Veronika Wasel - German speaking
Taupo/Waikato

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 Veronika says she found an inner raport with New Zealand’ s abundant water, flora, fauna, and last but not least-- its people. Especially the native Maori and the richness of their culture. “The traditions of the Maori are intensely intriguing…their lifestyle, their relationship with nature and family orientation all appeal to me”, Veronika reflects , finally adding…” Here, I can truly be myself.”
Her love and passion for elite travel in New Zealand is infectious. “I listen to my clients’ requests carefully to develop an understanding of their wishes. And, in the end, they trust me to design their personal holiday…So although I have to admit that I love nature and sometimes „roughing it‟, at the end of the day, we most enjoy relaxing in luxury. This is also an important part of life…” she says with a smile.
Veronika has worked with NZ outdoor companies and for some of the largest and most notable lodges in this country. Her tasks have included looking after visitors while trout fishing on Lake Taupo, for instance. From this she developed a passion for lake and sea fishing which continues to be a pastime pleasure (along with dancing, fine dining, friendship and guiding, which; after all, is her passion).
“The beauty of new Zealand”, she says, “is that we still have generous access to its natural abundance and unique experiences. It is the most extraordinary playground on earth.” And, for Veronika this is „perfect travelling‟. She says to see nature from all perspectives—whether by aircraft, boat, car or walking - allows her guests a unique encounter, by world standards.
Veronika’ s clients experience a number of pleasant surprises. They might not quite realize which adventure they are heading for, but will usually greatly appreciate what they’ ve been encouraged to try afterwards. “Jet boating, for instance, my guests sometimes ask why we include that in our journey and I explain it’s the only way to get a look at that area in its most natural state. Once they are on the water comfortably exploring our un-touched landscape—then it all makes sense and they are immensely pleased…the experience is priceless”, she adds. Veronika sees „elite travel‟ as an art, gets her motivation from the type of people she is able to host and with whom she feels a great affinity. With a knowing smile Veronica adds, “the elite traveler tends to have a wide experience and interesting stories about their lives. Most of my clients are self-made people and have accrued their wealth through hard work and belief in themselves. I share this same philosophy to „never give up!‟ So my clients are both enjoyable and very inspirational—which makes my business so worth while.”
No need to say more… read our guest testimonials!

OUR personal GUIDES

Raymond Bruce Hopkins
Auckland

Bruce Hopkins is regarded as one of New Zealands most versatile film, television, radio and stage performers. A highlight of his acting career was playing the featured role of 'Gamling', King Theodens general, in 2 of Peter Jacksons trilogy of films, The Lord Of The Rings. In Nov 2010 Bruce won the Best Nationwide Master of Ceremonies Award at the Corporate Events Guide Peoples Choice Awards. Claiming to be a South Pacific Islander, by virtue of having been born a 4th generation Stewart Islander ( Stewart island is one of NZs hidden gems, situated off the southern coast of NZs South Island ), Bruce has a love of the ocean, taking part in ocean swimming events, surfing, snorkelling and fishing. Born at the southern end of NZ Bruce went on to become a commercial crayfisherman, fishing off Cape Reinga, the northern most tip of NZ with his father Bill Hopkins who was a pioneer in the fishing industry. At the age of 22yrs Bruce discovered the world of the performing arts and went on to have an 8yr career as a professional dancer in NZ and Australia. During this time he travelled extensively touring shows throughout NZ and through this time fell in love with the stunning beauty and diversity of landscapes and coastal areas NZ has to offer. Not only does Bruce love travelling throughout NZ himself, he also has a passion for sharing that experience with others. His wealth of experiences means that Bruce has a wonderful array of contacts in various industries throughout NZ.Having also been a coffee roaster, Bruce plays very average guitar, loves listening to music, watching documentaries and sharing ideas with people from all walks of life. Probably the greatest joy in Bruce's life are his 3 adult children and grandson.

"I first encountered Bruce Hopkins at The Edge in Auckland, when I was touring with the Royal Shakespeare Company in King Lear and The Seagull. Of course Ian McKellen had encountered Bruce when they worked together on The Lord of the Rings. We met for the first time at the first night reception for King Lear, and Bruce immediately struck me as a wonderfully engaging personality, full of warmth and intelligence. During our time in Auckland, Bruce opened up the city to us, to its diversity and some fascinating hidden corners. All of us found the city to be refreshing and lively, but it was Bruce who lit the spark. As well as being a first-rate actor, he is also a first-rate person whose wit and enthusiasm would be an enormous asset to any exciting and forward-looking organization. He is, as they say, a 'one-off'." Jonathan Hyde

Jurgen Wagner - German-Frensh-Spanish speaking
Christchurch/Canterbury

Born in Trier, Germanys oldest city, Jurgen has to have a passion for history. Whether of roman or gypsy heritage – from early childhood he enjoyed working with international visitors in his grandparents B&B on the famous Mosel River. He had his first job as a tour guide in Jerusalem, Israel, where he worked as a volunteer with the German Peace Corps. After guiding for twenty years in all continents Jurgen gained an international diploma in tourism and worked as destination manager for leading German tour operators. “I fell in love with New Zealand on my first visit in 1989 - I have travelled and walked extensively exploring the awesome sights this country has to offer. My passion is to share all I have experienced by guiding small groups. Aroha Tours is a great company “to get off the beaten track” - we offer a back stage pass to this beautiful country with all possible comfort to make your holiday unforgettable.” Jurgen lives in Christchurch when not on the road. Apart from English and German he is quite fluent in French and Spanish and has a basic knowledge of Hebrew.

Achim Schmidgall - German-Frensh-Italian speaking
Kaikoura/Canterbury

Achim came to New Zealand in 1987. He decided to stay and never looked back. Being a toolmaker by trade at the time, helped to make the immigration process easy. For him this was a dream come true, as New Zealand is a true playground for outdoor enthusiasts like himself. He travelled the country extensively before settling in Hawkes Bay on New Zealand’s North Island, where he bought and converted a property to farm it successfully following biodynamic principles. He met his future wife and decided to move to Kaikoura on the South Island with its spectacular land- and seascapes. Two beautiful children were soon to follow. He now runs goats on his property on the foothills of the Kaikoura mountains, grows his own food which he supplements with nature's gifts, for which he hunts and fishes in the wild. He worked as a nature conservationist for many years and still does when he is not showing clients our beautiful country. His guiding experience reaches back to 1995, when he started taking small groups on specialized four wheel drive tours off the beaten track throughout New Zealand. He thrives on showing clients our pure, untouched New Zealand. This is why he works with Aroha Tours, as we share the same philosophy. His specialities are New Zealand flora, fauna and history. Of his many interests the main ones are fishing, hunting, diving and tramping. He has a basic knowledge of the French and Italian languages.

Jack Tregear
Christchurch/Canterbury

Jack Tregear is a direct descendant of one of the earliest pioneering settlers and has always had a strong interest in the Canterbury region. His tours endeavour to recreate aspects of early life in the colony. Jack Tregear, based in Christchurch, provides scenic tours that include points of interest and areas of historical importance in and around the city. His knowledge of the local history of Christchurch and the Canterbury region is second to none and he provides his guests with friendly and relaxed tours of the area. Jack's earliest New Zealand relative surveyed the Bridle Path and many other early historic features in the area, including some of earliest landmarks for Lyttelton, the shipping port for the region. He will insures that your travel arrangements are secure and stress-free.

Stephen Popperwell
Wanaka/Central Otago

Stephen had a long career as a musician in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. But the lure of the beautiful mountains of the South Island were such that a few years ago he moved with his wife to live in Wanaka. Since then he has driven and guided for a number of companies. He is passionate about the area and has great knowledge and stories to share of, in particular, Central Otago and the West Coast. He is committed to helping others to enjoy the region and loves the company of visitors from other countries. He has travelled overseas many times and driven throughout Europe on countless occasions. “I can’t think of a better way to spend a day than with good company and beautiful New Zealand passing by!

Craig Rome - Japanese speaking
Christchurch/Canterbury

Craig Rome is a Scottish born Kiwi who speaks and writes Japanese. IHe was raised on a farm in Gretna Green Scotland, went to high school in Edinburgh at Fettes College and then graduated from The West of Scotland Agricultural College and migrated to NZ in 1977.  Originally he migrated here to manage dairy farms and subsequently worked in hotels and laterally owned and operated a coffee shop bakery in Christchurch.
In 1988 he went to Japan with his young family to learn the language and work as an English teacher in a Private Girls High School in Maebashi called “Kyoai Gakuen”. Upon returning to Christchurch in 1993 he began guiding Japanese guests around for the larger Japanese Travel Companies  and he slowly began to establish his  own business CanNZ tours offering more relaxed and tailor made itineraries. His interests are growing organic vegetables, cooking, golf, fly fishing, tennis, hiking, skiing and most sports. He is very passionate about environmental issues

Tom Loughlin - Maori specialist

Ko Tauhara te maunga, Ko Waikato te awa, Ko Taupo te moana, Ko Ngati Tuwharetoa te iwi, Ko Ruingarangi te hapu, Ko Te Rangiita te whare tupuna, Noreira tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa. Now you know where Tom comes from. You will also be delighted to know that Tom has travelled extensively for over twenty years, honing his skills as a qaulified chef, throughout the Pacific, Europe, UK, Australia and New Zealand. Tom has grown up in the outdoors and has come from a long line of Ngati Tuwharetoa, who have lived the life of harvesting and cooking food. Te ngahere, The Bush. This is where you will find Tom as your host, your guide and your friend. His The Kai Waho Experience is the only Maori Cultural Activity, that provides a detailed insight, into Maori Kai (Food) and the outdoors where the Kai is Harvested, Preserved/cooked, and stored. Tikanga (Sacred rules) Karakia, (Prayer), Kaitiakitanga, (Guardian ship of guests), Manakitanga, (Being the humble host). These are all what makes up the Kai Waho Experience. He mihi nui,

Chad Thompson – professional sailor

Chad’s whole life has been spent sailing. The first half was spent recreationally sailing, including racing and cruising, on the northeastern coast of New Zealand; as well as a few offshore passages. Chad left the corporate world in 1996 to take up sailing professionally. First of all running the families classic 43’ (13m) sailing yacht in charter and then since 2003 he has been running the 46’ (14m) classic motor yacht, the Lady Gay. He is also an RYA sailing instructor. His knowledge of the Hauraki Gulf is extensive and coupled with the human history of the region and his appreciation of the gulf’s natural history he can give you an unsurpassed experience out on the Auckland Harbour, the sheltered waters of Hauraki Gulf and further afield.

Phil was born and brought up in the UK moved to New Zealand almost 10 years ago, beginning his flying career in the hills and over the ocean at Kaikoura on the South Island’s East coast. A love of mountains since childhood steered him towards the scenic mountain flying that he now enjoys every day with Air Safaris, one of New Zealand’s original and largest scenic charter companies. Phil came to Air Safaris in 2006, and considers he has struck gold with a job that he loves, working with a great team in a place that he wants to live! “The constantly changing weather patterns, the beauty and excitement of the terrain and the mixed fleet of fantastic aircraft are key attractions of the job, and the fact that our passengers are having a great time makes for a very happy environment in the aircraft cabin! Sometimes I have to pinch myself to realise how good I have it!” . All Air Safaris pilots live and work either in Lake Tekapo in the rugged Mackenzie basin or in Franz Josef on the West Coast. A shared passion for aviation and for the outdoors keeps the team enthusiastic and keen to pass this on to all their passengers.

Often Brent (Fly Fish Taupo) finds himself apologising to clients that his office furniture is somewhat minimalist but the view out of his window is just spectacular. He can’t really say that guiding is work; it’s a passion that he loves to share with others. That’s how he feels about guiding. It’s not the catching it’s the environment and everything that makes our country so fantastic. Over the years he has had the chance to take clients to rivers that simply blow their minds with the natural beauty that only the wilderness of New Zealand has to offer. He prides himself on working hard for his clients, be it their first time or for the experienced angler who wants to land that big fish, it’s just giving them the best possible experience.

Phill’s role is to oversee the day-to-day operations of Volcanic Air Safaris. This includes ensuring all Standards and Procedures are properly adhered to and integrated into the operations of the business. Phill has extensive floatplane experience, has an instructor rating and trains all floatplane pilots. He is a qualified Multi-Engined Instrument Rated pilot. He is also responsible for the upkeep and R & M of the aircraft. Of late Phill has taken a liking to Golf and can be found on his days off swinging a Club at one of the many local Golf Courses.

Harald Bettin, Managing Director from Land of Dreams is our specialist when it comes to fishing and hunting throughout New Zealand. To our clients his passion makes the difference. Always around to explore new waters and stalk illusive trophy animals he is our No. 1 partner for wilderness hunting and fishing adventures. With our specialised partners throughout the travel industry Aroha Tours caters for all needs and expectations of our valuable clients.

Barry previously held this role with VAS from 1998 until 2003, where he took up a role flying the Rotorua Rescue Helicopter/air ambulance. Barry has extensive experience in most types of Helicopter operations including tourism, lifting, freight provision, power line survey, search and rescue, filming/photography. Barry has an APTPL (H) instrument rating, instructor rating (B & D with night instructor/x country privileges, flight examiner rating, NVG rating. Barry looks after the overall Helicopter operation and is the Quality Assurance Manager for V.A.S. He is married with two young daughters and enjoys family time and golf.