shares their passion.”

After beginning her travel career in 1987, Paula travelled overseas for three years before joining Best Travel in 1994. 

They say variety is the spice of life and this, says Paula, is what she loves.  “Every day is different and exciting, you don’t know where the next person walking through the door will want to go.”

Toni has been in the travel industry for over 15 years and with Best Travel since 1998.  Her passion is travel and she loves to help people’s dreams come true.  Her standout travel experience was to Las Vegas, “Being awake for 24 hours and walking down The Strip, seeing all the shows outside hotels; the buzz was amazing,” says Toni.

 Toni takes care of Best Travel’s corporate clients along with Paula and Frazer.

Raj joined Best Travel in 2007, after 15 years’ involvement in the travel industry in India, including running his own travel operation in the Himalayas.  With a passion that runs deep for his home country, Raj is the Best Travel Designer to talk to about India. 

“Seeing the Taj Mahal at sunrise is an experience one will not forget,” says Raj.  With trips home every two to three years, Raj stays up with the play on new and exciting adventures for clients.  Raj has also travelled to Switzerland, South Africa, Nepal, Malaysia, Thailand and Australia.      

Raj coordinates Best's marketing activities amongst the immigrant communities in Hawke’s Bay. He is a member of several clubs and is on the committee of the Ethnic Association of Hawke's Bay. Raj specialises in the 'visiting friends and relatives market', so if you are looking at travelling to your home country then he will point you in the right direction and look for the best deals.

In 2008, Alison joined the Best Travel team after running her own successful business for 19 years.  Her role is to handle all Best’s administration requirements.  Her favourite travel destination is China, “The people are just wonderful and so helpful, the city is vibrant and I really felt safe there,” says Alison.