About Us
Meet the team at Latitude South
Founded by Karen Pettit-Lind in Marin County, California in 2001, with offices in Auckland & Nelson, New Zealand and Sydney, Australia, our mission at Latitude South is to ensure you are never a ‘tourist’, rather a cherished visitor, welcomed to Australia and New Zealand on the most warm, hospitable terms.
Latitude South specializes in journeys that take you deeply beyond the tourism façade of Australia and New Zealand with authentic, unaffected and humancentric experiences at the heart of all we do.
We are delighted to introduce you to the members of Latitude South’s core team below.
Karen Pettit
What is your role at Latitude South and what do you do?
I am one of the owner’s of Latitude South along with Alaina Potter and I function as the company director and Luxury Travel Curator along with Claire Pendlebury.
Where were you born?
I was born in Dunedin, New Zealand. Dunedin is the second-most major southern South Island city in New Zealand (behind Invercargill).
What is your favourite part of Australia & New Zealand, respectively?
I tend to gravitate towards quiet, jaw-droppingly spectacular locations and it is for this reason that Glenorchy – at the head of Lake Wakatipu, 45-minutes’ drive from Queenstown is my favourite place in New Zealand. Glenorchy is a place of soaring peaks and braided rivers and the hiking opportunities are almost endless.
What are your hobbies?
I have been a horse rider most of my life and this is my ultimate happy place. I am also contented when elbow deep in flour and have spent a good part of my adult life becoming an avid home baker. In addition, I love the hill hikes around the Nelson Tasman District where Latitude South is based and where we live. Nature is my temple, and it is within the forests, trees and ferns of New Zealand, that I am restored and invigorated.
If there was one piece of advice you were going to give someone traveling to New Zealand or Australia, what would it be?
Slow down. Australia and New Zealand are incredibly diverse, interesting and exciting countries and for many of our guests, this is likely one of very few, or indeed, the one and only journey they will embark on to our part of the world. It is therefore easy to try and visit as many locations that you have heard about or read about, as possible. Whilst this may look good on paper, it is only in the living of your journey that the balance of movement from one place to the next and the enjoyment of the various regions of Australia and New Zealand becomes vital. We generally base the locations you will visit very tightly around your interests and aspirations for your journey with a focus on quality time in-place and a sensible and rewarding pace of travel.
Alaina Potter
What is your role at Latitude South and what do you do?
My role at Latitude South is the Financial Controller and minor Shareholder. I basically take care of all things to do with the financial side of the business and assist with general management together with Karen.
Where were you born?
I was born and bred in a small portside town in the South Island region of Canterbury called Lyttelton. I moved to the Top of the South Island as a teen and have spent the majority of my life living between both of these parts of New Zealand.
What is your favourite part of Australia & New Zealand, respectively?
There are so many wonderful parts of both Australia and New Zealand, its hard to choose! I always feel so excited that we get to play a part in bringing our clients here to experience this part of the world for the very first time as in my opinion visiting somewhere for the first time is the best.
In Australia, if I have to choose, it would be Melbourne. This city is always so vibrant and has something for everyone to enjoy. There is always something to look at – from a morning walk around the inner city or heading to an Art Gallery or a game of sports. Oh, and the food …. the food is incredible!!
One thing I love about New Zealand is that many parts of the country are very different from each other particularly the North and South Island. My favourite region of NZ would have to be Tasman, particularly in Summer. It is such a beautiful place to live, and we are particularly spoilt with our beaches and rivers to swim in and the gorgeous walks.
What are your hobbies?
We have three very sporty children so finding time for hobbies is often a bit of a challenge. When I can I do enjoy exercise so catching a gym class is something I enjoy, as well as Travel – I love to travel and try to do this as often as possible.
If there was one piece of advice you were going to give someone traveling to New Zealand or Australia, what would it be?
My piece of advice for travellers considering coming ‘Down Under’ is to take the time to listen to the advice and recommendations of our Travel Curators. They are so knowledgeable about both Australia and New Zealand and never cease to amaze me with the little treasures of destinations that they very cleverly match to our clients based on their interests. We design bespoke trips for a particular client, and I am yet to see a client’s itinerary that is the same as one that has travelled before.
Claire Pendlebury
What is your role at Latitude South and what do you do?
I am Latitude South’s Lead Luxury Travel Curator. I work with our clients to design a vacation that resonates with their individual personalities, addressing all the expectations and dreams they have for their time in our part of the world and seeking out experiences and accommodations which will be meaningful to them.
Where were you born?
England
What is your favourite part of Australia & New Zealand, respectively?
Melbourne has to be a favourite city – vibrant, amazing food, street art, Victorian arcades, and easy access to some amazing landscapes – the Great Ocean Road and Mornington Peninsula.
Nelson in New Zealand – it was a conscious decision to move here for so many reasons – the beaches, the mountains, the climate and all the great walks in the local National Parks – Nelson Lakes and Abel Tasman.
What are your hobbies?
Aside from travelling myself – anything that takes me outside. I love to run, bike, boating on the weekends with my partner, fishing for our dinner. Spending time at the lake and the beach.
If there was one piece of advice you were going to give someone traveling to New Zealand or Australia, what would it be?
Travel with Latitude South! We know what we are doing! Travel in the shoulder seasons – our Spring and Autumn are simply beautiful with fewer people; kids are back in school, and locations are not so heavily trafficked. Planning ahead is essential, especially for New Zealand. We are a very small country with limited inventory compared to America so allowing a solid 8 -12 months to plan (or more if looking at December-February), will ensure you will have a vacation with the special arrangements you really want rather than settling for what you can get.
Sandra Unwin
What is your role at Latitude South and what do you do?
I am Karen’s sister and have been working for Latitude South since 2011. My role is Guest Co-Ordinator and I work closely with the team to create each of our client itineraries. I also enjoy the responsibility of ensuring all the details in each of our clients’ final journey itineraries are accurate and that the documentation that is sent to clients just prior to travel is all in order.
Where were you born?
I was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, at the head of Otago Harbour on the South Island’s southeast coast.
What is your favourite part of Australia & New Zealand, respectively?
Sydney, Australia, with such a wide variety of things to do and see – beautiful beaches, culture, wildlife experiences, and the picturesque Sydney Harbour to name just a few.
In New Zealand, the sunny Hawke’s Bay, where I live with my family, known for its art deco architecture, wineries, and beautiful coastline.
What are your hobbies?
Running and hiking in the wonderful outdoor spaces that this part of the world is so well known for.
If there was one piece of advice you were going to give someone traveling to New Zealand or Australia, what would it be?
If possible, take some time to explore some of the more ‘off the beaten path’ destinations in Australia and New Zealand.
Lydia Drew
What is your role at Latitude South and what do you do?
I am the latest addition to the Latitude South team and will be working in a support capacity to the management and the travel curator team.
Where were you born?
Like Karen and Sandra, I was also born in Dunedin, New Zealand however, I have recently made the exciting move to sunny Nelson and while I am thoroughly enjoying exploring my new and picturesque surroundings, Dunedin will forever hold a special place in my heart as my hometown.
What is your favourite part of Australia & New Zealand, respectively?
The McKenzie Country in New Zealand is truly spectacular and would have to be a strong favourite for me. The clear blue alpine lakes and rugged mountains are truly unparalleled. I love the drive around Lake Pūkaki and into Mount Cook; it’s utterly breathtaking. There is something so humbling about being confronted by such grand and awe-inspiring scenery. It reminds me of what is truly important and how lucky I am.
In contrast, I absolutely adore the Sunshine Coast of Australia. It offers more than 100 kilometres of stunning coastline to discover, and the coastal towns are brimming with friendly locals, excellent shopping options, and a vibrant coffee scene. I love swimming in the ocean and basking in the sun on the stunning beaches. The laid-back atmosphere of the Sunshine Coast resonates with me, and every visit leaves me feeling relaxed and genuinely happy.
What are your hobbies?
I absolutely love to travel and experience different cultures. I have been fortunate enough to travel to 26 countries so far and my bucket-list only continues to grow. I also enjoy exploring my own backyard and most weekends you will find me out running, hiking, or enjoying a good cup of coffee at a local café.
If there was one piece of advice you were going to give someone traveling to New Zealand or Australia, what would it be?
Both New Zealand and Australia are known for their laid-back cultures, so my suggestion to travellers would be to fully embrace that atmosphere. If possible, leisurely explore, strike up conversations with locals, venture off the typical tourist paths, and seize every opportunity that presents itself.
Finn
What is your role at Latitude South and what do you do?
I am the official greeter and welcome visitors to the office with great enthusiasm and love.
Where were you born?
I was born in Nelson.
What is your favourite part of Australia & New Zealand, respectively?
I have never been to Australia as I have no desire to travel in the hold. It would need to be first class all the way to capture my interest.
The Mahoe Track on The Grampians in Nelson is my favourite. Lots of other dogs visit The Grampians so I am able to socialize and exercise at the same time.
What are your hobbies?
At home, I have a squeaky monster and a squeaky dog. I love playing with my squeaky toys during my downtime. I also love playing and hiking with my family.
If there was one piece of advice you were going to give someone traveling to New Zealand or Australia, what would it be?
Delight in each minute of every day. That’s what I do and it’s working out really well for me.
