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lesley@travelwithlesleywhyte.com

Meaningful Journeys. Genuine Connections.

Boutique escorted tours designed for curious travellers seeking authenticity, comfort, creativity, and unforgettable experiences.

Meet Lesley

Founded in 2017, Travel With Lesley Whyte Ltd was established by Lesley Whyte— a multi-award-winning New Zealand photographer, adventurer, and boutique tour designer whose passion for travel, creativity, and genuine connection has inspired travellers across Australasia and beyond.

Today, Travel With Lesley Whyte is recognised as one of Australasia’s leading boutique escorted tour companies, curating distinctive small-group journeys to some of the world’s most remarkable destinations — from the icy landscapes of Antarctica and the Arctic to the remote beauty of the Chatham Islands and the rugged northern charm of the Shetland Islands. Despite its international reach, the company remains intentionally boutique in both scale and spirit, ensuring every traveller enjoys a highly personalised and thoughtfully delivered experience rooted in the principles of quality tourism — authentic experiences, meaningful local connections, and exceptional guest care.

What began as a passion-driven boutique business has now grown into a dedicated team of 13 people based across New Zealand, the Philippines, and the Shetland Islands. From the behind-the-scenes operations team through to the experienced hosts and guides leading tours on the ground, every member of the Travel With Lesley Whyte team shares the same commitment to delivering warm, professional, and memorable travel experiences.

Lesley brings to the business an extensive executive corporate background, with more than two decades in senior leadership roles across logistics, customer service, and operations management. Having overseen multi-million-dollar budgets, national teams, and complex business transformation programmes, she developed the strategic thinking, operational precision, and problem-solving expertise that now underpin every journey she designs.

More Than Just a Tour

Travel designed differently

This strong corporate foundation is reflected in the seamless delivery of Travel With Lesley Whyte tours — combining meticulous planning, exceptional guest care, and a commitment to creating memorable, stress-free travel experiences. Holding an Executive Master of Business Administration (eMBA), Lesley blends business discipline with creativity and innovation, while her role as a Justice of the Peace (JP) reflects the integrity, professionalism, and trust that are central to the company’s values.

Lesley is joined on many journeys by her husband Rob, her partner in life and adventure for more than 46 years. Together they create a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere that many guests describe as travelling with friends rather than simply joining a tour. Their warmth, humour, and genuine care for guests are part of what makes Travel With Lesley Whyte experiences so memorable.

Creativity Through Travel

Travel With Lesley Whyte specialises in fully hosted small-group travel experiences designed for travellers seeking authenticity, comfort, and meaningful connection. The company offers a wide range of journeys including women-only tours, boutique adventures for travellers aged 50+, and immersive photography retreats through Women in Photography, founded by Lesley to encourage women of all skill levels to explore photography in supportive and inspiring environments.

Photography experiences are a defining part of the business, with many tours incorporating Lesley’s signature “Capture to Print” philosophy — guiding participants from image creation through to editing and fine-art printing. These experiences are designed to inspire creativity while fostering confidence, connection, and lifelong friendships.

Destinations with Depth

Extraordinary destinations

The company has become particularly well known for its exclusive and authentic touring experiences in the Chatham Islands, where Lesley has developed strong local relationships that provide guests with access to experiences not generally available through mainstream tourism operators. From private farm visits and seafood experiences to remote landscapes, local artists, conservation projects, and community events, these tours showcase the islands in a deeply personal and meaningful way.

Equally distinctive are the company’s journeys to the Shetland Islands, where travellers experience dramatic coastlines, Viking heritage, local traditions, wildlife, and the warmth of island communities through carefully curated itineraries developed in partnership with local operators and guides.

Tours for Connection

Designed for like-minded travellers

At its heart, Travel With Lesley Whyte is built on the belief that travel should inspire, connect, and enrich. Tours are intentionally small, thoughtfully curated, and designed to balance comfort with authentic experiences. Solo travellers are warmly welcomed, many journeys include own-room accommodation options, and every itinerary is created with an emphasis on inclusivity, connection, and genuine local engagement.

The strength of this philosophy is reflected in the company’s exceptionally high number of returning guests — affectionately known as “repeat offenders.” Many travellers return year after year to explore new destinations under Lesley’s care, a testament to the trust, friendships, and sense of belonging that define every Travel With Lesley Whyte journey.