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About Us

About Best Travel

Creating wholesome travel experiences for customers since 1976.

 

Situated in the heart of Hastings’ Central Business District for over 30 years, Best Travel’s head office delivers award-winning service tailored to both leisure travelers and small to mid-sized businesses. With an impressive 265+ years of combined experience, the passionate travel designers at Best Travel are seasoned explorers themselves, uniquely equipped to create personalized travel plans for each client. Best Travel stands as Hastings’ gateway to worldwide destinations.

Established in 1976 by Garth Best, the company began at 102 Market Street, Hastings, with just three staff members. It quickly gained recognition, becoming Air New Zealand’s top agency—a title it has proudly retained.

In 1986, Bill and Christine Sheppard moved from Wellington to join the team, allowing Garth Best to step back from daily operations. Bill’s vision and extensive experience with Air New Zealand ushered Best Travel into the digital era, enhancing its ability to meet client needs and founding the Corporate Division.

Following the Sheppards’ growing involvement, they took full ownership of the company in 2001, relocating to Best House at 104 Market Street South, Hastings. In 1995, Garth’s son, Frazer Best, joined the business, becoming a shareholder in 2009 and eventually taking on an executive director role.

Over the years, Best Travel has navigated numerous industry challenges, including the Gulf War, September 11, the Icelandic volcanic eruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these hurdles, the company has remained steadfast, adapting to change and continuing to provide exceptional service.

From 2009 to 2018, Best Travel was part of the World Travellers network. In 2021, it became a member of The First Travel Group, further solidifying its industry presence.

In 2024, the Best Travel family mourned the passing of Bill Sheppard. Originally from Glasgow, Bill passed away surrounded by loved ones during his and Christine’s retirement adventure abroad. His legacy as a pivotal figure in Best Travel’s growth and innovation lives on.

Best Travel and Cruise Hawke's Bay Team
Garth Best Travel

Our Culture

Creating unforgettable travel experiences.

Mission

Here at Best Travel, our mission is to provide professional, knowledgeable personal travel design that exceeds the expectations at a competitive price.

Vision

To inspire unforgettable journeys through expert travel design, delivering exceptional value and experiences that go beyond expectations.

Value

We aim to provide the BEST travel experience to anyone from any corner.

Client testimonials

Real travelers. Real stories. Real opinions to help you make the right choice.

Best Travel Testimonial Globe

Our amazing getaway to Vanuatu

Thank you so much Best Travel for our amazing getaway to Vanuatu, such an awesome prize and we had a fantastic time. Thank you for all your help.

Lan Weir
Best Travel Testimonial Globe

Any travel overseas at the moment should be done by a Travel Agent.

Any travel overseas at the moment should be done by a Travel Agent. You save yourself a lot of worry & anxiety when you can rely on your go to person to handle flight changes. In my case…the wonderful Christine Sheppard from Best Travel has been a god send changing my flights for the 3rd time from the Gold Coast to NZ.

Tracey Elliott
Best Travel Testimonial Globe

Best Travel. And it really is The Best!

Best Travel. And it really is The Best! Our family felt extremely well looked after by Linda who explained, and dealt with, all the many aspects of our UK travel and even booked the coach trip on arrival for us. Linda’s reassurance took away a huge amount of stress in these uncertain times and she went well above and beyond what we expected. Highly recommended. Thank you!

The Eldon Family