I have sold New Zealand many times in my career, but I’d never had the chance to visit before this educational, so this was more than a reward trip for being a top-selling agent of Audley Travel – it was a dream fulfilled.
As client interest has been growing for ‘bucket-list’ trips, especially among those seeking immersive, scenery-driven travel with a mix of luxury and adventure, it was an opportunity not to be missed and it absolutely exceeded expectations in scale, and wow-factor every step of the way.
We are very fortunate at Ponders Travel to be offered a great selection fam trips, however everyone upon learning about this one, was very envious knowing it was going to be quite the ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience. It really was the best fam I have ever been on – and I’ve been very lucky to do a few over the years!
Audley has always been one of our preferred partners for our top clients for their in-depth knowledge and attention to detail and now following this trip they will always be my first point of call.
Personal standouts
From stargazing over Lake Pukaki to glacier landings by ski-plane and horse riding in Ahuriri Valley, the trip was a perfect blend of rugged landscapes and curated luxury. Standout stays included Mount Cook Lakeside Retreat (for the private hot tubs and panoramic views), Edgewater resort in Wanaka (for the stunning location and spacious rooms) and The Rees Queenstown (I’d describe this one as elegant lakeside calm!).
Experiences like the Funyak adventure on the Dart River, the Ultimate Alpine Experience, Mt Cook with Ski Planes and Helicopters, and the cultural immersion of a Māori progressive dinner brought both excitement and depth.
Something that doesn’t always get mentioned on trips like this are the people. We were a group of eight agents plus Sarah Turner, business development manager at Audley and Lindsay Sheridan, Australasia regional manager for Audley. It was great to have the opportunity to chat to both of the Audley representatives at length during the trip about what we love about using them, any concerns, and to share ideas to ensure a smooth-working relationship going forward.
Also to spend time with and share ideas with other wonderful people, at different stages of their careers in this wonderful industry. What a brilliant group to share such incredible experiences with. It was also great to meet and spend time with the representatives of the ground handlers Pacific Destinations, adding an additional layer of understanding to how the building of these itineraries works and seeing their passion for their country and product was inspiring.
Client matching
New Zealand is not always considered budget-friendly, but it offers real value through attention to detail and exceptional service. Pre-booking excursions and working with specialists like Audley can maximise both time and budget. I’ll be recommending New Zealand to well-travelled, adventurous clients seeking meaningful, slow-travel experiences in remote but comfortable settings – I think it’s a really good fit for couples, honeymooners, and culture-curious families in particular.
Misconceptions busted
One common misconception is that the whole of New Zealand can be “done” in a short space of time. In reality, distances are long, and there’s so much to absorb, north and south so you need time to enjoy it all. I would absolutely say it’s a place that needs to be revisited, not sold as a once-in-a-lifetime trip!
Another is assuming it’s all about adrenaline; while that’s available in abundance, there’s also calm, culture, and culinary finesse throughout. I now feel much more confident helping clients pace their journeys and choose the right balance of excitement and stillness.
Working with Audley Travel
Audley’s knowledge is outstanding. They don’t just book – they curate. From thoughtful property pairings to exceptional local guides and seamless transitions, every moment felt tailored and intentional. Their long-standing relationships across New Zealand really showed: warm welcomes, exclusive touches, and authentic insight were delivered at every turn. It’s clear why they remain our first call for tailor-made holidays.
