Each of our specialists covers a few areas of our programme and all have been recruited for their passion and detailed knowledge of the region. They have all travelled extensively in this area so whoever plans your trip you can be sure that you will experience the very best of the country. Click on their profiles to read more about their background and travel experience.
Lou Payton
New Zealand and South Pacific Specialist
01993 838 813
Expertise:
New Zealand, Auckland and Northland, Christchurch and Canterbury, Coastal Otago and Southland, Coromandel and Pacific Coast, Nelson and Marlborough, Southern Lakes, The Thermal Plateau, Wellington and Wairarapa, West Coast, Western North Island, The South Pacific, The Cook Islands
Lou worked in media for over seven years after graduating from Leeds. In 2003 she decided to take a break and travel to some far flung parts of the world including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Africa. On returning home, freelancing no longer held the same appeal and she took a year out to study at Richmond College. When a post at Audley arose in the New Zealand department she jumped at the chance to join this enthusiastic and knowledgeable team and continue her ongoing relationship with the country she loves the most in the world. She has since visited the Cook Islands and New Zealand and gathered in-depth information on accommodation and excursions. When she is not working Lou plays a lot of tennis and enjoys cooking and entertaining.
Lucy Harrison
New Zealand & South Pacific Specialist
01993 838 811
Expertise:
New Zealand, Auckland and Northland, Christchurch and Canterbury, Coastal Otago and Southland, Coromandel and Pacific Coast, Nelson and Marlborough, Southern Lakes, The Thermal Plateau, Wellington and Wairarapa, West Coast, Western North Island, The South Pacific, Fiji, French Polynesia, Samoa
After graduating from Canterbury University with a degree in English and American Studies, Lucy backpacked around Australia, New Zealand and North America. Once back in the country she could not shake the travelling bug or her love of New Zealand and after completing her Masters degree in Museum and Heritage Management Lucy joined Audley Travel. As well as re-visiting New Zealand with Audley Lucy has recently returned from French Polynesia and Fiji where she visited many of Audley's favourite properties and has now fallen in love with the South Pacific. In her spare time Lucy enjoys going to the theatre, visiting National Trust properties and museums as well as dancing and aerobics.
Sian Thomas
New Zealand & South Pacific Specialist
01993 838 822
Expertise:
New Zealand, Auckland and Northland, Christchurch and Canterbury, Coastal Otago and Southland, Coromandel and Pacific Coast, Nelson and Marlborough, Southern Lakes, The Thermal Plateau, Wellington and Wairarapa, West Coast, Western North Island, The South Pacific, Fiji, Samoa, The Cook Islands
Sian discovered her love of travel during her year at University in Germany after which she travelled around Europe by train. After graduating Sian went away to work on cruise ships for two years, cruising around Hawaii, Alaska, Bermuda, and parts of the Caribbean. She travelled around Southern Africa before leaving for New Zealand, where she fell in love with the dramatic scenery, the beautiful coastlines and above all the Kiwi hospitality. Since joining Audley she has returned to New Zealand and Fiji, visiting a wide range of properties, from small bed and breakfasts to boutique hotels and luxurious lodges, as well as experiencing many of our recommended excursions. Outside work Sian enjoys hiking and dancing.
Lou Payton
01993 838 813
Lucy Harrison
01993 838 811
Sian Thomas
01993 838 822