
Business Leader
Hannah Freeman
Freeman & Turner Travel Associates
Mosgiel, Otago
Having explored destinations across the globe, Nicola draws on her extensive first-hand experience to help clients discover more than just the highlights. From trekking to see mountain gorillas in Uganda and witnessing the Big Five on safari in Tanzania, to climbing Namibia's towering sand dunes at sunrise and volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Laos, her own adventures have shaped her love for meaningful and unforgettable travel.
With a particular passion for Africa, South America and Asia, Nicola is always seeking out unique experiences, lesser-known destinations and opportunities to connect with local cultures. Whether it's an adventurous expedition, an immersive cultural journey or a stay somewhere truly out of the ordinary, she loves helping clients find experiences they wouldn't discover on their own.
For Nicola, exceptional travel planning starts with understanding what matters most to each client. She takes pride in making every journey as seamless as possible, sharing the knowledge and little travel tips that make all the difference, while remaining a trusted point of contact from the first conversation until her clients return home.
Whether you're dreaming of ticking off your bucket list, exploring somewhere entirely new or getting a little further off the beaten track, Nicola is passionate about turning travel dreams into extraordinary experiences.
15 Years
48 Countries
What is the most amazing experience you have created for a client?
One of the most rewarding experiences has been working closely with a client who is unwell and wanting to tick off their bucket list. Being able to create meaningful journeys together, ensuring they get to see and experience everything that's important to them, has been incredibly special. Helping turn their travel dreams into reality through unique and unforgettable experiences is something I feel very fortunate to be part of.
What are your favourite destinations to visit and why?
This is always the hardest question for a travel lover! I have favourites across every continent, as it's simply too difficult to choose just one. I love adventure and getting off the beaten track. In Africa, Namibia's incredible landscapes, Tanzania's wildlife and the warmth of the people in Malawi are standouts. In Europe, I can't go past the food and landscapes of Italy or the atmosphere and coastline of Portugal. There's also something special about enjoying Thai food in Thailand or Vietnamese food in Vietnam, while discovering places beyond the usual tourist trail. South America has been incredible everywhere I've explored, but Peru's food scene and the hiking in Chile are particularly memorable.
What is your favourite travel memory?
There are so many to choose from! Trekking to see mountain gorillas in Uganda, spotting the Big Five and experiencing a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania's Serengeti are all unforgettable. Climbing Namibia's largest sand dune for sunrise was another incredible experience. I also loved volunteering at an elephant sanctuary in Laos, where I had the opportunity to feed, walk alongside and build trust with these amazing animals. Each experience has given me a different appreciation for the world and the people and wildlife we share it with.
Where or what is still on your travel bucket list?
The Five Stans are high on my list, and I'd love to explore these fascinating regions before they become more widely discovered by travellers. I also have a personal goal of experiencing all Seven Wonders of the World, with India and Jordan still on my list, alongside Antarctica as my final continent to explore. I also have a soft spot for the Irish and would love to spend more time discovering Ireland.

OUR OFFICE
Freeman & Turner Travel Associates is a boutique travel agency 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