Donna Thomas

Close friendships forged with Kiwis, including many Maori elders, allow Thomas to craft intimate journeys focused on New Zealand’s majestic landscapes and singular way of life. For one couple, Thomas arranged dinner in Abel Tasman National Park with an astronomer; she also scouted a sheltered cove where the clients swam with seals. 

Thomas also excels at crafting meaningful itineraries for high-net worth clients who want to truly unplug. "We often plan trips to New Zealand and Australia for well-known clients who require two things: the best of everything and complete anonymity," she shares. "We were contacted by a well known fashion designer who asked us to plan a second honeymoon for her and her husband, where they could look back on their long marriage and congratulate themselves on the life they had built together, and see all the highlights of New Zealand in complete privacy. We were up to the challenge!" Thomas secured access to airports throughout the country with runways lengths that would accomodate the client's private plane, and booked entire hotel floors (or total buyouts) along the way.

Because the outdoors are such a big draw for travelers to New Zealand, Thomas 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: Australia

Languages Spoken: English and some Spanish

Average Daily Spend: $300 per person

Trip Planning Fees: None

Contact Info

donna@newzealandtravel.org | 215-741-5155 | Langhorne, Pa.

www.newzealandtravel.org

facebook.com/newzealandtravel

Testimonial

"I have known Donna for over 20 years as a true professional who cares about her clients like family. She listens to your needs and wants and creates the special experience that you desire. She educates and encourages us to reach for our travel goals and try experiences that may be unknown or untried, such as hiking the Routeburn track or riding in a Dart River boat. Going to New Zealand and Australia was a dream come true for my husband and me. It would not have been, without Donna Thomas. Everywhere we went we were welcomed as a "friend of Donna's." Her team in-country ensures you have someone local to meet all your needs. When weather almost halted our scenic flight over Milford Sound, Donna and her team worked together to adjust our schedule and we were able to take the flight and more. Donna's thorough knowledge of the country and its people ensures you will have a trip that instills memories of a very special place." - Kathy M.