Ben Holmes
Wright & Turner Travel Associates
Petone, Wellington
Travel Advisor
04 830 0624
Specialties
Adventure
History
Small Group
Snow & Ski
Sports & Events
1 more+
1 more+
Ben Holmes is a seasoned luxury travel advisor with over a decade of travel industry experience. Having travelled to 42 countries himself - from the vibrant streets of Vietnam to the alpine beauty of Switzerland - Ben brings a wealth of first-hand knowledge, a sharp eye for detail, and a deeply personal approach to every journey he creates.
Ben’s love for travel began early, sparked by a life-changing 6½-week tour of continental Europe when he was just 18. “I was completely and utterly broke by the end of it,” he recalls, “but so fulfilled in the spirit of travel that I knew it had to become my life.” That first taste of the world set him on a path that has since seen him work across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand as a driver and guide for renowned operators including Tauck, Contiki, G Adventures, and National Geographic. These years of hands-on experience provided Ben with an intimate understanding of what truly elevates a travel experience: from seamless logistics and exclusive access to the kind of unexpected magic that can only be found when you’re open to adventure.
For Ben, travel is more than a profession; it’s a lifelong passion. Even after years in the industry, the excitement of stepping into the unknown hasn’t faded. Whether he’s boarding a plane for a familiar destination or discovering somewhere completely new, he still feels a spark of anticipation.
While he has a deep appreciation for luxury, Ben believes the richest experiences come from balance: the thrill of spontaneity, the connection to people and place, and those unplanned moments that become lifelong memories. Today, his expertise lies in small group, adventure, and solo touring, with a focus on enriching experiences that pair immersive, meaningful encounters with the sophistication of high-end travel.
Based in Wellington and originally from the Waikato, Ben is also a devoted sports fanatic, always ready to dive into a local match wherever he is in the world. Still at the top of this travel bucket list? A journey to Antarctica to witness the untouched beauty and wildlife of the planet’s most remote frontier. Sharing his top advice for clients, Ben says, “Be open to adventure. Some of the most incredible moments come when you put down the map and let yourself wander.”
Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, walking the cobbled lanes of an ancient European village, or planning the trip of a lifetime with your closest friends, Ben Holmes is your go-to travel advisor if you're after a truly one-of-a-kind holiday.
EXPERIENCE
11 YearsCOUNTRIES VISITED
42 CountriesGet to know me
What are your favourite destinations to visit and why?
I love parts of the world with breathtaking landscapes - think the heights of the Swiss Alps or the Scandinavian Fjords or the mountainous wilderness of Western Canada. I also love places where history comes alive - the landmarks of ancient Egypt, Italy, Mexico and Greece, along with the modern wonders of Jordan, the UAE, France and China. Seeing the world being shaped in real time from both natural and human influence is so intriguing.
What is the most amazing experience you have created for a client?
I organised a 50th anniversary trip for a client to the Indianapolis 500 race earlier this year. The client had gone to the race for the first time back in 1975 and had the most spectacular experience (as a true motorsport nut). This year, he wanted to go as part of an escorted tour to celebrate the 50th anniversary of that first visit - so I arranged for him to attend as a solo participant on a group tour that had one of the most immersive itineraries possible. It was led by a tour host who had so many incredible contacts - they even got backstage and pit access to parts of race week and the main race that would usually be impossible. The client couldn't have asked for a more amazing trip back to the famous Brickyard!
Why do you love travel? Tell us what it means to you?
It's the pure excitement of going somewhere, even if you've been there before. I still get goosebumps every time I go to an airport or get on a plane, even travelling domestically. It's about going somewhere different to what you experience every day and it doesn't matter how extreme that difference is - just walking different streets, talking and interacting with different people, seeing new sights and hearing different sounds, that's what makes travel and everything that comes with it so invigorating.
How do you go above and beyond for your clients?
It's the attention to the finer details of comfort and convenience - it's basically wanting to be on these trips with my clients and experiencing it all with them, whilst vicariously living it through them as a support in the background. My experience in the world of small and large group tours, especially from a knowledge and hidden gem perspective, means that when I talk with my clients about the destinations and experiences they want to see and do, I throw in recommendations and suggestions that they didn't know were possible.
Ben's Speciality Destinations
A World of Experience
Ben's client testimonial
We recently had a tricky holiday we needed to get booked and Ben Holmes made the entire process so smooth. It has been a while since we have had customer service this good anywhere! It really makes a difference when staff know what they are talking about and offer extras I didn't even know I needed! Ben was prompt with his responses, and I was truly blown away. Travel can be stressful and having someone like Ben to make it as relaxing as possible really helps. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Ben. 5 stars!
– Gemma & Lance Purdie
OUR OFFICE
Wright & Turner Travel Associates
Our elegant Wright & Turner Travel Associates office is located near Wellington's Petone foreshore. With years of travel industry experience under our belts, we are dedicated to crafting rich, colourful journeys featuring unrivalled luxury touches. Bespoke travel is always front of mind for us, so you can look forward to unique travel experiences that unlock the secrets of your chosen destination.
MEET THE TEAM
Wright & Turner Travel Associates