Meet the incredible artists who will guide you through a transformative creative journey at the 2025 Brushstrokes & Coastlines Art Retreat on South Australia’s stunning Yorke Peninsula. This carefully curated retreat brings together some of the region’s most talented and passionate artists, each offering a unique perspective and expertise honed through years of experience. As you immerse yourself in the breathtaking coastal landscapes, you’ll have the opportunity to learn from these exceptional creators in intimate, hands-on workshops.
(more…)An Enchanted Evening with Auckland Philharmonia With Travel with Lesley Whyte
The Auckland Philharmonia’s Gala Night of the Year was an unforgettable celebration of the arts, marking the orchestra’s biggest night of the year. Set within the grandeur of The Civic Theatre, guests enjoyed the rare experience of dining on stage amidst a magical, starlit ambiance, immersed in exquisite music. As the orchestra’s most important fundraiser, the Gala brought together the APO supporter family for an evening that uplifts and inspires.
In 2025, Travel with Lesley Whyte was again honoured to contribute to this remarkable event, which successfully raised over $125,000. These funds will directly support artistic excellence on Auckland’s stages and bolster expanding education and outreach programs throughout the city.
(more…)Classics & Canvases – A Cultural Journey
2025 Classics & Canvases Tour: A Journey of Musical Mastery & Artistic Splendor
We are excited to be finalising our 2025 Classics & Canvases tour—an expertly curated experience that blends musical brilliance with rich cultural exploration. This tour offers the perfect balance of world-class concert performances in stunning venues and immersive artistic activities.
Highlights of the Tour:
Concert Performances
- Australian Chamber Orchestra at the Adelaide Town Hall
- Brandenburg Orchestra at Sydney’s Recital Hall
- Ukaria Cultural Centre Musical Experience, set in the picturesque Adelaide Hills
Cultural Experiences
- Salvador Dalí Exhibition at the d’Arenberg Cube
- The Cedars, home and studio of renowned artist Hans Heysen
- Museum of Contemporary Art
- Wine tastings and culinary experiences
Everything you needed to know about Travel With Lesley Whyte
Travel with Lesley Whyte was founded with the vision of creating unforgettable, fully guided travel experiences. While our focus is on showcasing the natural beauty and cultural richness of New Zealand and Australia, we also offer once-in-a-lifetime adventures to the remote regions of Antarctica and the Arctic.
As one of New Zealand’s leading boutique tour operators, we specialise in curating personalised tours, with a focus on comfort, enrichment, and exploration.
What sets us apart is our commitment to providing exceptional value—there are no additional charges for solo travellers. Lesley, alongside her husband Rob, ensures that each tour is thoughtfully designed to offer an immersive, hassle-free experience, making your journey as enjoyable as possible.
Download our brochure to learn more!
(more…)All About Hotel Chathams Tours
The All About Hotel Chathams Tour brochure is your comprehensive guide to exploring the unique and untouched beauty of New Zealand’s remote Chatham Islands.
Inside, you’ll find detailed information about our fully escorted tours, led by Lesley Whyte, an award-winning photographer and Antarctic Ambassador, often accompanied by her husband Rob.
The brochure highlights the rich history, culture, and wildlife you’ll encounter on the islands, along with exclusive experiences like local art workshops and insider knowledge from passionate island residents. With carefully curated itineraries, this brochure will inspire and inform your journey to one of New Zealand’s most extraordinary destinations.
(more…)Discover the Chatham Islands 7-Night Cycling Adventure
Join Hotel Chathams Tours’ Lesley Whyte and Green Jersey Explorer Tours’ Joe Howell for an unforgettable fully escorted 7-night cycling tour of the Chatham Islands.
Highlights of Your Journey
- Experience Rugged Beauty – Explore the remote and stunning landscapes of the Chatham Islands, both on cycle and by coach.
- Indulge in Sumptuous Seafood – Savour delicious seafood meals prepared with the freshest local ingredients
Click here to download the brochure
What’s In The Spotlight for June?
If exploring the Chatham Islands is on your bucket list, we’ve got exciting news for you! We have two incredible tours coming up, each with only two spots left. Imagine immersing yourself in the natural beauty and unique culture of the Chathams, from pristine beaches to rich Moriori history. These tours offer an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lifelong memories.
Don’t miss your chance to join us on these exclusive adventures. Whether you’re a solo traveler or looking to share the experience with a friend or partner, these tours are designed to give you the best of the Chatham Islands. Secure your spot now and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
(more…)2025 Scott and Shackleton’s Ross Sea Expedition
In collaboration with our travel partner, The Private Travel Company, we are thrilled to announce that we have secured four single-occupancy Prestige Suite Cabins on Deck 5 for Ponant’s February 2025 Scott and Shackleton’s Ross Sea Expedition. View the expedition on Ponant’s website.
All meals, alcohol, and shore excursions are included — everything onboard except for personal expenses like laundry and purchases from the onboard shop.
Cruise : Dunedin to Dunedin from 16 February 2025 to 9 March 2025 (22 days – 21 nights onboard).
Onboard : Ponant’s Le Soléal
Cost for single occupancy : AUD$25,950 (inclusive of port taxes and gratuities) and represents a 20% Ponant Bonus Discount.
(more…)2025 Women in Photography – South Australia Photography Retreat
📅 Date: 30 April / 6 May 2025
🛏️ Duration: 7 Nights
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Yorke Peninsula this May! Picture yourself capturing stunning pink salt flats with encrusted branches, witnessing moody misty sunrises, and experiencing the raw power of waves crashing on majestic windswept beaches. Traverse back-country gravel and dusty roads stretching endlessly to the horizon.
Special Treat: Get up close with Merino sheep during feeding time for incredible close-up shots.
(more…)Fun Fact: The science behind the Aurora Australis
Did you know the pinks, purples and greens that are often associated with Aurora Australis are the particles interacting with different gasses – the aurora energy.
The captivating display of colours in the aurora borealis and Aurora Australis, commonly known as the northern and southern lights respectively, is a result of intricate interactions between solar radiation and the Earth’s atmosphere. As solar radiation bombards the upper atmosphere, it collides with oxygen and nitrogen molecules, inducing a fascinating emission of light.
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