About Us

Franck Lemaitre, director I am the founder of Once Upon a Trip and I am originally French. We had our honeymoon in NZ back to 2003, we felt in love with the country, then we decided to come back in 2009 to establish our business. In 2016 we became citizens of this country that we call home now. I plan tailor-made trips based on my clients' desires. I like to get to know my clients so I can plan for them the perfect vacation in one of the world's top destinations, New Zealand.

Michelle Srzich, senior travel consultant recently joined us, bringing many years of prior experience as a New Zealand travel specialist. Michelle is keen hiker, skier and foodie and loves to share her wealth of local knowledge with travellers.

Monika Vinsova, travel consultant "Travel is an investment in yourself" is the quote that inspires me for many years now and I love to share my knowledge with others as I believe travelling truly is one of the best ways experiencing the life.

I am passionate about tailoring your best memorable trip in New Zealand - one of the most beautiful countries that I am honored to live in for 5 years now. I am based in Queenstown known as the "Adventure Capital of the World". I love an active lifestyle mixed with relaxation. I spend usually my weekends hiking, snowboarding, surfing, finishing with a yoga, relaxation massage or spa. I am a big food and wine lover and I like to recommend our travelers the best restaurants and wineries across the country.

Diane Dumée Duval, booking department After graduating with a Master’s Degree in Tourism, I have found myself moving from Mauritius to New Zealand in 2022 to be with my partner. It has worked out well because I've always had a passion for travelling & discovering new horizons and New Zealand has so much to offer! New Zealand is a place where something new will await you every day.

What do I love about New Zealand? Its huge diversity of birds, its summer with Pohutukawa trees in bloom, and its stunning landscape.

Paola Geronimi, travel consultant Originally from Corsica, I very early felt the need to broaden my horizons and explore other cultures. It was during a family trip to New Zealand that we fell in love with the country and its people, and my husband and I decided to settle there to raise our daughter. It is thanks to these wonderful years of adventure that I hope to give you an unforgettable experience, and perhaps, who knows, the desire to come and settle there yourself.

Ben Lepage, senior travel consultant Having always traveled since my childhood throughout Europe, Africa and Asia, I decided in 2014 to settle in New Zealand, this country which has always made me dream. For a hiker like me, I fell in love immediately. Indeed, this country which offers a diversity of landscapes and reliefs which will surprise even the greatest adventurers. From cycling to kayaking and cultural experiences, this country is a real playground for lovers of discoveries. You should not miss the meetings with the kiwis (the inhabitants of the country) who will not leave you indifferent, their kindness and welcome are no longer in doubt. Whether you are interested in the essentials, little gems off the beaten track, authenticity, charm, or even luxury, I will be delighted to help you discover all of this during your trip to my adopted country.

Mélanie Scherrer, booking assistant Kia Ora! Having travelled a lot for family holidays around Australia and Europe, this is where I developed a passion for Travel and Tourism which made me want to pursue a career in this great industry with so many opportunities available. I was born in New Zealand and have lived here since, it would be my pleasure to be a part of the process of creating your unique trip to my homeland, Aotearoa, New Zealand

Noémie Botha, travel consultant New Zealand was only meant to be a stopover on one of my many trips, but I was charmed by the beauty of its landscapes and the kindness and hospitality of its people, so much so that in 2017, I left my home country of Switzerland to settle in Auckland. I would be delighted to help you organize your stay and help you discover this beautiful country.

Max Kubiak, managing director Passionate about travel, I settled in New Zealand in 2015 after two long stays in the land of the long white cloud. Charmed by the diversity of the landscapes and the kindness of the inhabitants, I traveled through this magnificent country to the smallest nooks and crannies in order to share with you all its beauties as well as its well-kept secrets. Convinced that each trip must be unique, we will be happy to learn as much as possible about you in order to design a trip that suits you.