Plan your New Zealand trip with confidence—authentic travel experiences without the stress.

Hi, I’m Karen Cherrett, a certified New Zealand travel specialist and founder of Relaxed Travel Escapes. I help anxious and introverted travelers plan New Zealand trips that connect you authentically with this incredible country—without the overwhelm of doing it yourself.

Why Work With a New Zealand Travel Specialist

Planning a New Zealand trip can feel overwhelming. Two islands, countless destinations, endless activities—where do you even start? That’s exactly why working with a New Zealand travel specialist makes all the difference.

As an Advanced New Zealand Specialist certified through Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme, I bring insider knowledge and firsthand experience that transforms how you experience this remarkable country. I don’t just plan New Zealand trips from behind a desk—I’ve traveled extensively throughout both islands, building relationships with local guides, accommodation providers, and experience operators.

When you work with me as your New Zealand travel planner, you get:

Expert guidance from someone who’s actually explored both islands
Insider access to accommodations and experiences most travelers never find
Detailed itineraries that balance iconic attractions with hidden local gems
Support from initial consultation through your entire journey
The confidence that comes from having an expert in your corner

My Unique Approach to Planning New Zealand Trips

I Specialize in Anxious Travelers

Many of my clients are anxious travelers who’ve discovered that professional planning transforms travel from stressful to joyful. If New Zealand trip planning makes you nervous or overwhelmed, you’re in the right place. I understand the worries: What if something goes wrong? What if I miss something important? What if it’s not worth the investment?

That’s exactly why I handle every detail, provide 24/7 support, and create itineraries designed for calm, confident exploration.

I also facilitate Byron Katie’s “The Work” methodology to help clients overcome travel anxiety and fear of flying. This structured approach has helped many travelers move from paralyzed by fear to excited about their upcoming New Zealand adventures.

I’m an Introverted New Zealand Travel Planner

As an introverted New Zealand travel specialist, I understand that not everyone wants group tours with 40 strangers or loud, crowded tourist experiences. I prefer reading and spending time really connecting with destinations rather than rushing through them.

When I plan New Zealand trips, I create quieter, more intimate experiences that let you connect with places and Māori culture authentically—without feeling drained or overwhelmed.

Every Accommodation Has a View

When planning your New Zealand trip, I don’t just book accommodation—I carefully select properties and request specific rooms. If you live with a view at home, you should travel with one too. This attention to detail transforms your entire New Zealand experience.

My Personal Connection to New Zealand

Where My New Zealand Travel Specialist Journey Began

At 19, I spent a month on New Zealand’s North Island staying with local families. They didn’t just show me tourist attractions—they shared their lives, their culture, and their New Zealand. I experienced local life in ways most visitors never do, from home-cooked meals to visiting places only locals know.

That trip won my heart, and I’ve returned many times since. New Zealand remains my specialty and my passion as a travel planner. I know which South Island accommodations have the best mountain views, which North Island experiences are truly worth it, and how to create itineraries that balance Milford Sound and Queenstown with hidden local gems in places like the West Coast and Marlborough.

From Childhood Explorer to New Zealand Travel Specialist

Born and raised in Australia, I grew up exploring this vast country—from main highways to remote outback tracks. My Australian roots and connections give me insider access to Australia and Pacific Islands experiences most international travelers never discover.

When I plan combined Australia and New Zealand trips, I leverage my personal knowledge of both countries to create seamless, authentic adventures.

Portugal, Spain, Ireland and Beyond

Beyond New Zealand, I’ve fallen deeply in love with Portugal’s Central region. The tile work (azulejos) alone could keep me mesmerized for hours. I’ve explored Óbidos, Nazaré, Coimbra, and Aveiro.

Spain’s vibrant culture and Ireland’s warmth have also won my heart. I’ve explored Alaska’s Northern Lights, experienced Vancouver’s coastal beauty, and sailed Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady on my first ocean cruise in 2024 (an experience I still rave about!).

But New Zealand remains my primary specialty as a travel planner—it’s where I invest the most time, maintain the strongest relationships, and can provide the deepest expertise.

Professional Credentials: Your New Zealand Travel Specialist

Advanced New Zealand Specialist Certification

I hold the Advanced Specialist status through Tourism New Zealand’s official 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme (NZSP). This is the highest certification level available, requiring:

Completion of eight foundation courses
Completion of four advanced courses
Proof of visiting New Zealand within the last five years
Ongoing continuing education every two years

This certification means I’m recognized by Tourism New Zealand as having expert-level knowledge of New Zealand airlines, accommodations, activities, Māori culture, and regional specialties. When you search for certified New Zealand travel specialists, I’m listed in Tourism New Zealand’s official directory.

Virgin Voyages Gold Level First Mate

My Gold Level status with Virgin Voyages reflects both my cruise expertise and the volume of satisfied clients I’ve sent sailing. This status means additional perks and priority service for my clients booking Virgin Voyages cruises—whether sailing to New Zealand or other destinations.

Project Management Background

My years as a corporate project manager taught me essential skills that directly benefit how I plan New Zealand trips:

Delivering on time and on budget – Your New Zealand trip happens when and how you planned it
Managing complex logistics – Multi-destination New Zealand itineraries with seamless connections
Understanding relationships – How people and systems work together to create great experiences
Setting clear expectations – No surprises, just clear communication about your New Zealand adventure

After watching too many colleagues burn out with no work-life balance in the corporate world, I founded Relaxed Travel Escapes to help others avoid that same stress—starting with their vacations.

Founder of Travel Advisors Traveling Together (T.A.T.T.)

I founded T.A.T.T. as an alternative to traditional FAM trips, offering travel advisors more flexible, customized destination experiences. This work keeps me deeply connected to travel industry innovation, emerging New Zealand experiences, and the latest in destination development.

How I Plan Your New Zealand Trip

Leveraging Local New Zealand Connections

Every time I visit New Zealand as a travel specialist, I meet and connect with local suppliers, guides, and experience providers—the experts who live there. I attend industry events, host supplier visits in San Diego, and spend hours learning about unique New Zealand experiences from specialists worldwide.

When planning your New Zealand trip, I partner with trusted local experts including:

Small group tour operators throughout both islands
Boutique accommodation owners in Queenstown, Rotorua, and beyond
Māori cultural experience guides
Adventure activity providers (glacier walks, bungy jumping, hiking)
Wine region specialists in Marlborough and Central Otago
Transportation coordinators for seamless travel

These relationships mean I can plan exceptional New Zealand trips by combining my expertise with deep local knowledge—even for regions I haven’t personally visited yet.

My New Zealand Travel Planning Philosophy

Authentic Over Tourist

When I plan New Zealand trips, I focus on moving you beyond tourist traps into authentic local life:

Staying in accommodations with character (and those incredible New Zealand views!)
Meeting local artisans, winemakers, and Māori guides who share their passion
Eating where Kiwis eat (when appropriate)
Understanding cultural context, not just checking boxes on a New Zealand itinerary
Taking time to absorb each place, not rushing through your New Zealand adventure

Quality Over Quantity

As an introverted New Zealand travel specialist, I design trips with breathing room. You won’t find yourself exhausted, running from Milford Sound to Queenstown to Franz Josef in a blur. Instead, you’ll have time to savor each experience, reflect, and truly connect with where you are in New Zealand.

Two Islands, Countless Possibilities

New Zealand offers incredible diversity between its North and South Islands. When planning your New Zealand trip, I help you decide:

One island or both? (Most first-time visitors focus on South Island)
What season matches your interests? (Summer beaches or winter skiing?)
What pace feels right? (Adventure-packed or relaxed exploration?)
Which experiences matter most to you? (Māori culture, wine regions, hiking, wildlife?)

Beyond New Zealand: Other Destinations I Serve

While New Zealand is my primary specialty as a travel planner, I also plan exceptional trips to:

Australia and Pacific Islands

Australia (my homeland with deep personal connections)
Fiji, Tahiti, and Cook Islands

Europe

Portugal (especially Central Portugal and Douro River)
Spain and Ireland

Americas

Alaska and Northern Lights experiences
Peru and Costa Rica

Cruise Vacations

Ocean cruises worldwide (Virgin Voyages specialty)
River cruises (including Portugal’s Douro River)
New Zealand coastal cruises

Who Benefits Most From a New Zealand Travel Specialist

First-Time New Zealand Visitors

Planning your first New Zealand trip? The sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. Which island should you prioritize? How long do you really need? What’s actually worth the hype versus what’s skippable?

As your New Zealand travel specialist, I answer these questions based on your specific interests, timeline, and budget—saving you countless hours of research and preventing costly mistakes.

Anxious Travelers Planning New Zealand Adventures

If New Zealand trip planning makes you nervous, working with a specialist provides peace of mind. You’ll know that:

Every detail has been expertly arranged
Someone is available 24/7 if issues arise
Your itinerary is realistic and well-paced
Accommodations, activities, and transportation are confirmed
You have support from planning through your return home

Introverted Travelers Seeking Authentic New Zealand

Not interested in loud group tours or crowded tourist buses? I specialize in creating quieter New Zealand experiences:

Small group tours (under 16 people)
Private guides for cultural experiences
Boutique accommodations away from tourist hubs
Self-drive itineraries with expert planning support
Time built in for solo reflection and relaxation

Celebration Travelers

Planning a New Zealand honeymoon? Anniversary trip? Milestone birthday adventure? These once-in-a-lifetime New Zealand trips deserve expert planning to ensure everything is perfect. I handle the details while you focus on celebrating.

Time-Conscious Professionals

You value your time and would rather spend evenings excited about your New Zealand trip than drowning in TripAdvisor reviews and blog posts. Let me handle the research so you don’t have to.

What Makes Me Different as a New Zealand Travel Specialist

Official Tourism New Zealand Recognition

As an Advanced New Zealand Specialist, I’m officially recognized by Tourism New Zealand—the country’s national tourism board. This isn’t a self-proclaimed title; it’s a credential earned through extensive training and maintained through continuing education.

You can verify my certification in Tourism New Zealand’s official specialist directory.

I’ve Actually Explored New Zealand

I don’t plan New Zealand trips from generic online research. I’ve:

Traveled extensively throughout both North and South Islands
Stayed in the accommodations I recommend
Met the guides I connect you with
Driven the routes I suggest for self-drive trips
Experienced the activities I include in itineraries
Built personal relationships with New Zealand tourism providers

24/7 Support During Your New Zealand Trip

When you’re traveling in New Zealand, you have direct access to me. Flight delayed in Auckland? Need to change a Queenstown restaurant reservation? Found an amazing experience in Rotorua and want to add it?

I’m here to help—not just during California business hours, but whenever you need support during your New Zealand adventure. I work with an in country DMC so you’ve ALWAYS got support on your trip.

Every Client Gets a Custom New Zealand Itinerary

I don’t offer cookie-cutter New Zealand packages. Every itinerary I create as your New Zealand travel specialist is personalized based on:

Your specific interests and travel style
Your timeline and budget
Whether you prefer guided tours or independent exploration
Your fitness level for hiking/activities
Dietary preferences and restrictions
Accommodation preferences (luxury, boutique, budget)

Ready to Plan Your New Zealand Trip?

Let’s have a conversation about your New Zealand dreams and how I can make them reality—without the stress.

Whether you’re drawn to South Island’s dramatic landscapes, North Island’s Māori culture, or you’re not quite sure where to start with planning your New Zealand trip—I’d love to help you figure it out.

As your New Zealand travel specialist, I’ll guide you through every decision, handle every detail, and ensure your New Zealand adventure exceeds your expectations.

BOOK YOUR FREE CONSULTATION

Or contact me directly:

Phone: (619) 642-9813
Email: Complete our online request form
Office: Little Italy, San Diego (by appointment)
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm PT Sunday by appointment

I look forward to helping you experience New Zealand with confidence and joy.

Karen Cherrett
Advanced New Zealand Specialist
Certified through Tourism New Zealand’s 100% Pure New Zealand Specialist Programme

Certifications & Professional Memberships

Virgin Voyages First Mates qualification email signature