About Us - Trips & Tramps

Steve is a dedicated, long term Managing Director of Trips and Tramps. Coming to Te Anau to guide on the Milford Track, he has worked in the tourism sector for over 30 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. His consistent and dedicated leadership in the community and tireless enthusiasm as a keen conservationist influencing tourists, staff, Kepler Challenge runners, friends and family are well known and celebrated.

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 25 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.

Madeleine has worked for Trips & Tramps for a number of years (although she does keep leaving and then coming back).  Madeleine grew up in Te Anau and embodies the Trips & Tramps ethic, with a passion for Fiordland and conservation, plus a vast knowledge of the tourism industry on many levels.  After a stint at the local RTO, then Qualmark we are very lucky to have her providing the lead on our Health and Safety management systems and supporting the business so Steve and Kate can have some well-earned time off! 

Geoff is a born and bred local, with many years guiding, tramping and running around Fiordland. His rampant 'dad jokes' and first hand stories of the area ensure an entertaining day out.  A Trip Advisor review said that "Geoff is the man!" – we would have to agree!

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.

Originally from Haast, Sheree is a Fiordland local and trained podiatrist, taking time away from her profession to explore the world and spend summers working closer to home. Hunting has been part of her family life for generations, and she’s happiest out in the hills, whether exploring, hunting or tackling an ultra trail run. Sheree brings local knowledge, a practical approach and a lifelong love of the backcountry to the days she shares with our guests.

Originally from Edinburgh, Andy moved to New Zealand nearly 15 years ago and has called Te Anau home for the past couple of years. After 30 years as a software engineer, he swapped the office for sharing Fiordland’s tracks and national park with visitors. Enthusiastic and definitely Scottish, he spends his days off bikepacking or dreaming up outdoor adventures with his wife, ideally finishing with a refreshing beer. Wild camping at Lake Wilson is a favourite Fiordland memory.

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 rogaining 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 (for over 45 years). Ross is an expert in natural history, flora and fauna. A wealth of knowledge and just an all round nice guy, he is described as a 'true gentleman, ensuring we were well looked after the entire day''.

As the first-born daughter of owners Steve and Kate, Olivia has been part of the Trips & Tramps family and Fiordland's wilderness since day one. Joining the team after completing her studies to save up before embarking on her own travels, Olivia brings a bubbly, talkative spirit and boundless energy to every adventure. Fit and ready for any trail, Olivia is fantastic company for guests exploring the beauty of Fiordland, offering local insights and a lifelong love for the area.

Originally from England, Jacky now calls Manapouri home, drawn to Fiordland’s rugged beauty and its remote, untouched charm. Living off the grid and growing much of their own food, Jacky embraces a lifestyle deeply connected to the land. Their passion for Fiordland’s natural wonders is infectious, and they love sharing the magic of this far-flung paradise with visitors. With Jacky as your guide, you’ll experience Fiordland from the perspective of someone who lives and breathes its wilderness every day.

Originally from Christchurch, Kaya’s love of nature and adventure brought her to Te Anau after guiding in Canada’s Banff National Park. A snowboard instructor in winter, she’s enjoying her first summer in nearly three years! On her days off, you’ll find her hiking, biking, climbing or swimming. A favourite Fiordland memory is walking the Milford Track in pouring rain, with waterfalls everywhere. From bugs and birds to weather and glaciers, Kaya’s curiosity brings plenty to discover and chat about along the track.

Originally from Queenstown, Mali has lived around the mid and lower South Island, sharing the outdoors with others through school camps in Doubtful Sound and kayak guiding in Milford Sound. Known as the person you can call anytime for anything, Mali is happiest mountain biking, heading out on a multi-day tramp or exploring by sea kayak. A favourite Fiordland moment is an alpine sunrise or sunset, hot drink in hand, taking in the vastness of it all. Mali brings outdoor experience and a dependable nature to help guests feel supported as they explore.

Rohann (Ro) originally hails from the North Island, but has swapped the big city lights for summers in Fiordland. Ro spends the winter working as a hiking counselor on a summer camp in America, and brings a bubbly enthusiasm to the role. She is passionate about sharing her love for all things Fiordland while getting out to explore the area whenever she can. 

Karen loves Fiordland so much she’s moved to Te Anau to retire, although she hasn’t quite managed that part yet! With a background in banking and business ownership, she brings plenty of experience to our reservations team. On her days off, you’ll find her enjoying the lake or heading away in the camper with family.

A long-time Fiordland local, Mary has worked across tourism, from bars to owning a motel. Friendly and full of local knowledge, she brings years of experience to our reservations team and helps keep things running smoothly. She enjoys the challenge of helping visitors get out and experience the Fiordland outdoors, while making the most of our backyard herself.

Originally from Manchester, Ben came to Fiordland for the beauty, space and adventure. His wildlife conservation work has taken him to South Africa, Thailand and Costa Rica, and he loves sharing his knowledge of native plants and wildlife. A lively personality with a ready joke, Ben brings plenty of energy to a day on the track. Off duty, he enjoys reading, long bike rides and all things pop culture. Ben is sure to light up your day and keep you entertained while immersing you in Fiordland’s wonders. 

Susan joins us from Hawke’s Bay and Coromandel Town, where she worked as a zipline guide. She studied Outdoor Education at the Hillary Outdoors Education Centre and brings a friendly, chatty and encouraging approach to her guiding. On her days off, she loves rock climbing and exploring. Her supportive nature helps guests feel at ease and confident to enjoy their day on the track.

Beth is a long-term local of Te Anau with a deep-rooted passion for climbing, kayaking, and immersing herself in the stunning mountains surrounding Fiordland. With over 20 years of experience in conservation management, she brings valuable insight into the region's ecology and preservation efforts. Beth loves engaging with guests to discover their interests, believing that a great day out is as much about the people as it is about the guide. Her warmth and enthusiasm make every adventure a shared experience, where everyone can appreciate the beauty of Fiordland together.

Originally from Hawke’s Bay, Bruno discovered a love of tramping through the Duke of Edinburgh programme and has a growing interest in our native plants and wildlife. Friendly and prone to a very bad joke, he spends his days off running, cycling, camping or wandering in the bush. His first view coming out of the Homer Tunnel nearly gave him whiplash! Bruno brings humour, curiosity and a love of being outdoors to every day on the track.

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!"