This is a genuinely intimate Travel With Lesley Whyte experience. Lake Brunner Eco Lodge has only seven guest rooms, and accommodation is based on two people sharing.
Keeping our group this small allows us to travel comfortably, enjoy a much more personal style of touring and create a wonderful private-house-party atmosphere for our Mid-Winter Christmas celebration. This isn’t a traditional large coach tour.
It’s seven rooms, one wonderful West Coast lodge and one very special Christmas in July.
WINTER WEATHER & WHAT TO PACK
July is winter in the South Island, and that is all part of the magic of this experience.
Expect cool temperatures and changeable conditions, particularly on the West Coast and while travelling through the Southern Alps.
Warm layers, a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes are essential.
If you’re planning to enjoy the hot tub, don’t forget your swimwear.
And then there is the most important item of all…
YOUR CHRISTMAS OUTFIT!
There are prizes for the Best Christmas-Themed Man and Best Christmas-Themed Woman, so this is your opportunity to go as funky, fabulous and outrageously Christmassy as you dare.
Christmas jumpers.
Festive suits.
Tinsel.
Flashing lights.
Santa hats.
Reindeer antlers.
Baubles.
Whatever you choose, make sure everyone knows you’ve arrived for Christmas!
CHRISTMAS IN JULY, TRAVEL WITH LESLEY WHYTE STYLE
The TranzAlpine.
The Southern Alps.
The wild West Coast.
Three nights at Lake Brunner.
A roaring fire.
Wonderful food.
Wine and Christmas cocktails.
A hot tub from 5.00pm.
Santa and Christmas gifts.
Fabulous Christmas outfits.
Music.
Dancing.
And just seven rooms.
Find your favourite travelling companion, start planning that outrageous Christmas outfit and join Lesley & Rob for a Mid-Winter Christmas in the heart of the South Island.
Meet your Travel With Lesley Whyte host – introducing Cindy Bakewell.
We are incredibly excited that Cindy will be joining this inaugural women-only experience as the dedicated host for guests who book through The Private Travel Company or Travel With Lesley Whyte.
With decades of travel industry experience and a passion for creating meaningful travel experiences, Cindy brings a warm, welcoming and personalised touch to this special journey. Her love of fine food, wine, authentic cultural experiences and bringing women together perfectly complements the spirit of this women-only cruise through France.
Throughout the journey, Cindy will be on hand to ensure our guests feel supported, connected and truly part of a boutique travel experience. Whether you’re travelling independently or with friends, her approachable nature and attention to detail will help foster new friendships and create memorable shared experiences. This is far more than a river cruise – it’s an opportunity to explore France alongside like-minded women while enjoying the added benefit of dedicated hosting from beginning to end.
This hosted experience is exclusive to guests who book directly through Travel With Lesley Whyte or The Private Travel Company.
Your cruise begins in Arles, your journey follows the Rhône River through the heart of Provence, visiting Avignon, Viviers, Tournon and Vienne before concluding in Lyon, with each destination offering its own unique blend of history, culture, cuisine, wine and unforgettable French charm.
Throughout the week you’ll receive personalised coaching covering:
Reading light
Camera settings
Composition
Creative decision making
Long exposures
Weather interpretation
Aurora photography
Lightroom Classic
Adobe Photoshop
Photography Workshop
Throughout the retreat you’ll photograph:
Reine
Hamnøy
Sakrisøy
Å
Uttakleiv
Haukland
Ramberg
Skagsanden
Flakstad
Henningsvær
Plus carefully selected hidden gems chosen according to weather and lighting conditions. The itinerary remains deliberately flexible, allowing us to photograph each location at its absolute best.
