Katie

New Zealand Specialist

After school, with no idea of what I wanted to do, I decided to take a gap year and complete a round-the-world trip. It was during this trip that I spent two months driving around New Zealand in an old campervan called Albert. After waking up to unbelievable views, such as the shores of Lake Wakatipu or the base of Mount Cook, I fell in love with this majestic country.

Unfortunately, I had to come home though. After completing a four-year degree in sport and exercise sciences (with a year living in California), I still longed to go back to New Zealand. It’s a country that I believe should be on everyone’s travel wish list: with the laid-back locals, snow-topped mountains and turquoise lakes, it’s a place you’ll never forget. I feel very lucky to be able to share my experiences of this amazing place.

Speak to Katie

Start planning your trip to New Zealand with Katie

01993 838 800
Make an enquiry

Kayaking in the Abel Tasman National Park

I recommend visiting - Abel Tasman National Park, New Zealand

Abel Tasman National Park, an hour northwest of Nelson on New Zealand’s South Island, is renowned for its coastal walking track. It’s the smallest national park in New Zealand, but its crystalline turquoise waters are home to dolphins and seals, and the walking tracks within the forest lead to hidden coves and Maori forts. Only accessible by water or on foot, hiking and kayaking are common activities and the lack of motor vehicles means you’re far more likely to encounter some of the native wildlife that inhabits this scenic part of New Zealand such as penguins, possums, wild pigs and deer.

Bay of Many Coves, Picton & The Marlborough Sounds

I recommend staying at - Bay of Many Coves, New Zealand

First Class

A luxurious property located in the Marlborough Sounds. It’s only accessible by water, air or on foot which gives it an incredibly exclusive feel. All rooms are apartment style, so there is plenty of space to relax, and all are positioned on a hill, providing views across The Bay of Many Coves. Spend the days relaxing on your private balcony with a good book, take one of the property’s kayaks out on the Sound, or perhaps walk the famous Queen Charlotte Track. Overall, a fantastic place to spend a few nights relaxing.

I'll never forget when…

Lowering myself into ice-cold waters in the middle of a superpod of dusky dolphins off the coast of Kaikoura was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was so surreal to be swimming with wild dolphins I couldn’t quite believe it was happening to me. After swimming with these beautiful animals for around 45 minutes, it was time to get back on the boat and watch the flipping and twisting dolphins leaping out of the water against a backdrop of snow-topped mountains. It was so serene and calming, I couldn’t quite wipe the grin off my face.

Photos of Katie

Katie at Franz Josef Glacier, New Zealand
Katie visiting Hobbiton, Matamata, New Zealand
Katie in Kaikoura, New Zealand
Katie on a wine tasting bike tour, Blenheim, New Zealand