About Us

beyond the blue is a family-owned company, over a decade old. Since July 2010 it has been under the ownership of Steven Pleciak, a Pacific region specialist, based in Auckland. We are fortunate to work with the industry’s most genuine and passionate operators as our partners. The philosophy is simple – we combine your needs and wishes with our experience to create unique itineraries that provide real enriching experiences and good old fashioned value for money.

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 a handmade leather bound travel wallet (we like to be old fashioned in a fast paced word, but equally can send pdf files to store on your smart phone or device) with maps, directions, vouchers and accommodation details.

If you need event management, conference assistance or specialised group travel, be it fly fishing, golf, hiking or wine tours as a small sample, we would love to help.

A final word – 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!

 

	Steven Pleciak 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, 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 teams. Steven has constantly travelled for years and understands your needs vary by trip – family travel, conferences, a week away or the trip of a lifetime.
	Jude Davis has worked at beyond the blue since it's purchase in 2010. Prior to joining the team, Jude spent a number of years in the hotel industry with Regent (now Stamford Plaza) and InterContinental Hotels both in Auckland and the UK. She has also worked in smaller exclusive boutique properties in London and has a background in F&B, event organising, guest services and administrative and management support. Having lived in London for 15 years, Jude now lives on Auckland's North Shore with her young family.
	Jo Hicks has worked in the Inbound Travel Industry for over a decade. Jo started her career with a large Inbound Operator selling New Zealand to agents in the UK, Europe and North America. She then joined a Luxury Inbound Operator specialising in high end luxury itineraries before taking maternity leave. Jo joined beyond the blue in 2010 and has expanded 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 has two daughters and a son and lives in the Waikato. Penny Lampen has worked at beyond the blue since October 2014. Prior to joining the team Penny worked with her husband marketing and selling wine with their wine company. Penny was an account manager in the managed funds industry prior to having children. She now lives in Devonport with her husband and three boys and loves regular weekend summer surfing adventures with her family.