About Us

Steve is a dedicated, long term employee of Trips and Tramps. Coming to Te Anau to guide on the Milford Track, he has worked in the tourism sector for over 20 years both in New Zealand and abroad. A well known community figure he enjoys sharing Fiordland’s special places to visitors from all over the world. In 2009 Steve's commitment to conservation efforts were formally recognised when he received the Department of Conservation Southland Individual Services to Conservation Award “for his consistent and dedicated leadership in community conservation efforts, his tireless enthusiasm as a keen conservationist influencing tourists, Kepler challenge runners, friends and family, and for being instrumental in pest-trapping programmes".

Kate graduated with a Parks and Recreation Diploma from Lincoln University and moved to Te Anau to work on the Milford Track for the Department of Conservation. For the last 20 years she has worked in the tourism field in a reservation and information capacity. Currently with a growing family, Steve and Kate combine the demands of four active children with managing the business and getting into the outdoors as much as possible.

Geoff is a born and bred local and has spent many years guiding. Recently returning to working with us (yes they come back), he is loving being back in the Trips & Tramps team. A Trip Advisor review said that "Geoff is the man!" – we would have to agree!

Madeleine is a third generation Fiordlander and has worked for Trips & Tramps for over 5 years (although she does keep leaving and then coming back!).  Madeleine works part time for Trips & Tramps mostly in the office overseeing reservations, admin and logistics, she also loves getting out for a bit of guiding.  She has a busy double life as a Tourism Business Advisor for Qualmark, chairperson of the Guardians of Lakes Manapouri, Monowai & Te Anau and is on the Fiordland College School Board.  

Helen Dodson is getting back into the bush again, where she prefers to be! After years of working with the Department of Conservation in various roles, including with the Takahe Recovery project and in the Fiordland Visitor Centre, we are now fortunate to have her join the Trips & Tramps team as a guide. With a love of the outdoors, specifically tramping (ask her about her adventures on the Te Araroa Trail) she brings great passion to her work. A friendly face and awesome host, Helen always goes the extra mile to ensure everyone has a memorable experience when they join her group.

Neil hails originally from Kent in the UK and as well as being very knowledgeable and passionate about Fiordland he is a twitcher at heart! Neil has a lifetime of experience watching and studying birds, this has taken him to some amazing places including most recently Madagascar. He has spent the past 10 years guiding in Fiordland and has enjoyed the move to New Zealand. He is very generous with the use of his binoculars and the incredible knowledge he has of the area.

Douglas has a huge passion for the outdoors and Fiordland National Park. He grew up here in a family of conservationists and has always been involved in learning about our country's unique flora and fauna. Over the years he has developed an even larger passion and love of photography. "I love guiding people as it is a combination of my passions. Photography in Fiordland is utterly a one of a kind experience compared with the rest of New Zealand. Nowhere else could you easily have the opportunity of capturing lush forest, endemic birds and gushing waterfalls all in one day."  He has learnt to carry his camera wherever he goes, as you never know what the day will bring.

Andrew is Welsh by birth but a Kiwi at heart. He has tramped and climbed the hills and mountains of Fiordland for many years. He is also mad keen about regaining and orienteering. Andrew serves the Fiordland community as a Search and Rescue volunteer, which also involved raising and training search dogs. He’s an interesting fella to be around!

Ross is a long-time local and there isn't much about Fiordland Milford Sound that he doesn't know. With a history working as a ranger for the Department of Conservation, Ross is an expert in an expert in natural history and flora/fauna. Ross also manages a consultancy company who provide Nature Guides aboard the international cruise ships that visit Fiordland each year.

Michelle comes from Dunedin and has a passion for sharing amazing outdoor places with people. She has a rich background in outdoor education and guiding, careers which have taken her all around the world - including Antarctica! She first started guiding in Fiordland in 2005. Michelle loves living in this area and reckons it's the best part of the country to live in - she hopes you will see why after spending some time here!"

Taisei was brought up in Te Anau by Japanese parents, and is currently studying at Fiordland College, holding a Head Student role. He has been working on the environmental portfolio and involved in the school’s future thinking renewable energy production park project. He began working for Trips And Tramps as a van cleaner, and has spend 2 years guiding. He is still very much a rookie and learning the bits and pieces, so feel free to ask the more difficult questions to the head guide! 

Zac started working at Trips & Tramps for an after school job helping out with vehicle cleaning.  He quickly progressed to guiding where he is definitely in his element!  He is a very keen adventurer and puts every other guide to shame with his outdoor pursuits that include adventure racing, rock climbing, kite surfing and mountain biking.  Zac is starting his helicopter pilot training in early 2022.

Rohann is the newest guide in the team, but is living like a local already. Originally hailing from the North Island, Ro has swapped the big city lights of for summer in Fiordland. Ro spends the winter working as a hiking counselor on a summer camp in America, so brings a bubbly enthusiasm to the role. She is passionate about sharing her love for all things Fiordland.