From the rice terraces of Indonesia to the coral-fringed shores of Tonga, Kate Vaha'akolo brings the kind of first-hand travel knowledge no brochure can replicate.
With eight years in the travel industry and a depth of experience that stretches across continents, cultures and travel styles, every itinerary Kate builds is shaped by genuine curiosity and hard-won insight. She's chased sunrises in Thailand, hiked the emerald trails of New Zealand, road-tripped through the United States, and explored the vast red heart of Australia. Every stamp in her passport is a place she can speak to with authority.
Kate’s expertise includes family travel, island and beach escapes, curated tours, and wellness journeys, and she has a rare gift for matching the right experience to the right traveller. Whether she's engineering a seamless multi-generational family holiday in Fiji or sourcing a secluded wellness retreat in Japan, the result is always intentional. “Exceptional travel isn't spontaneous, it's strategic,” says Kate. “The right timing, property and pace transforms a trip from good to extraordinary.”
Kate’s philosophy extends beyond the planning stage. When global disruptions arise, as they do, Kate remains a reliable, steady presence. Her clients travel confidently knowing every element has been thought through, and that if the unexpected happens, someone capable is already across it. One client, whose tour through Canada was disrupted by the Banff wildfires, says it best: “Kate provided a sense of calm, up-to-date and reassuring information, which provided significant peace of mind. Her care doesn't stop once your trip has ended.” The measure of a great travel advisor isn't just the trips they co-ordinate; it's how they show up when things don't go to plan.
For all the incredible journeys Kate has crafted, some moments are simply irreplaceable. “My most treasured memory is taking our three daughters overseas for their first adventure – a beautiful reminder that travel is ultimately about connection, shared moments and exploration, whether it is near or far.” And her next great obsession? East Africa. Having recently designed what she describes as “a journey of wild beauty, culture, rarity and unforgettable moments” for one of her clients, the continent has firmly claimed the top spot on her own bucket list.
Connect with Kate at Freeman & Turner Travel Associates to begin planning your perfect journey.
Experience
8 Years
Countries visited
8 Countries
Get to know me
What is the most amazing experience you have created for a client?
A bucket-list expedition across Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda, timed perfectly with the Okavango flood season and complete with last-minute access to Giraffe Manor and rare gorilla trekking experiences.
How do you go above and beyond for your clients?
I take the time to understand exactly how you want to experience the world, working closely with trusted global partners and managing every moving part with precision and care.
What are your favourite destinations to visit and why?
Japan is my favourite destination for its blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. From serene temples and ryokans to neon-lit cities and world-class cuisine, every detail feels immersive.
Why do you love travel? Tell us what it means to you?
I love travel because it transforms people. The right journey can inspire, restore and reconnect you to what matters most. To me, travel is about intention, creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Kate's Speciality Destinations
A World of Experience
Kate's client testimonial
I have booked several trips over the years with Kate, ranging from holidays to signifcant medical treatments abroad. When needed to travel for treatment Kate was incredibily understanding. Medical travel comes with a lot of moving parts and uncertainty, but she navigated it all with calm confidence. She was adaptive, responsive and made sure every part of the journey was thoughtfully arranged. Kate has a real understanding of medical tourism, not just the logistics but the emotional side too. From assisting us for years with it but knowing she has firsthand experience herself is invaluable. Over the years, she has consistently gone above and beyond and grateful for all the care and support along the way.
• Lindsay Divett
Send Kate a message
OUR OFFICE
Freeman & Turner Travel Associates
Freeman & Turner Travel Associates is a boutique home office based in Mosgiel, bringing the world to clients across Dunedin, Otago and the surrounding regions. Steeped in luxury travel experience and first-hand destination expertise, our advisors are dedicated to designing one-of-a-kind journeys that are personalised to you - wherever you are in the region.
Meet the team
