OUR STORY
Travel has the power to transform — opening our eyes to new cultures, landscapes and perspectives. At The Private Travel Company, we believe exceptional journeys begin with thoughtful planning, trusted expertise and a genuine understanding of what makes travel meaningful for each individual client.
Founded in Auckland, New Zealand in 2010, The Private Travel Company was created to offer a more personal and considered approach to travel. We are not simply booking flights and hotels — we design journeys. Every itinerary is thoughtfully crafted, drawing on our industry knowledge, global partnerships and personal travel experience to create travel that feels seamless, enriching and truly memorable.
"Travel is like a beautifully written story — full of unexpected moments, unforgettable characters, and memories that stay with you forever.” - Anonymous
Behind every journey we create is a team of experienced travel professionals who share a passion for exploration and a commitment to exceptional service.
Our Professional Travel Advisors
Kerry Graham
Owner & Professional Travel Advisor
Travel has always been central to my life. Over the years I’ve explored many corners of the world - from expedition cruising in Antarctica and the Kimberley to cultural journeys through India and Bhutan, and luxury voyages across the globe. What inspires me most is helping clients discover experiences that truly resonate with them. No two travellers are the same, and every journey should reflect that. I take the time to understand what matters most to each client and design journeys that feel effortless, inspiring and unforgettable. For me, travel is not just about the destinations - it’s about the moments, the connections, and the stories you bring home.
Clinton Sangster
Professional Travel Advisor
“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” –St. Augustine of Hippo
i was lucky enough to take several overseas trips as a child, back when travel was a far more exotic affair than it is now. Those memories have stayed with me to this day and when I left school I couldn't think of any better job than helping other people make their travel dreams become reality. Now, some 30 years later I am privileged to work with a wonderful group of clients & friends to do just that every day. During that time I have had many amazing travel experiences myself, from light aircraft flights between remote luxury bush camps in Africa, to jetting into New York on the Concorde, watching the sun rise over the Pyramids in Egypt and having breakfast with Orangutans in Singapore. I look forward to helping make your travel dreams come true.
Shirley Watson
Professional Travel Advisor
Travel is my passion. As much as I love discovering the world for myself, it brings me just as much joy to help my amazing clients — both corporate and leisure — plan their own unforgettable journeys. Supporting their travel dreams is something I take great pride in.
Cindy Bakewell
Professional Travel Advisor
Travel has a unique ability to connect people with the world in meaningful ways. I love helping clients explore the incredible range of possibilities available today — from luxury ocean cruising and European river journeys to carefully curated holidays designed around personal interests. My focus is always on the details. Ensuring every element of a journey is thoughtfully arranged allows our clients to relax and enjoy their travels knowing everything is taken care of. Being part of someone’s travel experience is incredibly rewarding, and I take great pride in helping create journeys that are smooth, memorable and inspiring.
Nicola Monteith
Professional Travel Advisor
My passion for travel began at a young age, shaped by extended family journeys through the UK and Europe. With over 20 years in the travel industry, I bring both experience and genuine enthusiasm to every journey I plan.
I’ve travelled in many ways—from backpacking to luxury escapes—both solo, with family, and on group tours where I’ve formed lasting friendships. I especially value immersive experiences, including volunteer work in Morocco and Laos, as well as active travel such as hiking, biking and kayaking. That said, I equally enjoy the simple pleasures of a relaxed beach escape.
I believe my personal travel experience, attention to detail and understanding of what makes a journey truly memorable allow me to create seamless, tailored travel experiences for my clients. I look forward to helping you plan your next journey.
Debbie Green
Professional Travel Advisor
I currently live in beautiful New Zealand but have travelled widely through Asia, Africa, the Middle East, North and South America and Oceania. I have also lived and worked in Australia, Thailand, Japan, Turkey, Greece and the United Kingdom. I love travel and I love sharing my passion for travel with my clients. Whether you are travelling alone, with others, or with kids, I will take great care to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime. I am also a Chartered Accountant so I always have my eye on the best service and value! I look forward to hearing from you.
Kelly Showler
Professional Travel Advisor
I have been in the travel industry for over 30 years. I have a real passion for travel and new experiences. One of my favourite regions is the South Pacific. I have been lucky enough to experience the wonderful high-end resorts in the Pacific. My favourite trip of all time is Africa. I was lucky enough to travel to Botswana and experience the wonderful luxury lodges. One of the best trips in my career so far. I have also experienced the wonderful ski resorts in Canada and USA. Big White in Canada and in Colorado, Vail, Steamboats Springs and Breckenridge. I have experience with high-end / luxury and corporate travel.
Our Support Team
Vicki Patterson
Reservation Support
Vicki Patterson is part of Clinton’s dedicated support team and is also an experienced Travel Advisor herself. Assisting with reservation support and day-to-day travel coordination, Vicki helps ensure every journey runs smoothly while providing professional and attentive service to clients.
Carol Pollock
Accounts
Carol Pollock looks after the accounts at The Private Travel Company, helping ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. With a strong eye for detail and a calm, friendly approach, Carol assists our team with professionalism and care. She is an important part of keeping The Private Travel Company operating seamlessly day to day.
As members of Virtuoso, the world’s leading network of luxury travel advisors, and accredited through IATA and TAANZ, we have access to exceptional travel experiences, preferred partners and exclusive benefits that simply cannot be replicated online.
For our clients, this means confidence — knowing every detail has been carefully arranged and that expert support is always close at hand.


