Get To Know Our New Zealand Tour Guides

She hails from Invercargill, and pops up each year to show our guests our gorgeous country. Her background is in photography. She has a Diploma in Professional Photography and a Certificate in Digital Media and Adventure Tourism, so make sure to get her to take some snaps of you! Shona’s favourite place on our trips is a tie between Angelus Hut and Punakaiki. She loves the pristine alpine environment of Angelus Hut and the rewarding feeling of getting there versus the Jurassic feel and looming limestone cliffs of the Paparoa National Park.

Rach hails from the lower half of the North Island, from a little town called Dannevirke. She holds a Certificate 3 and 4 in Tourism, Travel and Business and a Diploma in Business Management. When Racheal isn’t on a New Zealand Trails trip, she is camping and swimming in our beautiful rivers and lakes, hiking backcountry trails, foraging for bush tucker or curling up with a good book. When asked about her favourite spots on our trips she says, “it’s hard to pick just one but Milford Sound, the Hollyford track, Martins Bay and Nelson Lakes National Park are definitely some of my favourites.”

Kahu has a Graduate Diploma in Science (Earth Science), Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning (Honours) and Te Ara Reo Māori (Level 2). He can’t wait to take you up some mountains on your New Zealand Trails trip. When he is not out on the road, he will be working on his Māori language skills or up in Tauranga enjoying the fantastic sunshine at the beach and also discovering new water holes for swimming with his kids. When he leaves the city behind, it's usually to seek out a new track in his local forest park, the Kaimai Ranges.

He’s a qualified teacher, ski instructor, inventor and of course, a New Zealand Trails guide! When not on a Trails tour, he is most likely to be found teaching, building anything out of recycled timber, traveling the world or selling his own brand of innovative ski poles. Tim’s favourite hike would have to be the Mueller Hut route. He says, “It starts off easy and you can get a good warm up and then, boom, you’re into the climb.”

Kim has a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Psychology and is one of our longest-serving guides. Kim is something of a thru-hiking addict and in between guiding for New Zealand Trails has hiked the length of both Norway and New Zealand! If you meet Kim on a trip be sure to ask her about her hiking, skiiing and packrafting adventures in remote Fiordland.

Tom is a qualified pharmacist and all-round energiser bunny. When he is not on a New Zealand Trails trip, he is most likely to be found outside; tramping, mountain biking, diving, paragliding or kayaking. Tom’s favourite activity on our trips is kayaking in the Marlborough Sounds on a good day.

When not out on a New Zealand Trails trip, he can be found at the beach, lying in the sand and strumming away on his guitar. Chris’ favourite spot on our trips is the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, this was the first big hike he ever did. He says. “It was in school camp in year 10 and it was before I realized how much I loved hiking”.

Georgia grew up on the West Coast of the North Island. Prior to New Zealand Trails, she was a sea kayak guide in Kaikoura and a hut ranger on the Paparoa Track. In her spare time, Georgia loves spending time in the mountains either tramping, rock climbing, or adventure camping. She has a Certificate in Outdoor Education and can speak conversational Spanish!

Daniel hails from North Canterbury where he lives off grid with his young family, a few animals and a lot of fruit trees. Daniel has over a decade of experience as a hiking guide and in his spare time he loves rock climbing, tramping and getting out into our National Parks with his kids.

Cass was born in Rotorua and raised in a small dairy farming town. She has a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications and in a past life worked as a journalist. When she's not guiding you'll find her on the back of a horse, up the mountain with her snowboard, knocking off all the amazing hiking trails in Queenstown, or curled up at home with her two cats and a good book.

Tim has a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and Tourism from Otago University and has spent the last 7 years guiding guests around New Zealand. When he's not on a New Zealand Trails tour he's most likely to be found kayaking or hiking in all corners of Aotearoa or playing a round of golf.

Blake first guided for New Zealand Trails in 2017 and is an avid hiker and backcountry enthusiast. When he's not on a New Zealand Trails trip he'll be found kayaking, mountain biking or out tramping in our beautiful mountain ranges.

Ross was born into an active outdoor family in Auckland and was lucky enough to grow up sailing and tramping. He completed his first "great walk" at 10 years old! Ross has a passion for the backcountry and for snow sports instruction where he won a gold medal as a sighted guide in the downhill skiing event at the Lillehammer Paralympics.

Tony was born on the West Coast of the South Island and enjoys spending time hiking, fishing, mountain-biking and exploring the NZ back-country. In between fun times Tony has worked in the sport and event tourism sectors here and overseas - including 7 Olympic Games, 4 Rugby World Cups and 4 America's Cups

Hailing from Invercargill, the most Southern city in New Zealand, Cameron has a background in physiotherapy and a true passion for the outdoors and health. When he's not guiding, Cameron loves to challenge himself with ultra-marathons and open swimming water events or take on a fun 4WD mission into the New Zealand backcountry.

Corinne is from the sunny beachside town of Tauranga and loves hiking, trail running and mountain biking. She has a degree in Environmental Management and a Masters in Urban Design. Originally born in Switzerland, Corinne is a keen traveller and when she's not guiding for New Zealand Trails, she enjoys hiking her way around the globe, long-distance running or curling up in the sun with a good book. 

As an active outdoor expert, Johanna is a keen mountain biker, trail runner and passionate conservationist with a love for sharing her favourite parts of New Zealand. With her Bachelor's degree in Visual Communication Johanna is also a keen traveller and has travelled extensively across the globe including trips to Zambia and the Galapagos Islands.

Maya has travelled extensively through New Zealand from the hiking trails of Stewart Island to the natural lakeside hot pools of Lake Tarawera. Maya holds a gold-level Duke Of Edinburgh Award in Outdoor Training giving her a wealth of knowledge and experience in the outdoors and New Zealand. She loves to share her knowledge of New Zealand and its natural environment.

With deep connections to both our land and culture Moana is an expert on life in New Zealand and loves to share her local knowledge, helping her guests learn more about New Zealand than they ever could in a guidebook. Moana has travelled extensively herself having spent time in Samoa, Sweden, Norway, the UK and even 5 weeks in a Buddhist monastery in Nepal. She's passionate about New Zealand and loves to share it with her guests.

A qualified snowboard instructor and chef, Nicola has combined her passions into an exciting career in adventure tourism. Nicola has worked as a snowboard instructor in Austria and sailed yachts in Croatia and Greece. An expert in geography Nicola loves to share her beautiful home of Aotearoa/New Zealand with her guests. 

Brynee grew up in the gorgeous town of Wānaka, a place filled with endless outdoor adventures. She has a Bachelor of Broadcasting Communications and spent her past life in the radio industry. When she’s not guiding for New Zealand Trails, you’ll find Brynee diving, surfing, horse riding, snowboarding, or hiking her way around Aotearoa/New Zealand.

Just wait until you taste her food! When she’s not on a Trails trip, Megan is most likely to be found tramping up a mountain or kayaking down a river. Or studying for her degree in Sustainability and Outdoor Education. 

Kiel discovered a love for guiding and the outdoors in Europe and spent an extensive amount of time trekking guiding the Canadian Rockies, before settling home in Wanaka in Central Otago. With a deep love for conservation, nature and wildlife as well as a good understanding of history and culture (conversational Te Reo) he cant wait to show you all why this place means so much to him.

Age's passion for travel and love of music has taken him across the globe. From the US, Canada and the UK to Japan, Lebanon, Fiji and more, Age has travelled extensively and has a never-ending curiosity for people and places. Age is formally trained in classical piano and jazz guitar, and has forged a long career in music, playing his first gig at just 15 years old. With years of sea kayak and white-water raft guiding under his belt, Age has a passion for exploring the outdoors and loves to share the best of our country with all his guests.

Faith is from the beautiful lakeside town of Te Anau, the gateway to Fiordland National Park. She studied Outdoor and Adventure education at Tai Poutini Polytechnic on the West Coast of the South Island. When she’s not guiding for New Zealand Trails, she can be found multi day hiking, camping and catching up with friends and family. Before working for New Zealand Trails, Faith worked as an outdoor instructor with children in the Banks Peninsula, a hiking guide on the Milford track and worked on boats in Fiordland, working in 4 of New Zealand’s Fjords.

Genevieve calls the Windy capital Wellington home. She has a passion for well-being and sustainability with a PhD in Diabetic Heart Function and more recently working in sustainable transport. She loves the mountains, and recently returned from a working holiday taking her from the beaches of Corfu all the way to the Himalayas! When not on a tour you will find her planning a new biking or trail running route amongst our beautiful New Zealand valleys and mountains.

Jessica has travelled extensively in New Zealand and abroad. She studied Adventure Tourism Management in Queenstown. Jessica loves the outdoors, in her spare time, she is most likely found on the water either scuba diving, paddle boarding or kayaking. She also loves to share famous Māori stories and legends with her guests.

Aaron grew up in Levin and has been lucky enough to turn his lifelong love of the outdoors into a long career in tourism. With a Diploma in Outdoor Leadership and years of guiding experience, Aaron is excited to share his knowledge of New Zealand history and Maori legends with you. Aaron is a passionate kayaker and outdoorsman and once kayaked more than 3500km in 4 months across the UK! When he's not guiding a New Zealand Trails tour you’ll find Aaron kayaking, hiking or climbing in our mountains. 

Holly has a Degree in Veterinary Science and spent years working as a vet in between travelling and sailing the world. On the search for her next calling, Holly combined her love for people and the great outdoors as a guide in the French and Italian Alps. Holly has recently found her happy place in Wanaka with her three grown-up children. When she isn’t guiding one of our tours, you’ll find Holly training for an ultra-marathon or at home spending quality time with her family.

Ryan hails from Greymouth, on the West Coast of New Zealand’s South Island. He has a Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding and before joining the New Zealand Trails team he spent seven years working as a White-Water Kayaking Instructor. Although he's travelled the globe, Ryan insists New Zealand is still one of the most beautiful countries he’s ever seen. When he’s not on a New Zealand Trails trip, you’ll likely find Ryan mountain biking, white water kayaking, or paragliding.

Kieran grew up in Taranaki and has a Bachelor of Applied Arts with a major in music. He moved to Central Otago to complete his commercial helicopter license. In a past life, Kieran spent time driving forklifts, trucks and diggers. He is an avid outdoorsman and loves to explore the mountains of the South Island in a 4WD when he’s not guiding a trip for New Zealand Trails!

Kate hails from Dunedin and recently found a home in Wellington. She has a Bachelor of Science in Geography and Environmental Management and a Master of Arts in Geography. In her spare time, you may run into Kate on one of the gorgeous trails in the South Island that she loves exploring on foot or by bike. Before guiding for New Zealand Trails, Kate worked for a conservation trust and spent time studying penguins on the Otago Peninsula.  Kate loves travelling and has recently spent time in Sri Lanka, Portugal and Mexico.

Ciara hails from rural Canterbury in our South Island and is currently studying for a Doctorate in Freshwater Ecology. Ciara started tramping with her family as early as she could carry her own lunch and has centered her life around the great outdoors. In 2022 she completed New Zealand’s ‘Te Araroa’ Trail, a walk spanning the entire length of New Zealand! When she’s not guiding for New Zealand Trails, you’ll find Ciara surfing, tramping, creating pottery or studying for her doctorate.

Gracey has a background in Corporate Insurance but has spent the last few years tour guiding throughout New Zealand. With a love for our mighty All Blacks and a wealth of knowledge about New Zealand’s nature and birdlife, Gracey is as Kiwi (New Zealander) as it gets. Like our cheeky Kea birds, Grace enjoys a good laugh. When she’s not guiding, Gracey spends her spare time gardening or enjoying Mt Maunganui, her local beach. 

Claire grew up exploring the beaches of the North Island and later moved south to Christchurch to study for a degree in International Business. Claire has lived in China and Costa Rica teaching English and more recently worked as a corporate website consultant for a range of Fortune 100 companies. Claire is based in Queenstown where she spends her free time hiking local trails, combing the rivers for driftwood, and trying out new craft projects in her sewing room. Claire is also multilingual and can speak French, Chinese, and Spanish!

Lea has a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology and completed her thesis on New Zealand’s Māori culture. Lea was born in Germany and is proud to be an adopted ‘Kiwi’ after spending years living here in New Zealand. A true outdoors expert, she has worked as an instructor and tour guide for the past six years and holds qualifications in ski and snowboard instructing, rafting and kayaking, along with a Diploma in Adventure Tourism and Guiding. 

Farrell (affectionately known as Faz!) has a degree in Psychology and Criminology and grew up in Taranaki on the West Coast of the North Island. He is our biggest advocate for the beauty and adventure New Zealand provides. A coffee connoisseur and former barista, Faz will show you where the best flat white is found. Faz is happiest when he’s on the coast or in the mountains and when he isn’t guiding, you’ll find him fishing, surfing, climbing up a mountain, or skiing down one.

Lisa is an adventurer at heart, with a passion for travel, storytelling, and the outdoors. Having lived in six countries—and even a year on a sailboat—her journey has taken her from motorbiking through India to diving with hammerhead sharks in the Galápagos Islands. Originally from the USA, Lisa married a Kiwi and now calls New Zealand home. Whether she’s sharing Māori stories, pointing out constellations in the night sky, or leading you to the best sunset or sunrise spots, Lisa will be sure to give you the trip of a lifetime. When she isn’t guiding, you’ll find her enjoying a glass of wine with friends, riding horses or out exploring our trails.

Jess is a self-confessed nature nerd with a unique blend of expertise in ecology and pharmacy. Growing up in Auckland but falling in love with the South Island’s mountains and wildlife, she’s spent much of her life exploring and advocating for the natural beauty of New Zealand. Jess has a deep passion for conservation and loves educating others about Aotearoa’s (New Zealand’s) incredible native and endemic species, and how they interact with the world around us. Her love for adventure has taken her across the globe, including two years in Canada skiing the powder of Revelstoke and a summer bike-packing around Italy’s Lake Garda. When she isn't guiding, you’ll find Jess hiking, climbing, or skiing. With her infectious enthusiasm for conservation, wildlife, and the outdoors, Jess brings an unforgettable energy and knowledge to your New Zealand adventure.

Hailing from Otago and raised in Canterbury, Eva brings a wealth of local knowledge and a deep connection to New Zealand’s natural environment. After living and working in Banff, London, and Dubai, she now calls Wānaka home. Eva’s passion lies in helping others connect with themselves, the great outdoors, and inspiring unforgettable experiences. A self-professed bird nerd and expert in physical wellbeing, Eva is happy to help you physically prepare for your day on the trails. Whether she’s pointing out native bird species, leading a group stretch, or sharing the wairua (spirit) of New Zealand, you’ll be sure to have the trip of a lifetime with Eva around. When she’ isn't guiding, you’ll find Eva hiking, biking, snowboarding, or soaking up the sunshine with friends.

Heather is a ball of energy with a love for adventure and the great outdoors. Whether it’s rock climbing or kayaking white water, she’s always up for an adventure. Heather recently spent two years sailing from Guatemala to Australia, exploring the Pacific Islands. With a Bachelor of Science majoring in geography and geology, Heather is an expert in New Zealand’s diverse landscapes and is passionate about how New Zealand’s iconic landforms are created. When she isn't guiding, you’ll likely find Heather scaling cliffs, paddling through white water, or catching up with friends.

Natalie is a qualified remedial massage therapist with a background in event management and has travelled far and wide—from Italy to South America to Bolivia just to name a few. A passionate storyteller, Natalie loves nothing more than sharing Māori myths and ancient tales of the land, giving you a true sense of our rich culture and wairua (spirit) here in New Zealand. When she isn’t guiding, you’ll find Natalie on the water, in the yoga studio, or tending to her garden. Natalie has previous experience as a dive instructor and a love for outdoor adventures, making her one of our best New Zealand guides to explore our backyard with.

Maddy's love for adventure and the ocean makes her the perfect guide for exploring New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. With a background in psychology and criminology, she brings a thoughtful and caring energy to her adventures, especially when connecting with guests from around the globe. Maddy has a deep connection to the water and can often be found swimming, kayaking, and fishing—particularly in the Hauraki Gulf on our North Island. Her travels have taken her to Canada and the USA, with the beauty of Yosemite and the Rocky Mountains being some of her favourite spots to visit. When isn’t guiding, you’ll find Maddy soaking up the sun on the beach or somewhere in the water. 

Hailing from New Zealand’s windy capital Wellington, Heather brings a unique blend of intellect and adventure to every tour. Heather has a Master’s degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics and in her spare time enjoys tramping, trail running and travelling the world. Heather’s adventures have taken her across the globe, from a 3-month hike from Germany to Spain to travels through Vietnam and Hong Kong. She’s also proud to have completed the Camino trail and is fluent in German, ensuring there’s never a shortage of stories or lively conversation on her tours. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find Heather planning her next trail run, surfing, or exploring one of New Zealand’s iconic trails.