I first went to New Zealand to visit a friend who was living in Auckland and as I traveled down the North and South Islands I was totally captivated by the diverse landscapes and down-to-earth people.
I studied Geography at university and what I love about New Zealand is all the elements I enjoyed in my studies, not only impressive physical features but also how humans connect with our natural world, is evident all throughout the country. There’s an immense focus on national conservation, and the fascinating history and integration of Māori culture is palpable. What has made my trips to New Zealand so special is how much the locals want to share all of this with you.
I'm thrilled I can now share my love of New Zealand as a country specialist at Audley, and help others experience all it has to offer.
Q&A with Harry
What’s the one thing you always pack?
I always pack a good pair of walking shoes. There are so many incredible hiking trails in New Zealand, for all abilities, and for me there's nothing better than getting out into the natural environment. One minute you could be in dense forests, and the next you are climbing a volcano.
What’s your most vivid travel moment?
I was visiting India with a friend and as part of our trip we visited the coastal town of Varkala in the state of Kerala. We were woken up in the middle of the night by our host who said we should head down to the beach to see something incredible. He was not wrong. As we reached the shore, we saw that as every wave broke the ocean glowed an incredible blue. Our host informed us we were witnessing bioluminescence caused by plankton in the sea. With the whole beach to ourselves we stayed there for an hour watching the waves crash and glow — it was mesmerizing.
Where would you love to travel next?
My next travel destination has to be Argentina. Although the country has a lot of ground to cover, there is something exceptional to see at every stop along the way, from the Iguazú Falls to the Upsala Glacier. I would also love to learn the tango in Buenos Aires.