We are a boutique, locally owned business.
Aroha Luxury New Zealand Tours is not just a business; it's a personal endeavour led by Veronika Vermeulen, who will welcome you to this beautiful country. Whether you're in Veronika's company or one of her hand-selected guides, you'll feel the personal assurance that you're in the best hands this country has to offer. This European-born "Kiwi" has earned her tour business an exceptional reputation as a leader in NZ's tourism trade, both here and abroad, a reputation that ensures you're in the most capable hands. Veronika lives with her husband and son on a working dairy farm in the centre of the North Island. She is an avid foodie and enjoys her days fishing around the coast of New Zealand.
Contact me veronika@arohatours.co.nz
Eden, a graduate with a bachelor's degree in international tourism management, is more than just a professional. She's a passionate advocate for sustainable tourism. Her background in sustainable consultancy is a testament to her unwavering commitment to assisting in sustainable and cultural development within Aotearoa's tourism industry. Her fascination with the synergy between nature and humankind fuels her aspiration to preserve natural and cultural environments, enhancing the human experience. Eden's dedication to this cause is not just a job; it's a way of life.
Contact me eden@arohatours.co.nz
Her journey to New Zealand was a relocation and a transformative experience. Originally from the UK, she was captivated by the landscapes depicted in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Six months later, a three-week holiday turned into a permanent move, and she has grown personally and professionally in this beautiful country. With a degree in Business and Tourism and a background in administration and project management, she brings a wealth of experience from both the public and private sectors. Her extensive travels around NZ have led her to Wanaka, where she now resides with her partner and two young children, a testament to her journey of growth and discovery.
Contact me sarah@arohatours.co.nz
Mariana's journey from a desert farm in Namibia to running a successful business in New Zealand is a testament to her dedication and resilience. Knowing how precious water is, her love for pure nature and rain in New Zealand is not just a part of her work; it's a part of her soul. With over 15 years of experience, she has supported the team, meticulously organising all the logistics and providing unwavering support to Veronika. Mariana's contribution to visitors' enjoyment of their holiday is invaluable, and her dedication is truly appreciated. During the winter months, she and her partner embark on a journey worldwide, completing many of the extended cameos in Europe, a testament to her love for travel and exploration.
Since a young age, Zuzana loved crossing borders and exploring new horizons. So as soon as she finished University, she left home for good and went on a life-long adventure... and after years of travelling, moving, living in various parts of the World, and immersing herself in different cultures, she finally settled here in New Zealand some 15 years ago. She now lives in Cromwell, Central Otago. Her background is in education, snowsports, event management and corporate planning. She worked in the top-end luxury tourism market as a travel organiser for six years before becoming a devoted Tour Guide who endeavours to live life to the fullest. Her passions are yoga & well-being, creative arts, nature and travel. Suppose you want a personable, light-hearted, yet professional companion to showcase this beautiful country. In that case, Zuzana is your Driver/Guide, offering private and small group touring services where the focus is ALWAYS on YOU and your wants & needs.
Steve had a long career as a musician in the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, but some years ago, he moved to Wanaka in the beautiful mountains of the South Island. He has driven and guided several companies but now devotes his time to Aroha Luxury Tours and travels all over the country throughout the year. Steve has travelled to many parts of the world and driven extensively all through Europe on countless occasions, but New Zealand is his passion, and he loves to show it to visitors and share his knowledge and stories. He says....." I can't think of a better way to spend a day than with good company and watching beautiful New Zealand passing by!" "We also want Steve to take us on any trips we go on in the future. We can’t imagine a holiday without him helping and organising every tiny detail with us. We can’t imagine life without him. He has made it so relaxing and perfect for us.”
Born in Trier, Germany's oldest city, Jurgen is passionate about history. Since early childhood, he has 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 a 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 offers. 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 backstage pass to this beautiful country with all possible comfort to make your holiday unforgettable.' Jurgen lives in Christchurch when not on the road. 'On all our trips (3), Jurgen was our guide. He did an awesome job! To say his knowledge of the country is extensive is an understatement. But, most of all, his friendliness and humour make him a perfect companion for such a tour:',
New Zealand is the country that finally captured his heart after exploring and guiding him to some of the most breathtaking destinations worldwide. His love for the outdoors, fluency in 6 languages, and extensive tour guiding experience over the past 15 years make him the ideal companion for uncovering the hidden and most thrilling corners of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Despite not being born here, his mission and privilege is to share his unbridled love and passion! This dedication has earned him high praise from esteemed organizations like National Geographic Television, the renowned French guidebook Le Guide Du Routard (Sicily), Rough Guides Sicily, and even VIP customers like Hollywood stars such as Andie MacDowell during private guided excursions in extreme locations like the active Volcano Stromboli (Sicily). This recognition is a testament to his commitment and expertise as a tour guide.
The first trip to Aotearoa in 2011 changed my perception of his life. Moving from the concrete jungle city, he was born in Malaysia to a laid-back countryside lifestyle. Selfless, down to earth and born to be a professional host and guide, with experience in remote lodges across Aotearoa, Benny can showcase people coming to admire New Zealand from a unique perspective. His passion for wildlife and forest, alongside his skilful macro bird and landscape photography talents, will open your world in an eye-opening way.
He started working in the tourism industry in 2011 as a tour guide, using his Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese language skills to showcase our beautiful country to international visitors. In doing so, he had the opportunity to learn how to identify clients’ expectations whilst travelling in New Zealand and how to exceed them. he also worked as a tour consultant, organizing and coordinating inbound travel for groups and independent travellers, liaising with wholesalers and suppliers, handling booking, invoicing, and preparing and delivering related documentation. This experience has given me an in-depth knowledge of how the tourism Industry works inside out. He has travelled to many countries, and he truly believes we have unique experiences to offer in New Zealand, and the Kiwi hospitality is second to none. He can help turn your vacation into an unforgettable travel experience.
Kristin loves making our Manuhiri (guests to NZ) feel taken care of and ensuring they have fun. Being a tour Guide for many years, she has a genuine enthusiasm for meeting new people, and she loves to share my knowledge of New Zealand. Kristen has lived her entire life in the South Island of New Zealand. She can't wait to introduce you to all my favourite places, people, and scenery. Raised in the art world, married to a Canterbury farmer, Being a Mum to our three adult Children. She looks forward to taking you on an incredible expedition here in Aotearoa.
After many years working as a corporate Accountant, Meghan realised her real passion lay in exploring New Zealand and bringing it to life for others through her photography and adventures. She is head over heels in love with New Zealand. She is passionate about visitors having a truly authentic experience, whether that’s finding an incredible sense of awe in our amazing landscapes or enjoying the activities and cultural experiences that make our country so unique. Despite travelling extensively overseas, she remains convinced that New Zealand is the best country in the world. As an award-nominated landscape photographer, she helps travellers to create their own beautiful photographic memories of their time here. In her words….“I’m happiest when I’m on the road exploring and sharing my love of Aotearoa, and it’s my greatest privilege to see my guests falling in love with New Zealand more every day.
Keni is a fourth-generation Taiwanese-born, New Zealand-raised Kiwi; he landed in Aotearoa with his family in the summer of 89’. Keni majored in business and marketing and has almost 20 years of career experience as a senior executive and corporate consultant in many Asia Pacific countries. Growing up in New Zealand has made him an adventurer, practitioner, and explorer. He is ridiculously Epicurious and has a great loud voice; he loves music and enjoys singing in his leisure time. Keni’s outgoing character makes him fun to be around, and his pursuit of exceptional quality and service standards makes him ideally placed with Veronika and Aroha Tours.
Grant was born with the playground of Nelson/Golden Bay as his backdrop and took every opportunity to explore it. Since leaving his studies, he has spent almost as many years away overseas as he has back home in Aotearoa. He was sailing around the globe and working in weird and beautiful countries. Grant works in the movie industry here on occasion and has worked on many blockbusters. Grant has possibly too many passions, and his toy shed is bulging at the seams, from kitesurfing to cycling - in all its forms, photography, motorcycles. Grant loves nothing more than showing off all the nooks and crannies of this great land and is in constant awe of the epicness of it all.
I'm James Beckett, the heart and soul behind Manawa Tours. My journey is deeply rooted in a profound passion for my Maori heritage and an intrinsic connection to the land of Aotearoa. This connection isn't just a part of my professional life; it's woven into the very fabric of my being. In my spare time, you'll find me immersed in our oceans and forests' natural beauty, hunting and gathering, diving, and fishing. These activities are more than hobbies for me – they are a way of life, a means to sustain, and a path to stay connected with the ancient practices of my ancestors. I am blessed with a young whanau and a family that is my world. One of my deepest desires is to pass on the knowledge and traditions of our people to my children. We were raised with the ethos of living off the land, respecting its bounties, and understanding its cycles. I am committed to imparting this wisdom and way of life to my kids. My passion extends beyond my personal life into my professional endeavours. At Manawa Tours, I have the privilege of teaching and showing our guests the beauty and depth of Maori culture. It's an honour to share the practices of sustainable living, the richness of our traditions, and the stories of our land with visitors from around the world.
We are Tangata Tiriti here in Aotearoa and are the founders of Tiaki Tours. We are Enger Pelosi Fear and Michael Hygemann based in Hāwea, Wānaka, Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island of NZ). We are committed to the nation's Tiaki Promise and the concept of regenerative tourism. We believe that tourism can do a lot better in terms of giving back to Tangata Whenua and the land of Aotearoa and Te Waipounaumu. Our aim is to honor our commitment to this beautiful place as lifelong kaitiaki of place, whenua, and all activities we engage in as a newly established business.
Today, New Zealand Wine Navigator is America’s #1 New Zealand wine specialist, satisfying wine lovers across the United States with special, hard-to-find New Zealand wines from small, family estate producers. We ship the wine in bulk to a temperature-controlled warehouse in California ready for quick and cost-effective delivery to your home or office. Graham set out to source the finest small-producer wines New Zealand has to offer. Small production, premium, family estate wines were the benchmarks. We work in partnership with our wineries to help them get their wines to the world because small, local production is the backbone of New Zealand’s economy. To achieve the perfect selection of wines in our portfolio, we enlisted the help of Cameron Douglas, our Master Sommelier. His carefully curated selection of premium labels from New Zealand is ready for you to drink now or cellar. If you are after exceptional wines from small out-of-the-way winemakers from a small, out-of-the-way country, you’re in the right place!
