Donna Thomas
Thomas knows how to surpass clients’ expectations — no matter how niche their interests. “We had a cookbook author who wanted to have cooking lessons,” Thomas shares, “so we arranged one with local Maori chefs teaching the use of Maori herbs and vegetables and the special uses of steam cooking.” For another trip, a pair of horticulture and lighthouse were treated to tours of private gardens and coastal beacons not accessible to the public. She’s also a pro when it comes to intergenerational travel, ensuring all members of a group are happy and well-cared-for, including infants who are increasingly joining long-haul trips.
Because the outdoors are such a big draw for travelers to New Zealand, she keeps a close watch for accommodations that put travelers as close to nature as possible. Among the accommodations that have impressed her lately are the South Island’s PurePods, a collection of remote glass cottages on the South Island with unforgettable views, and Mt. Cook Luxury Retreat, which has its own private observatory.
ADDITIONAL SPECIALTIES: Brazil, Colombia, and Peru
Languages Spoken: English and some Spanish
Minimum Daily Spend: From $200 per day
Trip Planning Fees: None
Contact Info
donna@newzealandtravel.org | 215-741-5155 | Langhorne, Pa.
Testimonial
"We used Donna to plan a month-long trip to New Zealand. She was amazing — so thoughtful and generous with her time up front. She got to know us and our interests before planning every detail of the trip in a careful and meticulous way (and the logistics were relatively complicated). My husband and I are quite well traveled (we have been to all seven continents) and we are quite particular. We absolutely loved every place, activity, and guide Donna organized for us. It was truly an incredible trip, and we would recommend Donna without reservation." - Gaby and Arthur Sulzburger