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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 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.

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.

Originally from Auckland, Simon now calls Queenstown home. He’s a registered architect and has seen nearly every corner of New Zealand, from Cape Reinga to Rakiura and reckons there’s still nothing quite like the magic of Milford Sound. His adventures have taken him around the world too, from caring for grizzly bears in Canada to watching the Northern Lights in Yellowknife and exploring Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him out on the trail, enjoying a swim in the lake, or spending time with his family. 

Meet our super-guide, Emily! Originally from Northland now based in Wanaka, Emily has explored New Zealand from top to bottom more than 20 times. Her love of travel began as a child living in Singapore with her travel-enthusiast parents, and since then, she’s guided tours across Europe, Croatia, and beyond. With a Fine Arts and Public Relations degree, a shelf of rowing medals, and multiple "Tour Guide of the Year" awards, Emily brings a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and enthusiasm to every journey. When she's not guiding, you’ll find her hiking, snowboarding, or boating with her beloved Labrador Ridgeback, George. Emily’s passion for people, culture, and adventure makes her the perfect companion for discovering the best of New Zealand!

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.

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.

Chloe is an adventurous nature lover who thrives in the outdoors, whether skiing, hiking, biking or climbing. Growing up in a family that embraced outdoor adventures, Chloe developed a deep respect for nature and a passion for conservation. A qualified guide with certifications in tourism, animal studies, and ski technology, Chloe is also a former junior Tasmanian ski champion and freeride skiing competitor. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find her in the mountains or by the ocean, with Purakaunui Bay in our South Island being her favourite spot. Chloe’s expertise in fauna, flora, and fungi ensures every journey with her is both exciting and enriching.

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. 

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.

Originally from Auckland, Tim now calls Tāhuna/Queenstown home, drawn by the region’s epic landscapes and endless outdoor adventures. With a Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education, Tim has spent years teaching adults and students how to explore Aotearoa’s (New Zealand's) outdoors safely and responsibly. When he's not on a New Zealand Trails Tour, you'll find him working in the solar energy industry, or out enjoying the outdoors himself. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure with Tim leading the way!

Toni grew up on a small farm on the West Coast of the North Island. With nearly a decade in tourism and a degree in communication, she’s passionate about sharing the stories that make Aotearoa/New Zealand so special – especially its native birds and Māori culture. Toni has lived and worked in the US and UK, explored much of Europe, and travelled extensively across New Zealand. When she’s not guiding, you’ll usually find her mountain biking, tramping, or enjoying a relaxed run. 

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.

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.

Originally from Taranaki, Cullen now calls New Zealand’s South Island home. His love for the outdoors started young, exploring New Zealand’s wild places with his family. That sense of adventure has taken him far and wide, from climbing in the Himalayas and French Alps to working as a photographer on the Tour de France. A self-proclaimed bird and plant nerd, Cullen is passionate about New Zealand’s native flora and fauna and loves sharing his knowledge with guests out on the trail. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him tramping, mountain biking, skiing, mountaineering, climbing, running or out with his camera. 

Jamie grew up in the North Island town of Te Awamutu before heading south to complete a Diploma in Outdoor Instruction and Guiding. Before joining the New Zealand Trails team, she worked as a raft guide in the South Island. Her love of adventure has taken her far and wide – from Vietnam and Fiji to Bali, Australia, and England. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find Jamie hiking in the mountains, rock climbing, or out on the trail checking out New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna. 

Kelly grew up in Palmerston North, on New Zealand’s North Island, and holds a degree in Ecology and Conservation. Her passion for travel has taken her around the globe from solo adventures across Europe to the alpine trails of Canada. Back home in New Zealand, Kelly is especially passionate about Aotearoa’s diverse and unique ecosystems and enjoys sharing her knowledge of native flora and fauna with guests along the trail. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find Kelly exploring in the mountains.  

George calls the picturesque South Island town of Wānaka home and has travelled extensively around the country exploring New Zealand’s beautiful, wild corners and hidden gems. A keen adventurer, one of his favourite trips was backpacking through Central and South America. Closer to home, George is passionate about native trees, biodiversity and all things Kiwi culture and loves sharing his knowledge with guests while on the trail. When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him mountain biking the local tracks or chasing waves along the coast. 

Born in Whangārei, Connor has spent the past decade guiding and teaching outdoor education across New Zealand and abroad. His adventures have taken him around the world from cycling across the USA to riding the full length of Thailand, with travels through Europe and the Pacific along the way. Whether he’s hiking, diving or sailing the coastline, Connor feels most at home outdoors. When he’s not guiding, you can find Connor exploring off the beaten track trails or somewhere on the ocean.  

Watson holds a diploma in outdoor instruction and guiding and has spent his career exploring the wild places of the world. He has a deep appreciation for nature and the conservation efforts happening across the South Island. You’ll often find him skiing, canyoning, biking or enjoying time outside. Along the trail, he’s always quick with a story, a laugh, and a seemingly endless supply of knowledge to share.

Rachel grew up in the North Island coastal city of Napier before heading south to study Outdoor Education. She’s explored New Zealand’s landscapes by kayak, raft, bike, and on foot – including cycling the length of the country. Her adventures have also taken her through Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Middle East. After several years living and working overseas, Rachel now calls the beautiful Bay of Islands home, where she lives aboard her sailboat. When she’s not guiding, you’ll find her sea kayaking, snorkelling or diving, or playing board games with a warm cuppa in hand. 

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. 

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 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.

Ryan grew up in the beachside town of Gisborne and is an avid hiker and photographer, so make sure you get him to capture some snaps of you on your trip! When he's not guiding Ryan enjoys surfing, hiking and spending time with his dog Koda.

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. 

Vaughan is a true Kiwi adventurer raised in the picturesque town of Taupō on New Zealand's North Island. Vaughan has a passion for the great outdoors, with hobbies as varied as hiking, golf, sailing, motorbiking, swimming, and even gardening. When he’s not on a New Zealand Trails tour, he’s spending time with his best mate, Pepper - a charming little French bulldog. With Vaughan’s love of travel and his local knowledge of our backyard, you're in for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Aotearoa (New Zealand).