Biography
ENLARGE
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.
My Most Memorable Experience
"Swimming with the resident wild pod of dusky dolphins, in the waters of the beautiful Kaikoura Peninsula, truly is a unique experience.
It is one of those simple nature experiences that opens your mind to the sheer magnificence of our natural environment and its amazing inhabitants.
A breathtaking nature activity, you won’t believe how curious, friendly and playful the dolphins can be in the water. I defy you to forget this experience for a long time."
My Favourite Destination
"Northland is my very favourite place to be in New Zealand which includes both the Kauri Coast and, the more popular, Bay of Islands.
The west coast of Northland is taken up by the magnificent Kauri forest and you will be able to walk about and explore to your heart's content.
When you arrive in the Bay of Islands you will see straight away why it is so popular with both Kiwis and tourists alike. Many of the stunning white sandy beaches are deserted and the towns dotted through the area are both picturesque and historically rich.
Russell in fact was the original capital of the country before Wellington took over the role in the modern day."
My Favourite Accommodation
"Breckenridge Lodge is my favourite property in the Napier & Hawkes Bay area, and probably my favourite place to stay in the whole of New Zealand (although I do change my mind each time I visit the country!).
If that is not praise enough, make sure you take Malcolm, your host, up on his offer of cooking you a five-course meal while you watch in his wonderful kitchen. He is the head chef at the nearby Church Road winery and his meals need to be tasted to be believed.
The Lodge itself is set in the vineyards of the famous Hawkes Bay wine producing region and is spectacular on first sight. It lives up to it's first impression due to the luxurious, but not fussy, decor, the cosy rooms and the incredible views from each guest bedroom."