About the Best of New Zealand Fly Fishing

New Zealand is our only destination and we know the fishing and country better than anyone. We invite you to benefit from our years of Kiwi research and relationship building and experience. Confused or misled by all of the places on the Internet? We can help organize an itinerary that meets your desires and budget -- and it costs the same as booking direct. Contact one of our New Zealand experts:

The Best of New Zealand Team (left to right) Front row: Andrea Esquivel, Cristina Randall, Georgina Zepeda, Jill Linsk Back row: Connie Lown, Mike McClelland, Karen Miller

If you are looking for an unforgettable New Zealand experience call or email Mike or his award-winning staff and enjoy the benefits of our unmatched New Zealand expertise and service. The Best of New Zealand team stayed in the accommodations, participated in the local activities, and sampled the local cuisine. We personally check out your travel options before recommending them to you.

	Mike McClelland, who started the travel agency in 1981, first fished New Zealand in 1974 and has made over 42 trips since then to explore, research, and enjoy this beautiful and friendly country. After organizing groups to fly fish the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan in the mid-80's, Mike decided to concentrate solely on New Zealand in 1989. The Best of New Zealand Fly Fishing has concentrated solely on trips "down under" for the last 16 years. Our agency has received many awards, including: In 2004 we received the American Chamber of Commerce/UPS Success & Innovation Award for "Contribution to Tourism with the USA." We are the first USA-based travel company to receive this prestigious award. In 2005 Tourism New Zealand for the first time recognized outstanding travel companies in North America. We received The 2005 New Zealand Travel & Tourism Award for Recognition of Excellence. Mike received the "E" award for "World's Best Travel Specialist - New Zealand" from ENTREE, a monthly travel newsletter.
	Connie Lown has been with the company since July 1994. She first visited New Zealand in 1976 after working and traveling in Australia for nine months; a planned six week trip of both Islands turned into a 10 month stay and her introduction to the travel business, working at the Milford Sound Hotel. Upon returning home, via Tonga, Fiji and the Samoa, she got a job in the South Pacific division of an east coast tour operator. After a few years she moved to Los Angeles and worked for hotel companies, with the emphasis on French Polynesia, before moving to Fiji for a year at one of its new hotels. Sales trips to New Zealand and Australia reminded Connie how much she loved those destinations and, after a few months exploring more of Australia, she returned home and was soon working back in the South Pacific travel business. Since joining The Best of New Zealand she has visited New Zealand at least once a year and continues to enthusiastically plan trips introducing clients to her favorite part of the world.
	Karen Miller is a Kiwi who has spent the last 20 years involved with the travel industry. She has been with The Best of New Zealand since 1994. Karen regularly travels to New Zealand to stay updated on current industry developments and to visit her family. Prior to joining The Best of New Zealand she was employed by the New Zealand Tourist and Publicity Office and worked in their Los Angeles office (1986 -1989) where she assisted with consumer promotions, travel agent training and general trip planning for those interested in New Zealand as a travel destination. Karen also worked with an incentive travel company in England for almost five years (1989 - 1994). While there she planned, administered, and escorted both incentive and conference groups worldwide.
	Cristina Randall was born in Chile where she earned a degree in Tourism and Hospitality . She has worked in the travel industry since 1984. For the last 18 years she has specialized in helping plan and book trips to New Zealand and the South Pacific. She has made fifteen trips to New Zealand; eight trips to Australia; and has twice visited both Tahiti and Fiji. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
	Georgina Zepeda, who coordinates our clients' air travel, has over ten years experience as a travel agent (the last five with The Best of New Zealand) and knows how to find the best airfares (cheaper than on the internet); obtain preferred seating on the flights; clear waitlists; and coordinate domestic flights within New Zealand. Georgina will be making her third trip to New Zealand this year.
	Andrea Esquivel, joined The Best of New Zealand in 2004 and is in charge of preparing quotations, trip documents, and making sure all reservations are reconfirmed to ensure a seamless trip. Andrea will be making her second trip to New Zealand this year.

Photos of 'The Best' team members enjoying their 2007 visits to New Zealand