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Meet our professional team

Meet our professional team

We are a boutique, locally owned business.

Director - Owner -Guide

VERONIKA VERMEULEN
VERONIKA VERMEULEN
German & English Speaking, Manager, Travel Planner
South Waikato/North Island

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 

Office Support - Administration

EDEN DAWSON
EDEN DAWSON
Business Operations & VTA, Travel Planner
Waitākere - Auckland/North Island

Eden, a graduate with a bachelor's degree in international tourism management, is more than just a professional. She's a beacon of inspiration and 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. She lives with her partner and dogs near the rugged west coast beaches of Auckland, a constant reminder of the beauty and importance of the natural world. 

Contcat me eden@arohatours.co.nz 

SARAH WILSHER
SARAH WILSHER
Administration, Travel Planner
Wanaka/South Island

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.

Contcat me sarah@arohatours.co.nz 

MARIANA WAGNER
MARIANA WAGNER
Afrikaans-English Speaker, Co-Ordinator & Logistic, Travel Planner
Christchurch/South Island

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. 

Our Personal Guides

ZUZANA VANIK
ZUZANA VANIK
Russian-Slovak-English Speaker, Guide & Wellness Instructor
Cromwell/South Island

Since a young age, I Zuzana loved crossing borders and exploring new horizons. So as soon as I finished University, I 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. I now live 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 are looking for 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 POPPERWELL
STEVE POPPERWELL
Classic Musician, Guide & Luxury B&B Owner
Wanaka/South Island

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.”

JURGEN WAGNER
JURGEN WAGNER
German-French-Spanish-Portuguese-English Speaker, Guide & Horticulturist, World Traveller
Christchurch - Ōtautahi /South Island

Born in Trier, Germany's oldest city, Jurgen has a passion for history. He enjoyed working with international visitors in his grandparent's B&B on the famous Mosel River from early childhood. 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 backstage pass to this beautiful country with all possible comfort to make your holiday unforgettable." Jurgen lives in Christchurch when not on the road. He is currently studying horticulture and also works as a Nature Guide at the Botanical Gardens in Christchurch. Apart from English and German, he is fluent in French and Spanish and has basic Hebrew knowledge. "On all our trips (3), Jurgen was our guide. He did an awesome job! To say his knowledge of the country is extensive is actually an understatement. But, most of all, his friendliness and humor make him a perfect companion for such a tour",

TERE MORALES
TERE MORALES
English-French-Spanish Speaking, Guide & Marine/Dolphin expert
Hawkes Bay - Napier /South Island
Originally from Mexico, Tere has been in New Zealand since 2005; after travelling through 14 countries, she found NZ the most fantastic place on earth. She has a bachelor's degree in Communications and started in the tourism industry in 2000 when she worked with dolphins in the Yucatan Peninsula for four years. She is passionate about different cultures, languages, and the diversity of our planet; with this in mind, she looks after travellers from Hispanic countries but welcomes French and English speakers. 
LUCA MONTAGNI
LUCA MONTAGNI
Italian-Spanish-Portuguese-French-German, Guide & Adventure/Film scout
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau/North Island

"New Zealand is the country that finally captured me after travelling and Tour Guiding in some of the most beautiful countries on this planet. My love for the outdoors, my fluency in 6 languages and my vast experience in leading different tours over the past 15 years make me the perfect host for discovering the hidden and most exciting corners of Aotearoa/New Zealand. Even though I was not born in this country, it is a mission and privilege to do all I can to transmit my uncommitted love and passion! As a result, my work has been highly rated by organisations such as National Geographic Television, renowned french guide book Le Guide Du Routard (Sicily), Rough Guides Sicily, as well as VIP customers like Hollywood stars such as Andie MacDowell during private guided excursions in extreme places like the active Volcano Stromboli (Sicily)."

MANI SANTOS
MANI SANTOS
Spanish-Italian-Portuguese Speaking, Guide with a passions for acting
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau/North Island
I started working in the tourism industry in 2011 as a tour guide using my language skills in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese to showcase our beautiful country to international visitors. In doing so I had the opportunity to learn how to identify clients’ expectations whilst traveling in New Zealand and how to exceed them. I also worked as a tour consultant, organizing and coordinating inbound travel for groups and independent travelers; 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. I have traveled to many countries and I truly believe we have fantastically unique experiences to offer in New Zealand and the Kiwi hospitality is second to none. I can help turn your vacation into an unforgettable travel experience.
KRISTIN KINNEY
KRISTIN KINNEY
Sheep & Cattle Farmer, Guide with a passion for gardening
Kaikoura/South Island

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. I look forward to taking you on an incredible expedition here in Aotearoa. 

MEGHAN MALONEY
MEGHAN MALONEY
Influencer, Award-Winning Photographer
Cambridge/North Island

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 M HU
KENI M HU
English - Mandarin - Taiwanese Speaker, Amateur Dramatic Tenor
Auckland - Tāmaki Makaurau/North Island

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.

Our Partners

James Beckett
James Beckett
English Speaker - Owner of Manawa Tours Rotorua
Rotorua/North Island

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.

Enger Pelosi Fear & Michael Hygemann
Enger Pelosi Fear & Michael Hygemann
English-Maori Speaker - Specializes Ecotours in Queenstown
Hāwea, Wānaka/South Island

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.

Graham Painter
Graham Painter
English Speaker - Owner of New Zealand Wine Navigator Distributors of New Zealand Wine in the USA
Auckland/North Island

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!