Experiences

Sarah Lamason is the owner of Private Discovery Tours Limited, a Queenstown-based company delivering premium private and intentionally small-group experiences throughout the Southern Lakes region and across the South Island.

A former Chartered Accountant, Sarah combines strong commercial expertise with a genuine passion for people and place. She has travelled to 39 countries and lived in London, Toronto and Berlin, as well as working in Papua New Guinea. These global experiences have shaped her understanding of what discerning travellers truly value — authenticity, space, thoughtful pacing and meaningful local connection.

Originally from Cairns, Australia, Sarah grew up in a fishing family and later spent a year living on her grandparents’ sheep and beef farm in Dannevirke. That grounding in rural life and nature continues to influence how she hosts today.

After moving to Queenstown in 2019 for its alpine environment, four distinct seasons and access to the outdoors, Sarah quickly felt at home. Now living between Queenstown and Glenorchy, where many tours operate, she is deeply connected to the local community. She has also worked within tourism technology, accommodation and local retail, giving her a broad understanding of the wider visitor economy.

In acquiring Private Discovery Tours from founder Charles, Sarah is continuing the beautifully designed, nature-based experiences he created over the past 25 years. Charles remains a guide, ensuring continuity and consistency in the quality guests have long appreciated.

Sarah’s vision is to grow the company thoughtfully — focusing on exceptional experiences and protecting the quality, flexibility and personal connection that have defined the brand for the past 25 years. Group sizes are carefully limited to maintain smaller guest numbers and allow access to places that feel less known. Vehicles are purpose-selected to ensure guest comfort while confidently handling alpine terrain and changing weather conditions.