Guide Training Day 2023 | Adventure South NZ

About

Meet our team

Reliability is the key to our team

Whether you're talking to our office team, or our guides in the field, everyone at Adventure South NZ is committed to providing you with the best possible experience. All of our staff are keen travellers at heart - we know what you're seeking out of your experience - and we are here first and foremost to help you get the most out of your time in our wonderful wilderness of New Zealand.

We are very proud of the quality of our staff and the feedback from our guests confirm that they truly are the best in our business. We also think they are a pretty good looking bunch!

The Office Team

Philip Wyndham | General Manager
Phil has been involved in the travel and adventure tourism industry for many years including guiding, sales, marketing, industry liaison and business management. He has a passion for trail running and mountain biking but is an all round outdoor guy. His enthusiasm for encouraging people to get out and be their best self in the outdoors is infectious.

Brett Leyden | Operations Manager
With a background in Physical Education and Endurance Sport, Brett loves the opportunities for biking, hiking, and skiing in the South Island. Brett has guided cycling, hiking and kayaking tours for the last 3 years and is now fortunate to support an amazing team of guides as the Operations Manager at Adventure South NZ.

Kaye Wilson | Finance Manager
Kaye is the number cruncher of the team and she has a serious chocolate addiction. She processes all of our accounts, and she emails out the friendly reminders when the balance of a tour is due for your trips. Kaye also pays the Adventure South team - so we keep her well stocked with Whittakers chocolate.

Abram Mahoney | Depot Manager
Abram grew up in New York State, building and racing bikes for as long as he can remember. His quest for epic mountain bike riding brought him to New Zealand in 2017. When not out riding, he loves creating all sorts of interesting food and cocktails, and playing and writing music.

Cathy Allden | Sales Manager
Originally from the UK, Cathy has passionately worked in the travel and tourism industry for 30 years. Cathy has been lucky enough to have travelled the world throughout her career and free time. Cathy is a founding member of Richmond Community Garden, a pioneer organisation leading the charge in food resilience, ecological restoration and community engagement in the Post-Earthquake Christchurch Red Zone.

Louise Vargaya Conza | Reservations Manager

Verena Pabst | Reservations
Originally from Germany, Verena has been calling New Zealand home for the past 14 years. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find her out hiking and exploring the great outdoors. Or in the kitchen, trying new recipes or baking treats. Verena also enjoy a good movie, everything from blockbuster to obscure films.

Chelle Brouwer | Sales Support and Groups Coordinator
Growing up on Auckland’s North Shore, Chelle was introduced to the outdoors through hiking in the Coromandel. Straight out of High School, she found herself working first as Coastguard NZ’s youngest ever female Senior Radio Operator then a Fire dispatcher, before stumbling into the Outdoor Education industry. She trained as an outdoor instructor and program manager before moving to Ōtautahi to pursue a Bachelor of Sustainability and Outdoor Education at Ara. Chelle is passionate about trail running with her dog, rock climbing, adult education, sharing the healing nature of the outdoors and bikepacking.

Izzi Barton |
Izzi grew up skiing, hiking, biking, and swimming all over the Northeast of the US. After graduating she moved to Alaska and fell in love with the wilderness. Izzi spends every free second in the mountains, lakes and rivers. She has a unique passion for polar plunging after a backcountry ski or tramp. Izzi takes her camera everywhere with her and came to NZ to experience the wonders of the beautiful islands.

Eric Fulton | Vehicle Preparation
Eric loves the great outdoors. When he's not organising the trailers and vehicles for the adventure tour, Eric is probably on his road bike cycling around Port Hills. He also enjoys mountain biking, cross-training and tramping, and getting away in the motorhome, with the bikes on the back. Eric has enjoyed participating in many sporting events although is finding it harder to maintain those PBs.

Kosi | Depot Boss and Mascot
Her passion and love for the great outdoors is uncomparable to any other person in the office. When she's not delegating tasks to the depot team, Kosi loves playing tug-of-war and ball. Her position is supported by Bella and Nala.

The Guide Crew (A-D)

Annie Lowerson
Born in Melbourne, Anne studied Physical Education/Outdoor Recreation and eventually made her way to NZ in 1996. She is an avid adventure racer and bike-packer and has spent a huge amount of time exploring, training and racing in NZ. She spent 25 years in the English teaching industry in which she was a teacher and later a Director of Studies. Anne decided life was too short to pass it by indoors, so turned to guiding to use her skills, experience, and passion for inspiring others.

Anouk Minnaar
Anouk’s passion for the outdoors unfolded when she left the Dutch mountains over 20 years ago. She loves riding the local trails in Christchurch and the sometimes less known rideable NZ routes whether it’s on her MTB, gravel or road bike. Bikepacking is definitely her new way of adventuring. When not guiding Anouk is translating her passion into getting more migrant women and children (via Bikes in Schools) riding bikes.

Chris Cameron
Born and bred on a farm in the North Island, Chris trained in Physical Education and Spanish and taught for many years in secondary schools, making the switch to guiding 5 years ago. She has a real passion for nature, cycling, hiking, kayaking and skiing and loves sharing her adventures with travellers in our spectacular New Zealand.

Damian Stones
Mountain bike adventurer, Guide and bike skills instructor, Damian has been involved in mountain biking for 20 years and is a brand ambassador for a number of different companies including Santa Cruz Bicycles, Shimano, Ground Effect clothing, CLIF Bar and Yakima Bike Racks. Notable missions include the Waiau Toa Odyssey - biking and pack rafting from Lake Rotoiti to Kekerengu.

Dave Monk
You won't find Dave living within the confines of a white picket fence and 3 bedroom suburban villa. What makes Dave tick is his passion for life in the outdoors; be it hiking, surfing with his sons, or scheming up his next tour cycling adventure with wife Rachel. Dave's love for tour cycling, ensure he will probably love your tour just as much as you do.

The Guide Crew (E-F)

The Guide Crew (H)

The Guide Crew (I-L)

Ian Ogilvy
While having a background in the military and more recently as a registered Nurse, Iain is keen to go anywhere and do anything outdoors. This includes hiking, biking, sailing, diving, and fishing. Having worked in many areas of rural NZ, including nursing on the Chathams, Iain enjoys getting off the beaten track and showing off NZ.

Isabelle Price
Isabelle started guiding treks and kayaking tours whilst living in one of the most remote areas of Iceland. She has grown up speaking English and French and had the French alps as her holiday playground. Whilst living in Iceland, she worked the winter ski season and trained cycling outdoors on spiked tires under the aurora borealis. She has come to New Zealand to pair her expertise as a guide and passion for cycling as well as love for nature and the outdoors.

Jude Fieldhouse | <i>Jude Fieldhouse</i>

Jude Fieldhouse
Jude owned two Pita Pit stores in Palmerston North for 10 years and sold them in 2021 to pursue her passion for the outdoors. She has biked the Camino de santiago, Vietnam, the Netherlands and most of the NZ Cycle Trails. Jude purchased a Camper Van in 2021 and travelled NZ for 12 months. In 2022 Jude biked Cape Reinga to Bluff to raise funds for Diabetes NZ.

Kalim Richards
Kalim's love of New Zealand saw him walk the Te Araroa - South Island trail from Bluff to Picton. This began his passion for hiking and the outdoors which took him to the US to walk the Appalachian trail. Kalim enjoys sharing his adventure stories and encouraging others to reach their objectives when faced with challenges on the trail.

Kim Shaw
New Zealand born, Kim has a foot in the Arts and a foot in the Outdoors. She has travelled extensively overseas and lived abroad in a number of countries. Apart from being a visual artist, she has spent many years trekking, running, cycling, competing, guiding and exploring. Variety and a good challenge are the spices of life!

Lewis Brindley
I'm originally from the UK and after a few years backpacking around the world settled in New Zealand for the last 13 years. With a keen interest in biking, climbing and mountaineering I switched from working as a chef to guiding for the last few years. I have ridden the length of New Zealand then went back to ride my favourite trails again. Currently living in Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park this is my 4th National Park I've called home as well as Fiordland, Westland Tai Poutini and Abel Tasman.

The Guide Crew (M-P)

Mike Revell
Having ridden bikes for over 50 years, Mike has completed most of the many bike trails that now exist in NZ. He is keen to share with others his passion for exploring the back country of NZ by mountain bike, road bike or hiking and if you have a question about the weather, ask Mike - he spent 40 years studying it at MetService and Niwa.

Morgan Calas | Adventure South Guide | <i>Adventure South</i>

Morgan Calas
Mountain Biking Coach & Mechanic. Born and raised in England, Morgan came to New Zealand in 2016 in search of living his mountain biking career dream. Diploma in Outdoor Adventure Leadership and Management, Professional mechanic for 18 years and a full time MTB Coach for 3 years when he's not guiding clients across Gods land. His memorable magical moment have been when riding his mountain bike and he loves to share this experience with others.

Nicki Evans
Nicki grew up in Auckland however her passion for the outdoors and exploring lured her to the South Island. She loves getting off the beaten track on her bike, hiking or skiing to discover amazing scenery, nature and wildlife. She has a background in professional theatre and teaching with a Degree in Art History. Nicki loves sharing the delights of NZ with others.

Nicole Mulcahy
Nicole is a born and bred kiwi from Timaru. Her passion is guiding people through New Zealand and giving them a unique experience of her beautiful backyard. She enjoys guiding trips for Adventure South NZ in New Zealand and spending the winter guiding in Central Australia. Her passions are whitewater kayaking, hiking, rugby, cycling and enjoying the wonderful outdoors.

Adventure South NZ Guide Ollie | <i>Bec Adams</i>

Ollie Trump
Born in the USA, fourteen years in the UK and fourteen years in Australia and now settling into the South Island, Ollie loves everything outdoor related. For three years Ollie guided hiking and canoeing trips in the remote Yukon Territory of Canada and has spent the last two years as a trekking guide on Central Australia's Larapinta trail. Ollie is no stranger to beautiful places. He loves hiking and cycling, specifically touring (ask him about his travels through British Columbia as well as the UK) and is an avid climber and mountain lover. We think he will settle in on the South Island just great!

Peter Mitchell
Happiest on a bike, in a forest, or on a kayak, the Great Outdoors is Peter's happy place. Sociable and energetic, Peter is often getting friends or family outside on an adventure, large or small.

The Guide Crew (R)

Rich Mortiboys
After leaving university, Richard began a career in the outdoors by organising trail running events along the coastline of the South West of England before becoming a road cycling guide in Europe. Richard is constantly thinking about food, so you’ll be in good hands when it comes to snacks on the trail.

Robbie Marchant | <i>Robbie Marchant</i>

Robbie Marchant
Robbie was brought up on a sheep and cattle farm South of Auckland and grew up spending her weekends outdoors building huts and catching eels. She spent nearly 30 years in the clothing industry and has travelled the world extensively. Robbie competed and crewed in multi-sport and adventure races. She really embraced a love of cycling over the last 15 years travelling within NZ and overseas on numerous occasions to race, ride, guide, bike-pack and explore what is on offer.

Rob Pieper
Rob was born in the Netherlands and has always had an interest in the relationship between humans and the natural world. He holds a BSc in Agriculture, a Diploma in Horticulture, and has worked in dairy farming to which he applied principles of sustainability and organics. He has an Advanced Certificate in Leadership and Guiding and in addition to guiding with Adventure South, has also worked as a guide at Fox Glacier. Rob has built his own home and currently lives off the grid on a small farm.

Rudy Tetteroo
Born and educated in Nelson, Rudy’s early work was in environmental forestry before working as a park ranger and community based field officer for the Department of Conservation. Rudy is a keen tramper, runner, cyclist and trout fisherman, and after retiring early he is excited to share his experience and knowledge with visitors to New Zealand.

Ruth Young
Kia ora, my name is Ruth. I'm from Ōtautahi/Christchurch and usually work as a neonatal nurse, but have also done a stint of emergency nursing in Greymouth. I love spending time in nature, and usually fill it by tramping, camping, and more recently mountain biking and climbing. Some of my favourite trips have been the Paparoa Track, Avalanche Peak, and the Copland Track. I'm excited to adventure with you!

The Guide Crew (S)

Sam Prior
With a background in physical geography, Samuel has always enjoyed the outdoors, and has ridden a bike for most of his life! After graduating from university in the UK, he has spent the last few years guiding cycling tours around Europe. He is super passionate about the natural environment, and will gladly over explain the details of the landscape formation to anyone willing to ask! When not on a tour, Samuel can be found climbing or hiking around his new base of Christchurch!

Sean Mulvany
Born in the UK, raised in Germany with Irish heritage, Seán was always likely to end up living somewhere else. His Kiwi partner made the decision simple and the Marlborough Sounds is now definitely home. From military background, Seán has also worked in outdoor education and spends his winters working locally in the ski industry.

Shantel Thilman | <i>Shantel Thilman</i>

Shantel Thilman
Shantel was born in the USA and enjoyed her first long distance bike trip riding from Alaska to Mexico. She moved to NZ in 2019, but had traveled here previously throughout the years. Shantel has explored NZ as a backpacker, a van goer, and a cycle tourist. Shantel rode from Cape Reinga to Bluff on the Tour Aotearoa and also enjoys having some good bush time- I love New Zealand and cycling and sharing this joy with others.

Steffan Rolfe
Originally from the South Island, Steffan decided to change tack and has spent the last 6 years working in tourism, as a guide and boat driver. Steffan has guided in Mt Cook and Fiordland, and around the wider South Island. Sadly, due to COVID, he has returned to office work - but enjoys getting out on tours to guide people around when he can. When not working Steffan enjoys getting out and exploring the outdoors – hiking, kayaking, biking, climbing.

Steven Franklin
A proud kiwi, lucky to call the pristine waters and alluring habitat of Abel Tasman my backyard! My passion for the outdoors inspired me to study adventure tourism. Since, I have had the pleasure to work in both New Zealand and Norway as a kayak and hiking guide. I thrive in challenging environments, meeting new people, and making them smile.

Sue Clark
A Kiwi for the past 25 years Sue is originally from the UK but is passionate about this country and loves to show it off to visitors, especially on a bike! Before guiding Sue had a lengthy indoor corporate career and has no regrets about heading outdoors and combining 3 of her favourite pastimes, cycling, exchanging stories with like-minded people and exploring.

The Guide Crew (T-Z)

The Ben Ohau Range from the alps to ocean trail | <i>Daniel Thour</i>

Jake Rowse

Ollie Trump

Ruth Young

Kia ora, my name is Ruth. I'm from Ōtautahi/Christchurch and usually work as a neonatal nurse, but have also done a stint of emergency nursing in Greymouth. I love spending time in nature, and usually fill it by tramping, camping, and more recently mountain biking and climbing. Some of my favourite trips have been the Paparoa Track, Avalanche Peak, and the Copland Track. I'm excited to adventure with you!

Your Guides in Action...

The group celebrate an ascent in the Remarkables | <i>Chris Buykx</i>

Want to join our team? - Apply here.

Why travel with us

Exceptional Guides

Our dedicated team of guides are passionate about showing you the natural areas of New Zealand and introducing you to the limitless adventure opportunities. Our guides play a huge part in the overall experience of our trips, which is why we provide two experienced guides on any trip with over 7 people.

Small Groups

We think small is good. Travelling in a group between 4 and 14 people limits the environmental impact, allows you to make life-long friendships, and ensures your travels are fully immersive. Travel like a local, at a relaxed pace and away from the crowds. We couldn't think of a better way to see NZ.

Your Comfort

We stay in carefully selected accommodations that are not only comfortable, but provide local charm and opportunities for genuine cultural interactions. Daily breakfasts are included on all of our tours as well as most lunches and dinners, and a support vehicle is always nearby.