About Us
beyond the blue creates specialised itineraries for international travellers to Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific Islands. As an independent operator we don’t use a set formula. You get great value without having to deal with multitudes of suppliers and providers. We are your tenacious advocate – we advise transport options, the best time of year, touring routes, driving routes and stop over suggestions.
Our promise is a sincere planning process - where after agreement - we provide pdf files to store on your smart phone or device with maps, directions, vouchers and accommodation details.
We don’t work a typical 9 to 5 working week and you will be able to reach us day or night, weekends included. We are available when it suits you and are happy to call and discuss your needs - no matter what your location!
Introducing Beyond the Blue Australia
Steven
Steven is the owner of beyond the blue. He will oversee the planning process and maintain contact with you. Steven loves the outdoors - taking his family all over New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific, enjoying surfing, fishing and hiking. When not running mountain trails for fun he is heavily involved with the community and sporting endeavours of family members, often managing, coaching and refereeing sports teams. Steven has a wealth of travel experience in the region and understands that your needs vary - whether it be family travel, conferences, a short week away or the trip of a lifetime.
Tara
Only to be so lucky as to travel the world whist working; Tara has been and seen just about everywhere over many years abroad working as the Chief of Interiors upon luxury super yachts. In her spare time, she would take off to travel at leisure, eventually landing down under in her own backyard, Australia. After a brief stint in New Zealand working in Corporate Events and a quick stroke at the exclusive Tara Iti Golf Course, Tara’s path took her into the realm of luxury travel and beyond the blue. Now based in the beachside town of Noosa, Tara enjoys touring her homeland, be it by camper van or staying in boutique properties, all of which showcase the vast variety of wonders Australia has to offer.
Amanda
After years spent travelling and working overseas Amanda has come back to New Zealand, a place which she feels very lucky to call home. Amanda has a background in the hospitality and travel industry, working in both Canada and the UK as well as locally in New Zealand. In winter she can be found cruising down the ski slopes of the South Island; in the summer she enjoys exploring New Zealand’s fantastic beaches and forests. Currently on maternity leave, Amanda will be back sometime in late 2024.
Jo
Jo has worked in the inbound travel industry for over 20 years. Jo started her career with a large inbound operator selling New Zealand to agents in the UK, Europe and North America before joining a luxury inbound operator specialising in high end luxury itineraries. Jo has been with Beyond the Blue since 2010 expanding her destination knowledge of New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific. She has travelled extensively around New Zealand. Jo’s amazing attention to detail and a positive attitude sets her apart! She now lives in Taupo, New Zealand where she loves nothing more then getting out on the Lake with her kids kayaking and paddle boarding.
Helen
Helen has been living and breathing travel for most of her life and has been lucky enough to visit an extensive number of destinations around the globe, including Europe, Asia, Africa and the Pacific as well as living in Switzerland, United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. She has been planning trips for people all over the world and loves helping others realise their dream trip of a lifetime. Originally from New Zealand, Helen is now based on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, where you can find her enjoying the local beach or checking out the latest cafes and restaurants.
Penny
Penny has worked at beyond the blue since October 2014. Penny was an account manager in the managed funds industry prior to having children. Before joining the team at beyond the blue, Penny was involved in marketing and selling wine in her family's wine company. She now lives in Devonport with her husband and three boys and loves regular weekend summer surfing adventures with her family.
Sally
Sally is half Italian and half American, with a lifetime love for travelling. She was born in Rome and Italian is her native language. From the beginning, straight after her University degree in English Literature, Sally knew she wanted to travel around the world. That’s why she ended up on the road for 10 years working as a tour guide in Europe with groups from the USA. Then one day she visited New Zealand and finally decided to settle down in this beautiful country. Here she found her paradise, living by the beach and her perfect job, as a travel consultant designing New Zealand trips. She lives on the North Shore of Auckland with her husband and two children. Sally says that in New Zealand it always feels like being on holiday!
Lynette
Combining excellent financial skills with a great eye for detail, Lynette looks after all the ins and outs of the accounting processes for beyond the blue. Juggling multiple currencies, Lynette thoroughly enjoys making sure that all the numbers add up and the business books balance. A creative crafter in her spare time, Lynette lives in Devonport on Auckland's North Shore but takes advantage of every opportunity to travel the world. Favourite spots include Paris, San Francisco and London.
Sarah
Sarah's wanderlust led her on extensive travels through Europe, England, the USA, and New Zealand. Now after years of adventure she has returned to her roots and calls the Sunshine Coast, Australia her home. With a fruitful teaching career behind her, Sarah has honed her talents in communication and creative writing which has paved the way for an exciting new career. When she's not writing blog posts or delving into research on awe-inspiring Australian destinations, you'll likely spot Sarah on the beach, in the Pilates studio, or unleashing her culinary creativity in the kitchen.
Ann
Travelling to Croatia to see family as a child inspired Ann’s life-long love of travel. She has lived in The Netherlands, Ireland and the USA and loves skiing, hiking and boating with her family in New Zealand and around the World. A qualified lawyer and, more recently, a publisher and writer, Ann reckons she’s found the perfect job and best workmates at Beyond The Blue!
Imogen
Originally from the seaside county of Norfolk in the United Kingdom, Imogen entered a life in tourism in early 2022. Spending most weekends visiting easily accessible Europe, she has spent time seeking out the magical Northern Lights in Iceland and floating along Venice’s beloved canals to train hopping between Vienna and Amsterdam. Her fondest memories beyond Europe include scuba diving to the depths of Egypt’s Red Sea with family and venturing on a solo volunteering trip to the most remote villages in southern Ghana. Since moving to New Zealand in late 2023, Imogen has spent time indulging and restaurants to be able to recommend the best NZ has to offer. There is no better commute to work than spotting dolphins on the short ferry ride to the office in beautiful Devonport!
Gillaine
Gillaine was born in Gibraltar but spent her formative years in England. After working in London for a few years, she moved back to Gibraltar. This was followed by a long stint in Edinburgh, and then Spain. Eventually, in 2006, with her husband and two young children, they made the move across the world to begin a new life in New Zealand. She has a background in office administration, management and accounts. Her first language is English but is also fluent in Spanish. Gillaine is happiest being with her family, at the beach or surrounded by nature, away from bustling crowds. For her, the tranquility of Devonport provides the ideal place to live and work.
Michaela
Michaela is drawn to the excitement of experiencing something new, which has currently led her to a full-time position at beyond the blue. She spent her gap year working at Walt Disney World, which inspired her taste for travel and adventure. A lifelong lover of photography, she adores capturing the Earth from her point of view; a talent she hopes to incorporate into her career. When she’s not at work, you can find Michaela exploring the dreamy native forests of New Zealand or lost in the vivid worlds of fantasy novels. Having grown up in Devonport, she appreciates the sea salt air and ocean views from the office.
More Testimonials"We expected to have a great time and we were not disappointed at all. Everything worked 100%, right from drivers, to hotels, to flights, to tours, to the length of time in each location. There was not even the tiniest glitch."
AB