About Thrifty Tours New Zealand

I have been a member of the Discover New Zealand team for over 10 years and LOVE helping people create a once in a lifetime holiday. Give me a call and let's have a chat about what will make a trip to New Zealand most special for you.

As a lifelong adventurer turned professional guide, I bring a few decades of local knowledge to every itinerary I create. I understand that travel is never "one size fits all" and focus on bespoke experiences that reflect the individual. Backed by a team of experts, I'm committed to listening, creating, and supporting you through every step of your New Zealand journey to ensure you experience the best our country offers.

I love New Zealand and I think you will too. Born and raised in Dunedin I haven't travelled far to raise my children in the beautiful Wānaka. Wānaka provides us with the adventurous lifestyle that we adore. Winter days skiing, weekends on the mountain biking trails, and summers spent in (and on) the lake. It is a beautiful place like much of the rest of New Zealand. So come and see it for yourself, get in touch and we can start planning your New Zealand escape.

First experiencing the South Island on a family road trip as a child, I still can't get enough of the stunning scenery New Zealand offers.

After a long career as an international travel consultant, I love offering my own ‘backyard’ as a destination. I look forward to working with you to design a custom itinerary that allows you to enjoy a variety of experiences at your own pace and ensures you have the best possible time exploring New Zealand's many hidden gems.

Originally from the “sunny” UK, at the ripe old age of 22 I decided to pack up and start exploring the world. After visiting over 40 different countries, I found my home…New Zealand! Now I couldn’t imagine anywhere more wonderful to live! Breathtaking scenery, culture and friendly Kiwis are what makes this place so extraordinary, but don’t take my word for it, come and find out for yourself! 😊 This passion for travel and love for New Zealand is what will ensure the dedicated team and I will create you the trip of a lifetime!

I’m Kayla, a proud Kiwi with over three years of experience helping travellers discover the very best of New Zealand. I love sharing local knowledge and creating personalised journeys that go beyond the usual tourist routes, giving you a genuine Kiwi experience. Whether it’s iconic highlights or hidden gems, I’m passionate about designing trips that help you connect with Aotearoa!

My background in the luxury ski industry led me to following my dream and making the move to New Zealand from the UK. Before settling here, I spent 4 months travelling the country, exploring as much of New Zealand as possible and quickly falling in love with its landscapes and lifestyle. It’s now a real privilege to use that first-hand knowledge to design journeys that feel seamless, considered, and genuinely memorable. I take a guest-first approach to travel planning, with an emphasis on quality experiences, exceptional stays, and meaningful time in each destination, with the goal of creating itineraries that feel effortless for the traveller while showcasing the very best of what New Zealand has to offer.  

I love showing off my home country and sharing my passion for travel with others! I have many years of experience studying and working in tourism in New Zealand. I have lived in many places across the South Island and explored much of the North Island too, so I have a wealth of knowledge and tips I can't wait to share with you.

I grew up in Auckland and lived there my whole life, until 3 years ago when my partner and I moved to Wānaka. We see Wānaka as home now and are extremely settled here with our 2 year old pup Chess! My background consists of sales and customer care... I love skiing and being outdoors, but I also love to be at home with yummy food and watching a movie!

I’m Shelby, your bespoke on-the-ground travel specialist, creating luxury, boutique, slow-travel intentional journeys that go beyond the ordinary. I call the South Island of New Zealand home, where local insight shapes everything I do.

I design curated itineraries that immerse you in culture, landscape, and authentic connection - tailored to your time, budget, and interests. From dramatic landscapes and world-class adventure to cultural depth or space to slow down and reset, your journey through our land will feel seamless, memorable, and leave you wanting to return.

I’m a passionate travel specialist who has proudly called Wānaka home for over seven years. Originally trained in optometry, a field centred around care and attention to detail, I’ve carried that same people-first approach into the travel industry. New Zealand completely captured my heart, and I love sharing that with others by crafting personalised journeys that go far beyond the ordinary. From dramatic fiords and alpine landscapes to vibrant cities and peaceful lakeside retreats, I specialise in designing seamless, tailored itineraries that reflect your travel style - all while being there to support you every step of the way.

Although not originally from NZ, I have been lucky enough to call this place home for the last 7 years... I work with a great team here at Fine Tours Group and between us, we have probably covered every inch of New Zealand. So whether it be jumping out of a plane, hiking to glaciers, or enjoying a glass of vino in a vineyard, you name it, we know about it.

I'm Christina, New Zealand born and Australian raised, who returned home for the epic scenery, snow-capped mountains and laidback lifestyle. With over eight winter seasons of on-mountain experience, I love helping others craft their dream ski holidays.

Customer Experience

I love to travel and have spent a lot of my life searching for the next adventure and exciting destination to visit. When I arrived in New Zealand, I knew that I had found my home away from home. This beautiful country offers everything I could ever want - adventure, incredible hospitality, and beautiful scenery. I am excited to share my wealth of knowledge with you and help you experience the amazing wonders of New Zealand firsthand.

My favourite place: Fiordland National Park, not only do you have the incredible Milford sounds, but you also have some of the most spectacular hikes right at your doorstep.

Sales and Customer Service Manager

A true Kiwi local, with a strong passion for New Zealand including being renowned for my strong southern accent. My career has always been in hospitality and tourism management, varying from reservations to general hotel management. I’m an expert in service delivery to ensure client expectations are exceeded. My in-depth knowledge of New Zealand including the dedication, passion, and care to ensure all clients create the most amazing memories is the reason I love the industry and my role.

My favourite place: Wanaka, due to the pristine mountains, lake and fantastic biking trails.

I'm Cory, originally from the UK... Now I'm proud to call New Zealand home. These days you'll usually find me outside, mountain biking, skiing, or swimming in alpine lakes. After travelling extensively, I'm passionate about sharing my love for the outdoors.

British Born, Kiwi Raised - I moved to New Zealand for the pure environment, friendly people and epic attractions. Coming from a background in luxury lodges and overseas superyachts, my transition to creating unforgettable special moments, holidays, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for travellers back home in New Zealand was clearly the path forward for my career. You will find me water skiing, fishing, up in the ski mountains and enjoying spectacular wine & food at New Zealand's exceptional hospitality hotspots. Now it's time to share my experiences with you!

I’m Nikita, a born-and-bred Kiwi who is lucky enough to call Wānaka my home! My upbringing in the South Island afforded me the opportunity to spend years discovering our country's most beautiful landscapes and secret spots. Following extensive world travel, I felt an undeniable pull back to this paradise on earth, and I’m now dedicated to sharing my passion and unique experiences with you.

I'm Ryan, originally from the UK with 3 years living in Australia, and now calling Wanaka home. I have travelled through the North Island and around Queenstown, soaking up New Zealand's most iconic highlights along the way. I am adding more NZ locations to my checklist every month to grow my knowledge further and see the experiences we provide first hand.