Meet our team

Angela Sexton

General Manager

With over 16 years of guiding experience, Ange brings deep passion and leadership to Adventure South NZ. Her philosophy: adventure builds resilience, camaraderie, and lasting memories — driven by authentic experiences and helping others discover the best of New Zealand.

Brett Leyden

Operations Manager

With a background in Physical Education and Endurance Sport, Brett loves biking, hiking and skiing in the South Island. He now supports an amazing team of guides as Operations Manager at Adventure South NZ.

Kaye Wilson

Finance Manager

Kaye is the number cruncher of the team with a serious chocolate addiction. She processes all accounts and emails out friendly reminders when tour balances are due. Kaye also pays the Adventure South team — so we keep her well stocked with Whittakers chocolate.

Gill Scott-Douglas

Sales Manager

Originally from the UK, Gill is a welcome addition to our Sales team, bringing a wealth of experience and a genuine love of the outdoors along with her.

Sue Clark

Trip Designer & Group Coordinator

A Kiwi for 25 years, Sue is passionate about New Zealand and loves showing it off — especially on a bike! She combines her love of cycling, storytelling and exploring with supporting the team in the office.

Lea Kilgenstein

Sales Coordinator

Born in Germany, Lea travelled the world before settling in NZ to study Adventure Tourism and Guiding. She spends winters skiing and summers kayaking, hiking and biking — and loves sharing her passion for this beautiful country.

Louise Vargaya Conza

Reservations Manager

Previously a guide, Louise brings epic expertise alongside experience as a mum into her role as Reservations Manager, handling every sticky situation around our accommodation needs with ease. We're ecstatic she's a part of the team!

Verena Pabst

Reservations Coordinator

Originally from Germany, Verena has called New Zealand home for 14 years. When she's not in the office you'll find her hiking the great outdoors, trying new recipes in the kitchen, or watching everything from blockbuster films to hidden gems.

Eric Fulton

Vehicle Preparation

Eric loves the great outdoors. When he's not organising trailers and vehicles for tours he's probably on his road bike around Port Hills, mountain biking, cross-training, tramping, or getting away in the motorhome with the bikes on the back.

Will Jammeh

Equipment Coordinator

Originally from a small town in Scotland, Will lives for the outdoors — mountain biking, kayaking, sailing. He moved to New Zealand in early 2025 and is loving every moment, excited to keep exploring everything this country has to offer one ride or kayak at a time.

Roo & Tūī

Office Dogs

These pups oversee general operations — issuing regular demands for scratches, reminding us to take breaks, and delegating tasks to the depot team. When not on duty, they love a good run with the bikes, playing fetch, and adventuring in the hills.

Anjali Pande

Guide

Anjali's hobbies — climbing, mountaineering, mountain biking, skiing and diving — have taken her all over the world. A marine biologist who has guided on Antarctic and Arctic expedition ships, adding mountain bike and hiking guiding seemed like the most natural next step.

Annie Lowerson

Guide

Born in Melbourne, Anne studied Physical Education and Outdoor Recreation before making her way to NZ in 1996. An avid adventure racer and bike-packer, she left 25 years of teaching behind to share her passion for inspiring others in the outdoors.

Anouk Minnaar

Guide

Anouk left the Netherlands over 20 years ago and now loves riding Christchurch's trails on her MTB, gravel or road bike. When not guiding she channels her passion into getting more migrant women and children cycling via Bikes in Schools.

Bryan Prestidge

Guide

Bryan's outdoor adventures started over 50 years ago, progressing into multi-sport with five Coast to Coast completions. He celebrated retirement with a 2.5-month cycle tour through the USA and Canada and loves encouraging others into the outdoors.

Catherine Hedgebeth

Guide

Originally from Ohio, Catherine gave up law school to explore the world's best hiking and kayaking. She spent years in Alaska before settling in New Zealand — a capable sailor, a less-capable guitar player, and probably the only Cincinnati Reds fan in the country.

Chris Cameron

Guide

Born on a North Island farm, Chris trained in PE and Spanish and taught secondary school before switching to guiding 5 years ago. She has a real passion for nature, cycling, hiking, kayaking and skiing and loves sharing NZ with travellers.

Collie Courouble

Guide

Born in France then moving to Australia, Collie now feels at home in New Zealand enjoying mountain biking, bike touring, climbing, skiing, hiking and kayaking. With a background in hospitality and outdoor education, guiding bike tours and sharing her passion for bikepacking and food was a perfect fit!

Dorz Howe

Guide

Born in Auckland, Dorz joined the NZ Police in 1996 and transferred to Christchurch where she discovered a love for hiking, sea kayaking and bike packing. After retiring from policing in 2022, she's been enjoying the great outdoors and exploring as much as possible, sharing adventures with like-minded people.

Elaine Buckland

Guide

Born in the UK, Elaine moved to NZ in 2001 and fell in love with the adventure industry — working as a gear advisor and graphic designer before retraining as a hiking/mountain biking guide in 2019. When not on trail she's making wooden furniture or out on the water.

Eli Niha

Guide

Originally from Northland, Eli now calls Queenstown home. After starting out in engineering, he has spent the past three years in adventure tourism. Passionate about sharing the outdoors, in his spare time he's often bikepacking around NZ, trail running in the mountains, or climbing big rocks.

Emma Holdaway

Guide

Emma trained as an Outward Bound instructor in Washington USA and loves connecting people to the power of the environment. She spends her time planning bike and hike trips to historic huts off the beaten trail and soaking in NZ's natural hot springs.

Erin Greene

Guide

Growing up in Dunedin racing mountain bikes, Erin has competed in 24hr races, stage races, and events including Southern Traverse and Godzone. She works winters ski patrolling and guides in summer — a perfect life showing off NZ.

Fiona MacDonald

Guide

Fiona grew up on a farm in Hawke's Bay, travelled extensively, then worked as a travel agent before moving to Taupō. She started her guiding career on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing and loves sharing her passion and swapping stories.

Hana Black

Guide

Hana's wilderness adventures influenced a career in outdoor clothing design for NZ brands. A four-year, 51,500km cycle tour from Alaska to Ushuaia inspired her switch from gearing people up for the outdoors to getting them out on the trails.

Harry Caspian

Guide

A passionate cyclist for over 20 years, Harry feels most at home on two wheels — whether commuting or bike-packing across continents. He brings a wealth of facts, tips and tales to your Adventure South experience. Hailing from Britain, he'll always find time for an extra cup of tea.

Heather Gallagher

Guide

A 5th generation kiwi from Christchurch, Heather grew up on the family farm enjoying the foothills, lakes and Southern Alps of the South Island. She loves skiing, hiking, biking, boating and horse riding — and loves nothing more than sharing her backyard with like-minded people.

Howie Barnes

Guide

Howie fell in love with the outdoors at an Outward Bound course aged 17 and went on to serve 18½ years in the army. Since emigrating to NZ in 2006, he has led 18 World Challenge expeditions and guided throughout Aotearoa.

Ian Ogilvy

Guide

With a background in the military and as a registered Nurse, Ian is keen to go anywhere outdoors — hiking, biking, sailing, diving, and fishing. Having worked across rural NZ including the Chatham Islands, he loves getting off the beaten track.

John Kirk-Anderson

Guide

After three decades as a photojournalist and part-time outdoor instructor, John now guides full time across NZ. He has worked in the Subantarctic, Alaska and Siberia — but rates New Zealand as his favourite place to be and loves showing visitors our special places.

Jude Fieldhouse

Guide

Jude sold her Pita Pit stores in 2021 to pursue her passion for the outdoors. She has biked the Camino de Santiago, Vietnam, the Netherlands and most NZ Cycle Trails, and in 2022 rode Cape Reinga to Bluff to raise funds for Diabetes NZ.

Kim Shaw

Guide

NZ-born Kim has a foot in the Arts and a foot in the Outdoors. A visual artist who has lived abroad in many countries, she has spent years trekking, running, cycling, competing and guiding. Variety and a good challenge are the spices of life!

Lewis Brindley

Guide

From the UK, Lewis backpacked the world before settling in NZ for 13 years. A former chef turned guide, he has ridden the length of NZ and currently calls Aoraki/Mt Cook home — his 4th National Park alongside Fiordland, Westland and Abel Tasman.

Lisa Jones

Guide

After several years in marketing, Lisa made the move to Wānaka to swap the office for the outdoors. She now works winters at a cross-country ski field and guides during the summer. When she's not guiding, you'll find her exploring the hills on foot or by bike, or making the most of winter on the snow.

Luke Southorn

Guide

Luke loves biking and hiking in the company of others and has explored trails throughout NZ and beyond. With a background in people management and environmental volunteering, guiding brings all his passions together in his favourite outdoor office.

Mike Revell

Guide

Having ridden bikes for over 50 years, Mike has completed most of NZ's bike trails and loves sharing his passion for exploring the back country. And if you have a question about the weather, ask Mike — he spent 40 years studying it at MetService and NIWA.

Mike van der Boom

Guide

Mike has spent many years discovering the natural beauty of New Zealand on foot, by bike and even on horseback, sharing adventures with family and school groups alike. He's thrilled to share the amazing trails of our backyard with you — they're a pure joy and even better with good company!

Nicki Evans

Guide

Nicki grew up in Auckland but her passion for the outdoors lured her to the South Island. A former theatre professional with a Degree in Art History, she loves getting off the beaten track on bike, foot or skis and sharing the delights of NZ.

Nicole Mulcahy

Guide

Nicole is a born-and-bred Kiwi from Timaru passionate about guiding visitors through her beautiful backyard. She also guides in Central Australia in winter. Her loves include whitewater kayaking, hiking, rugby and cycling.

Paul Gardener

Guide

Born in the UK, Paul's love for adventure began with travels across Europe, India and Australia. After working as an electrician in both the UK and NZ, he joined the adventure tourism industry in 2023. Outside of work he's often kayaking the Abel Tasman coastline or exploring the outdoors with his two sons.

Pete Stills

Guide

Born and raised in the South Island, Pete served with the NZ Police for 42 years before fulfilling a dream of adventure guiding. He loves mountain biking, hiking and tramping — and sharing the pleasure others get from safe adventure experiences.

Rich Mortiboys

Guide

After university, Richard organised trail running events on the South West England coastline before becoming a road cycling guide in Europe. Richard is constantly thinking about food — so you'll be in very good hands when it comes to snacks on the trail.

Rob Pieper

Guide

Born in the Netherlands, Rob holds a BSc in Agriculture and has applied sustainable principles to dairy farming. He has an Advanced Certificate in Leadership and Guiding, has guided at Fox Glacier, and lives off the grid on a small farm he built himself.

Robbie Marchant

Guide

Robbie grew up on a sheep and cattle farm south of Auckland and spent nearly 30 years in the clothing industry. She competed in multi-sport and adventure races, and embraced a love of cycling over the last 15 years — racing, riding, guiding, bikepacking and exploring both NZ and overseas.

Sam Wilson

Guide

Sam started guiding in the Cairngorms, then worked in outdoor education in the UAE and Australia. He enjoys helping people connect with nature. A perfect day involves exploration on two wheels or two feet, a cold swim, and a cheeseboard.

Sean Mulvany

Guide

Born in the UK and raised in Germany with Irish heritage, Seán's Kiwi partner made the decision simple — the Marlborough Sounds is now home. He has a military background, experience in outdoor education, and works the ski industry in winter.

Shantel Thilman

Guide

Born in the USA, Shantel's first long distance bike trip was from Alaska to Mexico. She moved to NZ in 2019 and has explored as a backpacker, van-goer and cycle tourist. She rode the Tour Aotearoa from Cape Reinga to Bluff and loves sharing her joy of New Zealand and cycling with others.

Steffan Rolfe

Guide

Originally from the South Island, Steffan spent 6 years working in tourism as a guide and boat driver in Mt Cook and Fiordland. He enjoys getting out on tours whenever he can, and when not working he's exploring the outdoors through hiking, kayaking, biking and climbing.

Steve Onyett

Guide

Originally from the UK, Steve has called NZ home for 15 years. With 20+ years in the outdoor industry, he believes any time outdoors is a gift and has a genuine passion for sharing nature and creating meaningful experiences.

Steven Franklin

Guide

A proud Kiwi with Abel Tasman as his backyard, Steven's passion for the outdoors led him to study adventure tourism. He has guided kayaking and hiking in NZ and Norway, and thrives on challenging environments and making people smile.

Sue Clark

Guide

A Kiwi for 25 years, Sue is originally from the UK but is passionate about this country and loves to show it off — especially on a bike! She combined a lengthy corporate career with a love of cycling, storytelling and exploring, and has no regrets about heading outdoors full time.

Tereza Unzeitigova

Guide

Born in Czech Republic, Tereza studied Outdoor Ed before her love of adventure brought her to NZ, where she lived on a sailing yacht for 13 years. Her passion for the outdoors and NZ culture led her to guide all over the country.

Will Turner

Guide

After managing an Auckland bike store for 8 years, Will found a true passion for guiding in 2018. He now lives in Japan running tours with his wife, returning to NZ each summer to guide, adventure and get his fix of fish and chips!