Donna Thomas
New Zealand Travel, Langhorne, Pa.
Phone: 800-367-5494
Email: nztravel@aol.com
Thomas has explored every corner of the North and South Islands on her 70-plus visits and always jots down places and ideas—waterfalls where fur-seal pups play, roadside sandwich shops, golfing tips—to incorporate into her detailed itineraries. She’s particularly savvy about staying within her clients’ budgets, a difficult task in this once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Discovery: While most New Zealand–bound travelers know that you can hike around Punakaiki’s Pancake Rocks, few realize that you can also horseback ride on the beach alongside the limestone cliffs. Thomas can also arrange evening astronomy tours for travelers who want to get to know the Southern Hemisphere’s major constellations.
Specialty: Australia, New Zealand