Meet the Dream Team!
Blair - Director/ Owner/ Accounts / Driver/ Gardener
The driving force behind not only Waimarino Kayak Tours, but also Waimarino Adventure Park and Waimarino Education Trust. He is the ideas man and has created and ever-growing community through the development of the Waimarino Group. You may find Blair driving our coaches for Cruise Ship Bookings or large tours, or on the odd occasion going out for a paddle!
Sam - Office and Customer Service Manager
Samantha took on the role as Office and Customer Services Manager in 2023, moving to Tauranga from South Africa, where she grew up. Her responsibilities at Waimarino Adventure Park includes dealing with all the bookings for the Kayak Tours and managing the reception staff. Samantha is always willing to help where needed. Outside of work she enjoys road trips with family and exploring New Zealand.
Royce - Operations Manager
Royce is coming into his sixth Summer here at Waimarino and his third as Operations Manager. Royce started with us as a Junior guide and worked his way up the ranks - Lead guide, Cruise Ship Manager to Operations Manager.
In his spare time Royce used to be a passionate kayak guide, grade 5 white water kayaker and rugby player.
Royce is an integral part of our Waimarino family, keep an eye out for his face all over our marketing!
Maddie- Marketing and Business Operations Manager
Maddie has been at Waimarino for five years, starting out as the Office and Digital Marketing Manager and now moved into the role of Marketing and Business Operations. Maddie has a background in Tourism including studying Adventure Tourism Management and working in various tourism businesses in Queenstown and Franz Josef Glacier. In her spare time Maddie enjoys travelling, hiking and photography.
Tom- Senior Guide
Tom joined our team last Summer and is now one of our senior lead guides! You will find Tom assisting with our staff training, leading our kayak and kanu tours.
Although originally from the U.K. Tom has managed to extend his visa for his second season with us! Come and join us for a 5- star tour with Tom!