Matt

Australia, New Zealand, South Pacific Specialist

I first fell in love with Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific during a seven-month trip of a lifetime back in 2016. Australia felt like a home from home, but with better weather and stunning beaches. New Zealand’s dramatic landscapes captivated me, and I embraced its adrenaline-fuelled spirit, taking on a bungee jump and a skydive. Since then, I’ve returned to this part of the world on four occasions, exploring the boutique properties and the unforgettable experiences I now recommend to my clients.

My early travels also took me to Fiji, where I was drawn to the laid-back island lifestyle and postcard-perfect lagoons. More recently, I visited French Polynesia, where I was lucky enough to discover the rugged charm of the lesser-visited Marquesas Islands. I also returned to Australia, to finally see the iconic Uluru in person, and ventured across to the unspoilt West Coast.

These journeys continue to inspire me and shape the tailor-made trips I design for my clients today.

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I recommend visiting - Lake Wanaka, New Zealand

I recommend spending a few nights in Wanaka before heading down to the madness of nearby Queenstown, which is just an hour's drive away. Wanaka is almost a miniature version of the adventure capital of the world but with a much more relaxed atmosphere. The views of the lake and the surrounding mountain ranges are simply breathtaking and one of the best ways to see this is by hiking up Mt Iron. The town is dotted with bustling cafés and restaurants in both the summer and in the winter, when it becomes a popular destination for skiers.

970 Lonely Bay Lodge, Coromandel Peninsula

I recommend staying at - 970 Lonely Bay Lodge, New Zealand

First Class

A perfect retreat on the East coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, the 970 Lonely Bay Lodge is a delightful B&B conveniently located between the nearby town of Whitianga and the village of Hahei. Slightly hidden from the main road, the lodge boasts large, lavish bedrooms, each kitted out with bathtubs and a complimentary minibar. From the property's garden, you can walk to the nearby Lonely Bay and the Shakespeare Cliff Reserve, which provides stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Mercury Bay area, so named because in 1769 British naval officer Captain James Cook moored here to observe a transit of Mercury.

I'll never forget when…

One of my favorite and most unforgettable experiences in New Zealand was completing the iconic Tongariro Alpine Crossing in the Tongariro National Park. I was collected at dawn from my accommodation in Lake Taupo and transferred to the trailhead, where the challenging 19.4 km (12 miles) hike begins.

I’ll never forget the moment I reached the summit of Mt Tongariro and the clouds parted — almost magically — revealing a breathtaking view of Mt Ngauruhoe directly opposite (famously known as Mt Doom from The Lord of the Rings trilogy). Along the way, the dramatic Red Crater and the stunning Emerald Lakes added to the surreal beauty of the landscape.

As I finished the crossing, surrounded by terrain that looked more like the surface of the moon than Earth, I was filled with a deep sense of accomplishment and awe at the extraordinary natural wonders I had witnessed.

Photos of Matt

Matt at Cathedral Cove, Coromandel Peninsula
Matt in Hobbiton where The Lord of the Rings film trilogy was shot
Matt in Milford Sound, New Zealand
Matt on Mount Paku, Tairua
Matt in Sydney Harbour, Australia
Matt in Tongariro National Park, New Zealand
Matt in the Waimangu Volcanic Valley